Hair Styling & Hair Design school prepares students to work in a hair salon or to style hair for fashion shows and events. Students studying this major will learn everything about hair from the basics of shampooing to more advanced skills such as dying, cutting, styling and working with wigs.
Most Hair Styling & Hair Design students enroll in certificate programs at career colleges and technical schools, though some community colleges, 4-year colleges and universities offer programs as well. Beyond certificate programs, you can pursue an associates degree or bachelors degree. Coursework will focus on hands-on instruction in salon-style labs and campus salons.
If you’re good with your hands, love making people look and feel good and enjoy communicating, you possess the skills of a good Hair Styling & Hair Design student. Both an interest and an eye for good art, design and fashion is valuable as well. With these skill, you may also enjoy related college and university majors including Barbering/Barber, Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor, Electrolysis/Electrology and Electrolysis Technician, Esthetician & Skin Care Colleges, Facial Treatment Specialist/Facialist Colleges, Laser Therapy Technician, Make-Up Artist/Specialist, Manicurist/Nail Specialist, Permanent Cosmetics/Makeup and Tattooing and Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager.
Choosing a Hair Styling & Hair Design School
Hair Styling & Hair Design programs can be found at technical schools, career colleges, community colleges, 4-year colleges and universities around the country. After Hair Styling & Hair Design school you’ll want to know the latest trends and techniques, so look for schools with faculty who attend workshops and shows as well as up to date laboratories. Schools with on-campus salons will offer the most hands-on experience. Once you earn your degree, you’ll need to get licensed in the state you plan to work in, so make sure the school you choose will prepare you properly.
Hair Styling & Hair Design Degree Programs
Hair Styling & Hair Design majors usually pursue a certificate program lasting less than a year at a career college or technical school. A certificate program along with a state license will qualify you to work as a hairstylist, but a higher-level degree can be beneficial if you want to learn more business skills or gain more experience to entice employers at high-end, high-paying salons later. In this case, consider an associates degree or bachelors degree from a technical school, career college, community college, 4-year college or university.
An education in Hair Styling & Hair Design will include hands-on classes in hair coloring, cutting, texturizing, braiding, wigs, extensions and permanent waving. Some programs will also include sales, marketing and salon business practices. Most of your college education will be spent in a salon-style lab and for schools with the facilities, in an on-campus salon.
Hair Styling & Hair Design Degree Programs:
- Certificate Programs in Hair Styling & Hair Design
- 2-Year Associates Degrees in Hair Styling & Hair Design
- Bachelors Degrees in Hair Styling & Hair Design
- Masters Degrees in Hair Styling & Hair Design
High School Preparation
Future Hair Styling & Hair Design college students should focus on creative arts in high school. Art classes as well as art history and fashion classes can help you hone your design aesthetics. You can also find opportunities to test your hairstyling skills by volunteering to style hair for school and community plays.
Popular Careers in the Field of Hair Styling & Hair Design
Hair Styling & Hair Design careers are expected to grow faster than average careers. Entry-level positions for hairstylists and hairdressers will be plentiful, though higher paying jobs at high-end salons will be competitive.
A degree from a certificate program and a state license will qualify you for Hair Styling & Hair Design positions, however an associates degree or bachelors degree can open doors to more jobs and high paying careers. On average Hair Styling & Hair Design certificate holders earn between $8 and $14 with tips included.
Many people with a career in Hair Styling & Hair Design are self-employed. You can rent your own chair at a salon or work out of your home. Some wish to advance their careers by opening their own salons and other seek managerial positions or lead hair designer roles.