If you are already a part of the beauty industry, you will know that being a hairstylist is a promising job that promises you a rewarding career with thriving opportunities. But do you know of alternative careers for hairstylists that you can choose from?
Like most people, you might not be completely aware of the alternative career options you can have with your hairstyling skills. You may have learned unique skills in your cosmetology school that can help you build an alternative career, and you may not even know it.
Keep reading as we dive in to see what other jobs you can do to further your career trajectory.
Careers For Hairstylists You Can Consider
Custom Wig Maker
One of the many alternative careers for hairstylists in the industry is a custom wig maker. Does the name sound weird? Or you might think, “Is wig making even an actual job?”
But to everyone’s surprise, wig-making is very much a real job. Wig making includes everything from laying out strands and sewing to transformations.
If you are wondering where custom wig makers work, it will surprise you to know that there is a growing demand for this job. The average salary of a wigmaker in the US is $47,528. In the hairstyling industry, many senior stylists and certified hairstylists are working with art directors to create wigs for the theatrical industry. If you are someone who loves experimenting and wants to create a visual impact on a mass, wig making is your venture to try.
Wig makers are not only in demand in the theatrical industry, but they are also in demand in the medical industry. Many wig makers work closely with cancer patients. You will need good people skills to understand different opinions and work accordingly.
The entertainment industry is one of the most lucrative options for you to start your wig-making career. Who knows, someday you may end up creating iconic looks in Hollywood.
Trichologist
For those exploring various specialties within hairstyling, it’s important to consider paths beyond traditional salon roles. One such specialized career is that of a trichologist. Trichologists are experts in the study of trichology – focusing on diagnosing and treating disorders like hair loss (alopecia, telogen effluvium), scalp issues (dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis), and hair texture problems caused by heat, chemicals or other stresses. They also address hair concerns stemming from endocrine disorders like thyroid issues or PCOS.
During consultations, trichologists conduct thorough hair and scalp examinations, gather medical histories, and may perform hair analysis or request blood tests to get to the root of the problem.
Their recommended treatments can include specialized shampoos, trichological procedures, lifestyle, and nutritional guidance.
Trichology careers involve close collaboration with doctors to manage any underlying health conditions contributing to hair and scalp disorders.
Beauty Product Developer
Have a passion for formulations and ingredients? Consider channeling your haircare expertise into a beauty product development career.
As a cosmetic formulator or haircare product developer, you’d get to conceptualize and formulate innovative hair care and styling products from scratch. Working alongside R&D teams, you’d be involved in product testing, quality assurance, and analyzing consumer trends to develop customer-centric offerings.
Once products are ready for launch, beauty product developers collaborate with marketing teams on promotion and rollout strategies.
This creative career path combines haircare know-how with skills in cosmetic chemistry, market research, and new product development – making it a great fit for hairstylists interested in the science behind beauty.
Emerging beauty brands and established cosmetics companies alike are always hiring for R&D and product development roles.
Runway Hairstylist
In the list of careers for hairstylists, runway hairstylists is one of the best career options. A runway hairstylist can be your next career if you want to venture outside of the regular hair salon and into a more glamorous realm.
Fashion and runway shows are a dream for those who love fashion around them. You will not even realize how often seeing a model walking down the runway can give you your next makeup idea.
Fashion show stylists have more creative freedom. You can unleash your creativity to bring looks that can inspire thousands.
But with a great career, comes some larger difficulties, too. Being a runway hairstylist will demand year-long travel to various cities. Not only that, it will have long working hours which might stretch to all-nighters.
Before entering this glittery world, do not forget to get your cosmetology license and certifications.
Session Stylist
For those with an eye for creativity and the ability to thrive under pressure, working as a session stylist could be a rewarding hairstylist job. Session stylists are hired for photo shoots, fashion shows, TV/film productions, and more to create stunning hairstyles for models and actors on set.
It’s a fast-paced role that requires collaborating closely with photographers, designers, directors and others to bring their artistic visions to life through hair.
Session stylists need an impressive portfolio showcasing their versatility across styles, the ability to work efficiently on tight deadlines, strong communication skills and an eye for detail. While demanding, this backstage career allows hairstylists to see their work featured in major media.
Beauty Product Educator
In addition to developing beauty products, hairstylists can also find rewarding careers as product educators training others on expert product use. Beauty brands hire product education specialists to conduct hands-on workshops, demonstrations, and training sessions for fellow hairstylists and salon professionals.
As a product educator, you’d teach stylists about the latest product features, benefits, application techniques and more.
This involves creating training materials, delivering engaging presentations and providing ongoing guidance to ensure comprehensive learning. Hairstylists with strong communication abilities, deep product knowledge and skills for breaking down complex topics are perfectly suited for product training roles.
