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Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a hair colorist. You can use our job description template in this article to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a hair colorist.

 

Who is a Hair Colorist?

Hair colorists are licensed cosmetologists that specialize in changing the color or tint of their client’s hair. Hair colorists use reactive substances to change a person’s hair color. They must complete a state-approved cosmetology curriculum and get a state license to practice as professional cosmetologists specializing in hair coloring. This license needs to be renewed regularly. Any cosmetology or beauty training program usually includes hair coloring, and the general cosmetologist license exam assesses candidates on their coloring skills. A stylist can benefit from continuing education programs provided by cosmetology schools or by companies that produce hair care products if they want to develop their specialization in hair coloring.

A hair colorist may operate in a large salon where his or her primary responsibility is to assist clients in choosing a hair color and properly creating that color. Additionally, she might operate in a smaller salon where she offers additional hair treatments including haircuts and perms. Both types of colorists are capable of coloring hair well. It is not enough for a hair colorist to just mix the dye and distribute it on the hair. When the client enters the salon, the colorist’s job officially starts. The client will likely already know what hair color they want, but if not, the colorist may be able to suggest several colors that will work. Additionally, if the client already has a color in mind, the hair colorist can help them choose a specific shade that complements their features, skin tone, and natural coloring. In most cases, a hair colorist can assist a customer in choosing the hair color that looks the most natural. The colorist will also be able to guarantee that the client’s hair is healthy enough to tolerate hair dye and that the client won’t end up with brassy, artificial tones, or orange hair.

A hair colorist might also assist the salon in selling stuff like shampoos, conditioners, or styling items that are safe to use on colored hair. To succeed, a colorist must be kind and approachable while being truthful with her clients. Satisfied customers are more likely to return and refer friends. A colorist could also provide additional hair services, including fancy cuts or creative styles, to broaden their skill set and job opportunities. The hair colorist will also advise on whether to use permanent or semi-permanent coloring and whether to utilize highlights or low lights. Each client may have various goals; one may like to completely alter his or her appearance, while another may only wish to conceal gray hairs or add a few subtle highlights. Before making a major adjustment, the hair colorist should consider which clients are more eager to maintain their hair and hair color regularly. A precise set of skills and certifications are necessary to become a hair colorist. A high school diploma or GED is typically required, but it is not required for entry into the field. Many hair colorists choose to enroll in certified cosmetology programs. Professional hairdressers and colorists are typically required to enroll in these programs and then pass a test in any of them. Students may need a diploma to enter these programs, which are offered at cosmetology schools and some community colleges. Some hair colorists continue to improve their knowledge and obtain new skills during their careers.

 

Hair Colorist Job Description

Below are the hair colorist job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.

A hair colorist typically has a wide range of duties and responsibilities such as the following:

• Determine what kind of color will look best on clients’ hair Depending on their natural hair color and condition.
• Prepare dye solutions and mix colors by the manufacturer’s guidelines and the client’s preferences.
• Massage the scalp while shampooing to increase blood flow to the hair follicles, which encourages thick, healthy hair growth.
• Make frequent contact with clients to ensure their comfort throughout the service and to address any questions they may have regarding their new look.
• Make sure the color is applied evenly and that the roots are not touched so that the color does not fade quickly. Check each strand of hair.
• Shampoo and condition clients’ hair to eliminate grease and grime from the scalp before applying color or providing other services.
• Keep tools and equipment needed to provide salon services in good condition.
• Inform consumers of the potential dangers of hair coloring, such as allergic reactions or scalp burns
• Make a color mixture based on a client’s preferred tone and shade before applying it to hair strands to obtain the desired effect.
• Perform the actual dying procedure, and some people also shampoo and air-dry the hair before and after adding the color.
• Add more products to guarantee the color lasts as long as possible.
• Trim the hair and make sure it appears as pleasing as possible before applying for a color job.
• Assist the client in selecting a color that complements their features, fits their needs, and is within their price range.
• Explain to the customer how to keep the color and style at home.
• Follow a schedule and avoid scheduling multiple clients at once.
• Keep your work area tidy and professional at all times.
• Greet guests formally and promptly welcome them when they arrive.
• Consult with visitors to ascertain their ideal hair color outcomes
• Choose the proper hair color supplies and application methods depending on the specific requirements of each visitor.
• Utilize both foiling and free-hand techniques to apply hair color products to the hair.
• Process hair dye as directed by the manufacturer.
• Shampoo and condition your hair after rinsing out the hair dye.
• Style the hair as the visitor requests Inform visitors about at-home hair care and suggested salon services and goods
• Promote shop items that visitors can purchase and take home
• Upsell more services and goods when necessary.
• Check out visitors and make further appointments.

 

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or any equivalent education.
• Bachelor’s degree in cosmetology or a related discipline is a plus.
• Licensure in Cosmetology.
• A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in hair coloring.
• Knowledge of a variety of hair color brands and products.
• Outstanding communication, customer service, and time management skills
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team
• Creativity and artistic ability are required.
• Must be up to date with current hair color trends.

