Educational Requirements

• Becoming a hair stylist requires some training beyond high school. Stylists often attend cosmetology or beauty schools, while some vocational schools also offer training for stylists. In addition to teaching how to cut, color and style hair, these schools teach students the communication and business skills needed to succeed in the workforce. The programs of study vary in length, but many programs last for nine months. Prospective stylists should choose a school certified by the state where the stylist wants to work.
  
  

Licensing Requirements

• States require that stylists receive a license before providing services. Most states require stylists to graduate from an approved beauty or cosmetology school to become eligible for a license. Applicants must also have a high school diploma or Graduate Equivalent Diploma (GED). To receive a license, prospective stylists must pass a state licensing test. While some states will honor a license from another state, most states require that a stylist obtain a license in the state where the stylist works.
  
  

Career Development

• Once they obtain a license, most stylists begin work at an established salon. This provides the stylist with clients, experienced co-workers to provide assistance with complex procedures and a setting to learn about the business in general. As a stylist's skills and clientele develops, a stylist may decide to move to another salon offering more lucrative opportunities or to open a new salon. Stylists may also move into other related professions such as teaching in cosmetology schools or working for hair care product manufacturers as a sales representative.
  
  

Earnings and Compensation

• In May 2008, the median hourly wage for stylists, hairdressers and cosmetologists as a group was $11.13, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These figures include tips and commissions. However, the wages of a stylist will vary greatly depending on experience, location and other factors. In addition to financial compensation, stylists may receive benefits including paid leave, insurance coverage and product and services discounts. Hair care product manufacturers often provide free samples to stylists to allow the stylist to try new product lines.