Hairstyling is one of the most unusual and exciting career options to choose. And with each passing day, it is becoming more and more popular in India.

“The Hairdressing industry in India is one of the fastest growing in the world. We are proud to be at the cutting edge. (No pun intended)!”

 –Adhuna Bhabani, Hairstylist and Co-host of BBLUNT.

Today, our youth is no more hesitant to choose off the wall career options like this. In fact, they are welcoming them with open arms.

So if you, too, wish to do something out of the ordinary, hairdressing is a great career alternative for you. Provided you have interest and ardor for it.

But before you begin, it is better to have all necessary details.

Here I have mentioned all essential details that you must be acquainted with to build a career in this field.

Who Is A Hairdresser?

Hairdressers are also referred to as hairstylists. They specialize in cutting, coloring, and styling hair. They deal in everything related to hair and their care. Hairdressers manage and style hair to enhance or maintain a person’s appearance.

What Does A Hairstylist do?

This profession is nothing similar to what it was years ago. It is much more versatile and vast now.

The hairstylist has many functions to perform. Typically, they handle everything related to appearance, styling, and grooming of hair on the head, for both men and women.

Some of the key things which a hairstylist perform are as follows:

• Shampoo, cut, color and style hair
• Aware clients about their hair texture
• Treat client’s hair and scalp
• Offer some specialized hair treatments to the clients
• Suggest hair care tips to their clients

Skills Required To Become A Hair Stylist

Most hairdressers have a broad range of competencies, but some specialize in processes and techniques such as:

• Hair Colouring and Dyes
• Artificial Hair Extensions and Weaves
• Chemical Relaxing and Straightening
• Perms
• Hair Plugs
• Wig Styling
• Braiding

Apart from handling hair well, there are many other skills that you need to become a professional hairstylist. To do well as a professional, a hairdresser must have excellent interpersonal skills.

Alan Austin-Smith, the founder of The Fantastic Hairdresser Company, believes that hair cutting is only 50% of the job. You must have a few more skills and qualities to become a fantastic hairdresser.

Watch this video to know “How To Become A Fantastic Hairdresser.”

They must possess certain skills to deal with a variety of client every day.

Some of these skills are:

• Self-confidence
• Good listening ability
• Patience and tolerance
• Excellent communication skills
• Should be good at persuading people
• Should have a creative instinct
• Enthusiastic
• Love their profession
• Constant learner
• Should be service-oriented

Also, I have a few easy yet helpful tips to deal with new customers. These tips will help you handle problems that you might encounter as a hairstylist. Click here to know those tips.

Eligibility/Education Qualification

Anyone who is at least 16 years of age can pursue diploma and other specialized courses in this field.

The duration of the course varies from one month to one year, depending upon the course type.

Being a skill oriented profession, it is mandatory to gain professional expertise and practical training with a renowned salon.

Hands-on training will beef up your prospects in this offbeat career. However, most people in this field continue to take courses t0 keep up with the latest trends.

Career Opportunities As A Hair Stylist

• Work in A Salon

The more expertise you gain, higher will be your growth graph. To begin with, you can get a job in a salon and work as a junior hairdresser. As your skills get refined, you can head to a bigger salon and work as a senior hairstylist.

• Cooperate in Fashion, Television, and Film Industry

Fashion and glamor sector, Hotels, fitness centers, and health clubs, too, has a high demand for hairstylists.

You can work with some fashion magazine or a channel as an in-house hairstylist.

Another option is the television and film industry. Though the percentage of admittance in this area is comparatively less, it is still the most lucrative of all.

Provided you have great experience and competence to enter this industry.

• Start Your Own Business

You can also start your salon and earn more. This will also allow you to work as per your convenience. But it is advisable to start your salon only after you are well-versed with all the necessary skills.

Some Of The Renowned Institutions

Below I have listed some of the most famous institutions that you can join to pursue a course in hairdressing.

• Jawed Habib’s Hair Academy
• Shahnaz Husain’s International Beauty Academy
• Bharti Taneja’s Alps Beauty Academy
• VLCC Institute
• BBLUNT Academy

How Much Does A Hair Stylist Earn?

The more the experience, the more is the salary.  Therefore, with greater experience and skills you can earn well in this profession.

As per payscale, the annual salary of a hairstylist in India ranges from Rs. 2,00,000 to Rs. 4,00,000.

Working as a hairdresser, like any other job, will sometimes have complications, but at the end of the day, it can be, both, motivating and gratifying.