 

Essential Skills

• Artistic skills: Hair colorists employ their artistic skills to design distinctive and attractive hairstyles. They often consult with clients to choose the hair color that complements their skin tone, eye color, and other attributes the best. Then they combine colors and style the client’s hair to improve their appearance. When using highlights or lowlights, which need precise application of various color shades, hair colorists also need artistic skills.
• Creativity: For their clients, hair colorists employ their creativity to create original color schemes and hairstyles. They employ their creativity to come up with unique methods for coloring hair and developing new coloring procedures. They employ their creativity to produce new color formulas and hair coloring methods.
• Communication skills: The capacity for clear and succinct information transfer is referred to as communication skills. Hair colorists must be able to explain their procedures, respond to inquiries from clients, and communicate any pertinent details to assistants or other staff members. You may establish rapport with clients and make sure that everyone involved in service is aware of what is expected of them by having effective communication skills.
• Color theory skills: The study of how colors correlate with one another is known as color theory. To produce a particular style, hair colorists employ color theory to decide which colors go well together. Additionally, they employ color theory to decide which shades to use to mask undesirable tones in a client’s hair.
• Customer service skills: You can interact with clients and help them feel at ease by using your customer service skills. Customer service skills can help you make a good impression and make sure clients are satisfied with the service as hair colorists frequently interact directly with clients. You can employ your customer service skills to identify the needs of your clients, inquire about those needs, and explain the services you provide.
• Interpersonal skills: Understanding other people’s perspectives and interacting with them are examples of interpersonal skills. Interpersonal skills can help hair colorists, who usually deal with clients directly, establish rapport with them and give them a satisfying experience. Hair colorists should be able to pay attention to the demands of their clients and respond to inquiries regarding goods or services. To describe how specific colors might affect someone’s skin tone or facial features, they also need to have effective interpersonal skills.
• Hair cutting skills: To get the client’s hair ready for coloring, hair colorists often use their cutting skills. Before or after removing an existing color, they could cut and style the hair. When producing updos, braids, and curls, hair colorists also use their cutting skills. A barber college or beauty school may offer classes where hair colorists can learn how to cut hair. They can also use friends and relatives as practice subjects.
• Time management skills: To make sure they meet the needs of their clientele, hair colorists often need to effectively manage their time. They need to make sure they have enough time to finish each service because they can have several clients during the day. To make sure they have enough time to train new hires or attend professional conferences, they might also need to learn time management skills.
• Teamwork skills: To give consumers a complete beauty experience, a good hair colorist can collaborate with other salon staff members like hairstylists, nail techs, and makeup artists. Additionally, they assist clients in selecting the hair color that is most suited to their skin tone and facial features by getting to know their wants and expectations.
• Attention to detail skills: For hair colorists to produce the ideal style and ensure that the correct amount of product is applied, attention to detail is a crucial skill. To protect their clients’ scalps and get the appropriate shade, these professionals must be precise when applying their products. When combining colors, hair colorists must pay close attention to every detail to produce a quality result that lives up to customer expectations.
• Styling skills: Hair colorists employ their styling skills to design hairstyles that go well with the looks and personalities of their clients. These skills are also put to use when they style models’ hair for photo sessions or fashion presentations. Through online classes, workshops, and in-person training courses, hair colorists can master styling techniques.

 

How to Become a Hair Colorist

Step 1. Gain the relevant education

To begin cosmetology training, a hair colorist requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. If you are interested in this career path, you should consider enrolling in advanced placement math and science programs to help you get ready for college-level coursework in the future. Taking art classes might be beneficial as they can teach you fundamental drawing skills that are useful when designing bespoke hair colors.

Step 2. Complete a cosmetology program

The majority of states mandate that hair colorists hold a cosmetology license. You must complete a minimum of 1,500 training hours at a cosmetology school that has received state approval before you can apply for this license. Both classroom teaching and practical training in a salon are part of this program. Topics like hair anatomy, chemistry, sanitary conditions, styling methods, customer service skills, and business management are covered in cosmetology programs’ curricula. You can also enroll in elective classes in topics like applying makeup or caring for nails.

Step 3. Acquire relevant work experience

You are capable of beginning your career as an assistant to a professional hair colorist once you have completed cosmetology school. You can learn how to apply hair color and other styling techniques from professionals in this position while gaining practical salon experience. Before starting your own business or looking for employment at another salon, working as an assistant also allows you the chance to hone your skills and grow your clientele. The majority of a hair colorist’s training is acquired through formal education. They could also learn from a senior or master colorist while they are working. This training might cover the particular policies and practices of the salon as well as how to utilize any unique tools.

Step 4. Acquire certifications/licensure

Hair colorists are not necessarily required to have a license to get a job, but they may need to acquire licensure and certifications to stand a better chance in the industry. These certifications enable professionals to work at higher levels and be employed in more advanced salons.

Step 5. Join a professional association

Consider obtaining certification from a professional association, like the American Board of Certified Hair Colorists (ABHCS). If a hair colorist passes an exam, the ABHCS, a professional body, will certify them. Your ability to add letters after your name, such as CSC, which stands for a certified color specialist, is made possible by the certification, which also serves to illustrate your level of knowledge. You need to have at least two years of experience working as a hair colorist, complete continuing education programs, and pay a fee to become ABHCS certified.

 

Where to Work as a Hair Colorist

Although many Colorists are self-employed, a good number of them are typically employed in salons, and their work environment is usually appealing and professional. Hair Colorists work standard business hours, and may occasionally be required to work evenings and weekends to adapt to their client’s schedules. They may also be required to travel to meet clients in their place.

 

Hair Colorist Salary Scale

The salary scale of Hair colorists varies depending on different factors such as level of education, years of experience, the employer, and geographic location of the workplace. The average salary for a Hair Colorist in the United States is $28203 per year, but the salary range typically falls between $23403 and $34603 per year. The salaries of Hair Colorists in Canada range from $10,117 to $196,790, with a median salary of $35,635 per year. In the UK, the average salary of a Hair Colorist is £23,520 per year. The salary scale is typically between £19,759 and £28,162 per year. A Hair Colorist in Nigeria typically earns around 1,730,000 NGN per year. The salary range is from 918,000 NGN to 2,630,000 NGN per year.

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