How You Can Become a Professional Hair Stylist

If you want to pursue a career as a professional hair stylist, you need to be trained in cosmetology so that you will be prepared to get a license. Doing hair for your family and friends will not give you the needed experience to get hired as a stylist as you need to be licensed before you can practice legally.

You should attend a school of cosmetology and some high schools have special vocational programs that you can participate in after school. If you have passed out of a high school, you can apply for an independent cosmetology school program so that you will be able to learn hair styling and design.

Furthermore, you will need to participate in a certification test in order to become an official cosmetologist. The certification process will enable the state to monitor the activities of cosmetologists who deal with the public regularly in order to be sure that they are competent. In majority of the states, you will need to renew your license every year or as may be required by the law of the state you are practicing in.

In addition, it is important to enroll with the career services department of your cosmetology school because they can assist you to get job or an apprenticeship under an experienced hair stylist. In many states, you must complete a specific number of apprentice hours before you will be qualified to get a license.

You can also practice latest hair styling skills on friends as well as relations and the pictures of the results should be taken. You can also offer to do hair for free at local photo shoots and these photos can later be used for your hair stylist portfolio. You should carefully compile and prepare your portfolio, and you should include hair styles on models and mannequins you have handled. The photos can be displayed online and you should get a link that can be given to potential employers.

It is important for you to search for employment or apprenticeship at hair salons that are not too far from where you are residing. You should endeavor to speak with managers or owners and your resume, including your portfolio, should be left with them. The portfolio will go a long way in showing your proficiency and you can also leave a link to your online portfolio. The owner or manager of a salon may decide to test you so that your skills will be displayed right in front of him or her.