Jobs as a hairstylist will always be in high demand. People will always want to look their best for every occasion, regardless of the economic situation, location, or population. Although some stylists specialize in everything from custom hair colors to finger waves, hairdressing is made up of a variety of subspecialties and career paths that stylists can pursue.
The act of cutting hair is one of the most popular hairdresser jobs. More than just being able to cut straight and without tags or flyways is required. Barbers must be able to perform a wide range of styles and cuts. When a customer walks into a salon, they usually have a specific style in mind, and the barber must be able to accommodate that style in order to keep the client. This specialty usually necessitates some specialized cosmetology training, as well as written and hands-on exams to assess the stylist’s abilities.
Of all the hairdressers and stylists, the shampoo technician is probably the least skilled. Before a client’s hair is cut and styled, this person’s job entails washing and conditioning it. After a client has been styled, she may be required to comb the hair, answer the phone, and clean up the trimmings. In some cases, the shampoo technician is actually a hairdresser in training who is working under the supervision of more experienced stylists while she completes her education.
Colorist is yet another of the many hairdresser jobs available to stylists. The colorist’s job entails mixing custom hair color, applying it to the client’s hair, adding highlights and lowlights, and finally rinsing the hair. These tasks are typically completed prior to the hair being cut.
Many students of hairdressing or cosmetology will learn all of these skills and then practice them on their own. The same client can be washed, colored, cut, and styled by one person. The job of stylist is often the most challenging and rewarding of all the hairdresser jobs. As a result, it usually necessitates more education than other hairdresser jobs. The stylist may be expected to master a variety of styling techniques as well as the ability to apply weave or hair extensions.
Almost all hairdresser jobs necessitate the ability to work with a variety of hair types and textures. African-Americans and those with curly hair may have drier, more difficult-to-manage hair than others, necessitating more careful and specialized treatment.