How to Get a Job at a Beauty Salon
It takes a variety of jobs for a beauty salon to properly function. However, the ultimate goal is using creativity to improve the appearance of clients. Some people are attracted to the job because of the flexible hours and convenient schedules. Getting a job at a beauty salon will depend on experience and background.
- Choose a career. Employees with different educational levels and work experience can work at a beauty salon. Examples of jobs are licensed cosmetology, hairdressers, salon managers, receptionist or shampooers. Before applying for a job, you will need to decide on which part of the beauty industry to explore for employment.
- Complete cosmetology school. Graduating from cosmetology school is a requirement for more beauty salons. The length of the program is a minimum of nine months. Students will get hands on instruction for styling hair, sterilization education, sanitation education, appointment planning skills and business skills. Shampooer, receptionist and salon manager are some of the jobs that don’t require completing cosmetology school.
- Get a license. Manicurists and hairstylists will need a license to work in a salon. The requirements for getting licensed are passing a skills test and a state written exam.
- Find an apprenticeship. If you are unable to get a job right away at a salon, then you can consider apprenticing for a stylist. New stylists can gain hands on experience and expected to perform different jobs around the salon. Examples of duties during the apprenticeship are sweeping, assisting with color, shampooing and styling hair. Many high-end salons have a program for apprenticeships and provide classes with the lead hair stylist.