How to Become an At-Home Hairstylist or Barber?

how to become an at-home hairstylist

With an aging population, the US will very likely see the development of at-home services and more specifically at-home hair services. Or mobile hair services, like DashStylists, that can be considered the first network of mobile hair stylists near you in the US.

While this is not much different from a regular hair stylist, it has some specifics worth considering.

Technical skills/qualifications to be a hairdresser based on professional definitions

The name “hairdresser” overlaps three professions each of which corresponds to a specific type of license in all 50 states: Barber, Hairstylist, Cosmetologist.

These jobs, Barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists have a lot in common and their qualifications aim to provide hair and beauty services to enhance clients’ appearances.

But if we are seeking differences between these 3 professions, the Bureau of Labor provides relevant definitions :

” Barbers cut, trim, shampoo, and style hair, mostly for male clients. They also may fit hairpieces, perform facials, and offer facial shaving. Depending on the state in which they work, some barbers are licensed to color, bleach, and highlight hair and to offer permanent-wave services. Common tools include combs, scissors, straight razors, and clippers.

Hairstylists offer a wide range of hair services, such as shampooing, cutting, coloring, and styling. They often advise clients, both male and female, on how to care for their hair at home. Hairstylists also keep records of products and services provided to clients, such as hair color, shampoo, conditioner, and hair treatment used. Tools include hairbrushes, scissors, blow dryers, and curling and flat irons.

Cosmetologists provide scalp and facial treatments and makeup analysis. Some also clean and style wigs and hairpieces. In addition, most cosmetologists actively recommend professional hair care products or salon hair care products.”

Based on that, we propose to sum up the skills to offer mobile barber services or stylists this way :

  • Analyze the hair and scalp of a client to recommend treatment in case something is wrong
  • Discuss hairstyle options with clients and provide advice regarding cutting and styling
  • Wash hair with appropriate products based on your diagnostic and client’s preferences
  • Cut and style hair (including drying and application of hair products)
  • Color and lighten hair (full coloration or touch-ups)

Education, Certifications, Licenses and Registrations

Every state in the US requires that barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists follow and receive a diploma or certification from a state-licensed beauty school. In these programs, you will receive courses in hairstyling, barbering, and other personal appearance services. Students who want to have their own beauty business may also take courses in sales and management.

Barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists must obtain a license to work in any state of the US. Requirements for a license vary by state, but generally, besides having graduated from a state-licensed beauty school, an applicant must fulfill the following criteria :

  • a minimum age of 16
  • take an exam that may include a written test, a practical test, or an oral exam
  • justify a practical experience under the supervision of an experienced professional or a master cosmetologist/barber

Besides technical skills and education, personal qualities

Of course, hairstyling is all about aesthetics and relationships.

It would help if you were committed and interested enough to keep up with the latest trends and maintain good creativity.

You should also make a great deal of human relationships: able to listen to people to define what clients want, be patient, be friendly and entertaining.

It is better if you are organized and precise. First concerning the management of time: you need to be able to organise your schedule effectively and then to keep up with it when you are servicing clients. Also, you must be able to keep business and inventory records, to order supplies promptly.

Finally, It is certainly important that you keep a neat and trendy personal appearance, reflecting for your clients your ability to keep themselves trendy.