Three Requirements to Be a Hair Designer
Hair designers, sometimes called hair stylists or hairdressers, turn their clients’ manes into works of art that can be admired by friends, family and passersby. They cut, trim and style hair; wash, color and condition; offer hair-care products for sale; and process payments from customers. They must meet three main requirements to obtain jobs.
Training
Hair designers must have training, which is available in some high schools or state-licensed hairdressing academies, technical institutes or community colleges. Full-time programs can take at least nine months, with some leading to an associate’s degree. Courses cover professional skills such as cutting, styling, coloring, hair chemistry and the business skills needed for designers to be entrepreneurs. That might include time management, marketing and communications. Students can practice their skills on actual customers in salons connected to their educational schools. Compleentary subjects may cover barbering, cosmetology and esthetics.
Licenses
All states mandate that hair designers must have licenses. Though qualifications vary by location, they generally require a high school diploma, a minimum age of 16 and graduation from an accredited educational institution. Stylists also must pass written, oral or practical exams. Many states allow an education in cosmetology to apply to barber licenses, and barber training to apply to cosmetology credentials. Some states combine the two licenses and stipulate continuing education for renewals. A few states allow licenses obtained in another state to be valid in their locations. However, this varies according to state rules and regulations.
Qualities
Hair designers who have certain qualities may find their careers more fulfilling and have faster advancement. Creativity is the most important trait because it allows designers to transform the latest trends into unique styles. The stamina to be standing for most of the workday is necessary, and so are customer-service skills, which include listening to clients’ specific requests and communicating available options. Because hairdressers work with several customers throughout the day, they must have excellent time-management skills, so services for one person do not impinge upon the appointment or styling for another.
by Aurelio Locsin, Demand Media
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