Career Paths with a Hairstyling Education: Salon, Session, Bridal, Film

Hairstyling careers include so much more than the salon. Your license can open the door to a world of potential, from session shoots to bridal updos and even film and TV. The key, as with any other career, is to know your dream and the steps required to make it a reality. Here, Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes discusses some top hairstyling careers and how to get started with each.

Key Takeaways

• Salon stylists provide everyday haircutting, coloring, and style services for a range of customers.
• Session stylists prepare models’ hair for photoshoots or runway walks.
• Bridal and special event stylists craft impressive but durable ‘dos for weddings and more.
• Film and TV stylists bring characters to life with unique looks and careful notetaking.

Salon Stylist Path

The first, and perhaps most common, career path we’ll cover is the salon stylist. In this role, you’ll work on the fast-paced salon floor, providing everyday beauty services to a wide range of clients. You might rent a booth and earn commissions for each client served, or you might earn a salary as an employee. Both business models can be extremely fast-paced, but are often rewarding. If you love the opportunity to meet a dozen new people each day, then the salon path might be right for you.

The salon advancement pathway is based on experience. Most locations follow similar steps:

• Associate: You act as a second pair of hands to support a senior stylist.
• Junior stylist: You work independently to satisfy simple requests.
• Senior stylist: You supervise associates and handle challenging client requests.

From there, you may grow into a managerial or educator role. You can even start your own salon, giving you the opportunity to control your own rates and hours.

Session Stylist Path

If you love the artistry of hairstyling, then you might consider a career in editorial. Session or editorial stylists work with models to craft stunning looks before a photoshoot. This work demands creativity, technical skill, and the ability to work quickly under the direction of a supervisor. It also requires adaptability. Timelines can change in an instant, especially when shooting outdoors, so you’ll need a compact kit that can be easily packed and moved to the next location.

To become a session stylist, you will need a strong portfolio with professional photos. Entry-level jobs typically focus on test shoots. You’ll need to move up the assisting ladder, gaining experience and demonstrating your artistry, to become a key stylist at Fashion Week and other industry events.

Bridal and Special Events Path

Do you love to be part of people’s most important memories? Make your client’s special day even more memorable as a bridal or event stylist. In this role, you’ll prepare clients’ hair for weddings, prom nights, graduations, and other life milestones. Durable yet eye-catching designs are a must. Most event stylists build a selection of signature looks for clients to choose between. Techniques you may use include:

• Hair preparation
• Pinning and setting systems
• Veil placement
• Anti-frizz finishes

Most bridal stylists are freelancers, meaning that they run their own small businesses. Styled shoots, client reviews, and social media presence are all invaluable opportunities to attract new business. You may also establish relationships with local venues and event planners who can send clients your way.

Film and TV Hairstylist Path

There are few hairstyling careers as demanding as film. You’ll have to recreate the same look repeatedly, often under time pressure, so careful notetaking and photo logs are a must. You’ll also work with wigs, costuming, cosmetology teams, and special effects. Like any other career in film, long hours are the norm. If you can manage your fatigue and keep your workspace neat and sanitary, however, then you’ll have the opportunity to bring beloved characters to life.

Breaking into the film industry typically starts small. You’ll provide styling for student films, then move onto indie sets. These early steps help you build a portfolio that you can present to one of the bigger studios. From there, you’ll work your way up through assisting roles and perhaps achieve the coveted position of key stylist.

Kickstart Your Hairstyling Career at Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes

No matter which hairstyling career you aspire to, success starts with a strong education. Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes offers an industry-leading hairstyling curriculum in Denver, Colorado; Provo, Utah; and Phoenix, Tucson, and Avondale, Arizona. Contact us today to learn more about our programs, upcoming enrollment openings, and financial aid options.

Hairstylist Career FAQs

What hairstyling career path is most realistic for new graduates?

The most realistic path is a salon stylist. While at the salon, you can gain experience and build a portfolio to move into other career paths.

How do I price bridal trials vs. wedding-day services?

Wedding-day services tend to be more expensive than trials. You can look at wedding hairstylists near you to find out a fair local rate.

Do I need special credentials to work on film/TV sets?

You don’t need special credentials, but a strong portfolio is important.