Becoming a Stylist at Hair Design or Hairstyling School

Jump to Your Question:

• Where can I find, compare and contact hair styling schools?
• What's the difference between hair design school and barber school?
• What will I learn in hairstyling school?
• How much does hairstyling school cost?
• Who is eligible to attend hairdresser school?
• What jobs can hairstylists get after graduation?
• What is the average hairstylist salary?
• How do I choose a hairstyling school?

Is there a difference between hair design school and barber school?

Yes, there is a difference between hairstyling and barbering. There are several important differences between hair design schools and barber schools. Students that attend a hairstyling school will learn how to cut, color, and style hair, as well as perform a variety of other beauty services. Barber schools mainly focus on cutting, coloring, and styling men's hair, but also barbering enables students to perform shaves, which is not included in standard hair school. Hairstyling school tends to go into greater depth on haircutting and styling techniques, and focuses on a wider variety of hair lengths, styles and customers.

What can students expect to learn at hairstyling schools?

Students can expect to learn how to cut, color, and style both men's and women's hair. Students who attend a comprehensive cosmetology school also receive lessons in skin care, makeup, and nail care in addition to the hairstylist training.

It's not just about learning to do hair, though. Hairstyling schools also provide students with lessons in sanitation, pathology, anatomy, chemistry and color theory on top of the hair lessons. Students will learn how to assess their clients' locks, consult with the client on what they hope to accomplish in their salon appointment and make recommendations, and provide a range of services at the client's request. Most hairstyling schools educate their students through in-school lectures and textbooks of course, but they also provide provide students with hands-on training in a student salon to develop their skills in a real-life setting.

What is the average cost of attending a hairstyling school?

The cost to attend a hairstyling school depends on several different factors. One of the most important factors is location. Hair design schools in large metropolitan areas like New York City and Los Angeles may cost more than schools in smaller metros or rural areas. According to our survey of more than 55 cosmetology schools, the average cost of hair school in a comprehensive cosmetology progam is between $10,000 and $20,000. The same hair stylist training program at schools in smaller cities may cost  anywhere as little as $6,500. However, one thing to consider is that each school's policy on what's included varies, so be sure to ask them if the cost of the program includes tuition, supplies, kits or books. Hair design schools can also vary in price according to the length of the program and prestige of the school. Each state has a different number of hours they require to get licensed, so higher hour requirements mean longer programs which can affect the price.

Who is eligible to attend hairdresser school?

To attend a hairstyling school, students must usually have graduated from high school or received their GED. However, some states do not have this requirement, so be sure to check with your state licensing board. Most schools and states also require you to be at least 16 years of age, so check that too when you talk to potential hair colleges.

What jobs can students pursue after graduating hair design school?

Hair stylist graduates have many different career options. Most new licensees go on to work as hairdressers in salons or spas. Hair school graduates may also decide to open and manage their own salons, or even work for themselves as freelance independent hairstylists. Some hairdressers go even further to become beauty school educators, beauty magazine editors and contributors, beauty consultants, or sales representatives for beauty product retailers. Some stylists who prefer the entertainment business may find themselves working on fashion shows, movie sets, behind the curtain at theaters, or for commercial photographers. 

What is the average salary for a hairstylist?

The latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the average hairstylist earns $22,500 per year, however the information does not account for tips and gratuity. It also doesn't account for the variance between full-time, part-time and self-employed hairstylists. According to both the NACCAS and the United States Dept. of Labor, a stylist's salary can reach up to $50,000 on average. However, it should always be noted that a stylist's salary will depend on his or her experience, location, and level of expertise, as well as how they market themselves and manage their client retention and referrals.

How should potential students choose a hairstyling school?

Prospective students should begin their search for the right hair college by researching schools in your area. After finding a possible hair design school, students should determine the price of tuition and length of the program, among other questions they should have answered by the admissions representatives. Before choosing a school, students should schedule a time to speak with a representative and tour the facility. Since there are more hairdresser schools than ever to choose from, here's a helpful guide on How to Choose a Beauty School.