In order to become a hair dresser in most areas of the world, you will have to obtain a professional license. A hairdressing or cosmetology license will allow you to work as a professional hair dresser. The type of licensing you will need largely depends upon the country that you live in, though almost all licenses can be gained through formal education.
Procuring a diploma from a cosmetology school is one way to apply for a professional license. Another way is to look for a certificate program in your area. The main difference between a cosmetology school diploma and a hairdressing certificate is the length of time that you will have to study. While a diploma may take years to obtain, a certificate may only take months.
Once a diploma or certificate has been successfully completed, all graduates can then apply for a license. Almost all salons around the globe require hair dressers to have a professional license prior to practice. In addition, nearly every salon will require new professionals to gain many hours of hands-on experience.
Within the hairdressing world, experience is vital. Most clients will not book appointments with newly licensed professionals, which is why many salons ask new employees to work as assistants prior to working with individual clients. Some cosmetology schools also offer newly licensed professionals entry-level jobs, working in school salons, in order to provide recent graduates with work experience.
To become a hair dresser who is well-respected and well-paid, most people must build up a clientele. After a steady client-base has been established, a hairdresser may decide to open a salon. While this is often the dream of many hairdressers, numerous years of hands-on experience must be gathered before any individual business can be opened.
The path that you take in order to become a hair dresser is largely up to you. Begin your career as a hairdresser by looking on the Internet at various school programs. Most schools that offer hairdressing diplomas and certificates require students to have a high school diploma, though this is not always the case.
As soon as you find a program that will work for you, applying to this program is the best way to become a hair dresser. If your state or country does not require a hair dressing license, then you may want to consider an apprenticeship at a salon. By taking into account the steps listed above, you will be able to become a hair dresser in no time.