How to Become a Session Hair Stylist

The world of hair styling offers a wide range of great career prospects and becoming a session hair stylist in Renton is one of the best professions in the world of cosmetology. With a cosmetology license, you can launch and enjoy a successful, dynamic career that will showcase your skills in top publications, campaigns, film and television. You can put your talent to good use, make useful contacts and earn a handsome living all at the same time.

Who is a Session Stylist?

Session hair stylists are well known for styling models but this line of work is much broader than that. Unlike ordinary stylists who usually work in salons, session stylists are called to create and cut hair styles for events, parades, fashion shows, magazines, television appearances, films and advertising campaigns. Clients vary and can include anyone from the local news anchor to celebrities preparing for a magazine spread.

How to Become a Session Hair Stylist

In order to qualify as a session hair stylist, you must have a practicing license from a recognized cosmetology school. While some institutions offer courses that cover all aspects of beauty — makeup, facial treatments, nail and foot care — there are other curriculum’s designed to focus specifically on hair styling.

After finishing studies and practical training, students are required to take national examinations and to complete a set amount of hours of instruction to obtain a license. Requirements for obtaining licensing differ from state to state, and it is possible that you might have to receive re-certification if you want to work in a different state from where the license was issued.

How to Find the Best Cosmetology School

Finding the appropriate cosmetology school requires a little research. To increase your chances of receiving a top quality education, it is best to apply to accredited institutions. Accredited schools are recognized both nationally and internationally, and usually have the facilities you need to acquire relevant skills. If you are financially challenged and are unable to meet the cost of studies, search for institutions that offer financial aid and scholarships.

How to Build an Effective Portfolio

Obtaining a cosmetology license is the first, vital step to building your career. After graduation, you need to compile a portfolio you can use to attract employers. It is possible to land a job as a session hair stylist after completing your studies. However, the beauty industry can be hard to break into. This is why it is important to consider styling clients for free in exchange for creating your portfolio. Offer your styling services to friends and family, or apply for jobs at hair salons in order to build references.

Once you have collected photographs of your best work, present it to agents and well-connected people in the industry. Be open to both positive and negative feedback. Make sure your work is creative and timeless. Avoid dated hair styles and ideas that are overdone. Add fresh twists to classics, experiment with color and practice as often as you can. Ensure that your portfolio is unique and expresses your individual taste. The more original your work is, the higher your chances are of being employed.

Tips on How to Become a Successful Hair Stylist in Renton

In the world of beauty, being prepared goes a long way. You should always be ready for both planned appointments and unexpected opportunities. Here are some valuable tips you should keep in mind.

  • Look out for photographers doing shoots in your area. Not every project has a big budget and volunteering your styling services for free is a great way to secure future paid jobs.
  • Make it a point to attend industry events, local parades and conferences. Enter competitions and take advantage of any platform that can help you display your styling skills. This way, you can show off your creativity and make useful connections too.
  • Keep looking for inspiration, keep track of trends and be willing to further your education. Staying relevant is the key to success in the industry.

    The ability to produce fresh ideas is a valuable asset both when you are starting out and when you reach the top.

Establishing a career in the beauty world requires research, effort and persistence. Getting the right training at an accredited school, obtaining a license and creating a portfolio that showcases your skills is a recipe for success. For more information on how to become a session hair stylist, contact Evergreen Beauty School.

Author
Frank Trieu
Vice President of Business Development & Industry Relations

Frank Trieu is a cosmetology industry leader, and despite his accomplishments and accolades, he still prioritizes students on the Evergreen campus. Through building relationships within the community and local salons, retail stores, and spas, he helps facilitate job placements for aspiring beauty professionals using his expansive network.

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Coomera Barber
Coomera Barber
2 years ago

Becoming a hairdresser is exciting but also a skilled job. If you ruin someone’s looks because of your less expertise in a certain cut, you may lose the job. Last month I visited a Coomera barber shop and found that the hairstylists there are amazing!

Last edited 2 years ago by Coomera Barber