Cosmetology Instructor
Apart from being a hairstylist in different fields, becoming a cosmetology instructor is another option on the list of careers for hairstylists. A cosmetology instructor might sound like the most common career path, but it has its perks, too. If you love spreading your knowledge to aspiring hairstylists, opting for a career as a cosmetology instructor can be your calling.
How To Become A Cosmetology Instructor
The first step to being a cosmetology instructor is to get your cosmetology license. For that, you have to register for the licensure exam. Once you are eligible for the exam and qualify for the exam you will receive your cosmetology license.
If your initial expertise lies in hair and makeup, you can do specialization courses. You can venture into either a cosmetology program, esthiology, hairstyling, or any other specialty course.
You must have a passion for leadership and educating others. Imparting proper cosmetology education will help aspiring beauty therapists, and others to be successful in their cosmetology careers.
So, if long hours behind a hairstyling chair bores you, come out and educate aspirants.
Cruise Ship Hairstylist
Ever boarded a ship while on vacation? You may probably know the different services offered onboard. Wondering is there’s any careers for hairstylists in a cruise ship? Guests onboard usually get their hair done in different styles to suit their mood and it is all a part of the vacation package. Such hairstylists are offered excellent compensation and they grow to eventually lead teams of stylists in the future.
How To Become A Cruise Ship Hairstylist?
You will get this job if you fulfill one of the below requirements
- 3 years of apprenticeship and 1 year of experience working as a hairstylist.
- A license in cosmetology or hairdressing
Compensation And Scope
- You will earn around $1,583 to $5,625 per month, depending on your experience and skills. Along with this, cruise ship passengers offer generous tips, too.
- You can grow into roles such as Assistant Beauty Salon/Spa Manager.
Platform Stylist
Does the glam and lights of the stage invite you? Do you think your interests are more aligned with the limelight? A job as a platform stylist offers you just that. Wondering if working with celebrities is possible for a hairstylist?
If you are thinking what kind of careers for hairstylists are possible in the industry then here’s what you should know about the role. You would be designing, inventing, and implementing styles on stage for celebrities and stars. Though challenging, the paycheck will definitely make up for it.
How Do You Become A Platform Stylist?
Though you may need to brush up on your training and technical skills, the most essential skill that you would need as a platform stylist is how to mingle and socialize with people. This being an on-stage job, you would be coordinating with a lot of crew members. This requires patience and quick thinking. If you want a more relaxed job role, this is not the stage for you.
Compensation And Scope
The compensation for this job can be pretty high, given the highly charged environment and demanding nature. However, if you grow into this role, who knows, you may actually start to like the limelight and fame it has to offer.
Salon Consultant
Experienced hairstylists/salon managers can transition into careers as salon business consultants, serving as valuable resources for salon owners on operations and growth strategies. Salon consultants provide guidance on all aspects of running a successful salon, from marketing/branding to staffing, customer service and finances.
They conduct salon assessments, develop concrete business plans, assist with staff training and monitor performance metrics – all with the aim of maximizing efficiency, profitability and client satisfaction. In these consultant roles, hairstylists leverage their industry skills and management experience to advise other salons on best business practices.
Hair Brand Ambassador
As social media influencers continue to rise in importance, hair care brands are increasingly hiring hairstylists to serve as brand ambassadors promoting their products to the masses. Tapped for their large followings and marketing savvy, brand ambassador hairstylists engage with customers and influencers through social media, events, and campaigns.
They attend product launches, participate in photo/video shoots, and leverage their platforms to increase brand exposure and advocacy. In these influential roles, hairstylist ambassadors get to be the face and voice of major brands they love while getting paid to post content showcasing featured products and techniques. It’s a modern way for hairstylists to monetize their personal brand.
Final Thoughts
The different careers for hairstylists could, indeed, surprise you. Well, there is a lot more where that came from. If you wish to take up cosmetology as a full-time career, you should make sure to get your license to practice the trade.
Start by preparing for the exams with this Cosmetology Practice Test.
FAQs About Hairstylists
Is A Hairstylist A Good Career?
Being a hairstylist is a rewarding and fulfilling career path that allows you to tap into your creativity and artistic expression while directly enhancing the confidence and self-image of a diverse clientele through your skills and expertise.
Do Hair Stylists Make Good Money?
Hairstylists make a reasonable amount of money depending on who they serve. If you don’t have a well-established salon, it would be difficult to procure a high-paying clientele.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Being A Hairstylist?
You would have to change careers as you grow older. People who understand the market would probably switch to a better-paying job or develop niche skills in this field like pursuing similar jobs to cosmetology.
What would you do as a Hair Stylist?
As a hair stylist, you would analyze, cut, color, and style hair based on client preferences, while also recommending hair care routines and ensuring client satisfaction.
How to be a hair influencer?
Build a strong social media presence showcasing your hairstyling skills. Collaborate with brands, engage your audience, and monetize your influence through sponsored content and partnerships.
