A Guide to the Best Hair Industry Careers

Considering a new career in haircare but not sure where to start?

There are more jobs in the hair industry than you may think — you don’t have to necessarily be a hairdresser or barber to work in the hair and beauty industry. There are hair industry careers that you may not have considered such as studying to be a trichologist or learning scalp micro pigmentation.

Whether you’re just starting out in the industry, or if you’re just looking for a change, there is an opportunity available for you. 

In this article, we’ll cover the exciting available career options in haircare and what they entail. Keep reading to learn how you can take the next steps towards your new haircare career. 

Hairdresser or Barber

One of the most popular and well-known professions in the hair industry is being a hairdresser or barber. There can be much more to this than cutting and styling hair.

You can specialize in a particular area that interests you, such as being a color specialist or studying curly hair. You may also want to cater to a specific group of people like children or people with disabilities.

Becoming a hairdresser requires knowledge of working with different hair types, as well as different cuts and styles. It also takes soft skills like communication and customer service. 

Hairstylists start by attending a hair or beauty school and completing a cosmetology program. Some hairdressing tasks can be done without formal training, like shampooing, so it’s possible to find a salon job while you study.

TV and Film Stylist

If you love film and art, becoming a TV, theatre, or film hairstylist in the entertainment industry could be a good fit for you. This involves creating hairstyle designs for the characters and styling hair on set. It often means working with a makeup artist and the fashion department to create a cohesive overall look. 

These stylists also need to be knowledgeable about things like wigs and bald caps and consider the scenes the actor will be in when styling their hair. Sometimes the characters have to endure a lot, and there may be action scenes and stunts to consider.

Anyone with a cosmetology license and a background in haircare can explore this career path. TV and film stylists often get their first professional experience on low-budget movies or student films, or by starting as a production assistant to get on-set experience.

Hair Artist

Do you love hair but want to avoid working in a salon? Being a hair artist means helping clients get ready for special events and occasions such as weddings, photoshoots, professional headshots, and even red carpet events.

This work can be done in a variety of locations, including clients’ homes, on a photo shoot set, or backstage at an event. Being a hair artist involves travel, so it may not be for you if you like to work in one location, or if you don’t have a car.

Being a hair artist requires knowledge of formal hairstyles and trends, and the ability to match a hairstyle with an outfit. You can either apply for jobs in this field or start your own business based on who you know.

Hair Photographer

Handy with a camera? Being a hair photographer allows people to channel their passion for hair and beauty into a creative career

In this career path, you can work for salons, haircare brands, and fashion designers, and work may be on set or outdoors on location. This means that being able to fix hair based on the weather and changing client needs is a must. 

This is another career that involves considering the overall look that the client is going for, so knowledge of fashion is required. Having a photography portfolio helps people to break into this industry — it’s important to remember that both photography skills and a background in hair will be looked at by prospective clients.

Salon Owner

Owning a salon can be rewarding if you’ve always dreamed of owning your own business. This is a career in the beauty industry that doesn’t require any formal knowledge or qualifications — just a passion for hair and some business knowledge that can be learned. 

You can hire experienced hairstylists and colorists, which means you don’t necessarily need to have experience yourself to open a salon. You could even study cosmetology while running a salon if you would like to eventually learn to cut and style hair yourself.  

If you’re already experienced with hair but nervous about the business side of running a salon, you could start with a business-minded friend or family member. Hair salons are always in demand and can be a steady, profitable business.

Hairdressing Business Consultant

Similarly, if you’re interested in the business side of hair industry jobs, you could act as a business consultant. This means helping salons, artists, and brands with their marketing and business growth. 

No formal knowledge is needed for this career path, just an interest in business and marketing. 

Hair Transplant Surgeon

A hair transplant is a surgery that involves moving existing hair to areas with thin or no hair. This is a common procedure, and it is done in a medical office under anesthesia. 

The experience required for this role is more medical than hair-related. Hair transplant surgeons should have training in plastic surgery, dermatology, or both, and on-the-job hair restoration training is required too. The intricacy of hair transplant procedures means that medical school is needed to prepare for the role.

This can be an extremely fulfilling and rewarding field, as hair loss often affects the self-esteem and confidence of clients, and you would be able to support them with that. 

If you already have a medical background and you want to try something new, becoming a hair transplant surgeon may be something to explore. 

Trichologist

A trichologist is someone who specializes in problems relating to the hair and scalp, such as hair loss, dandruff, and breakage. They examine the hair and scalp, diagnose issues and recommend treatments. 

Trichologists focus on consultancy and can see clients either in their own homes, in clients’ homes, or in an office consulting room. 

Becoming a trichologist requires less training than other careers like being a hair transplant surgeon. Training can be completed in a year or less, and then you will be able to search for job openings and join industry groups.

Hair Model

Are you interested in hair industry jobs but don’t want to work on hair yourself? If so, consider hair modeling.

This involves working closely with salons and brands, and allowing them to cut, style, and color your hair for the purpose of branding and marketing. There may also be editorial magazine work involved or work for TV and film depending on your experience and level of interest. 

The only requirement is healthy, attractive hair, and the willingness to try different styles that you may not have picked for yourself. 

Scalp Micro Pigmentation

Scalp micro pigmentation, known as SMP, is a popular technique that means depositing pigment into the skin on the scalp. It aims to replicate hair follicles and present a realistic appearance of a full head of healthy hair. This is possible with clients of any hair color and takes multiple treatments for the best results.

You can learn the fundamentals of scalp micro pigmentation in less than a week, and the income potential in this career path is high due to high demand. Training involves both theoretical and hands-on learning.

Build My Business: How to Work in the Hair Industry

If you’re looking for a new career or to make a change, there are jobs in the hair and beauty industry that you may not have thought of. Each of them allows you to choose a niche that suits your unique interests and skills. 

At Precise, we specialize in the art of Scalp Micropigmentation.  If you are ready to take the leap and begin your own SMP business we are her to teach you how.  Contact us here, we would be happy to meet you!