A Career in Hair Styling

A career in hair styling and dressing could literally be cutting edge of things. If you are creative and can work magic with a pair of scissors, mousses and gel then what are you waiting for

Fixing, combing, maintaining hair is a sore affair. Styling it, however, is an art. These days hair styling is one of the most glamorous careers around. The television industry, film, industry, music industry, sports, and of course, the fashion industry, are where hair stylists are most in demand. Once you have found a niche in any one of these, then worries about career stability may easily be banished. If you are industrious and serious the world of glamour awaits you where income can be anywhere between Rs 30,000 to Rs 1,00,000 per month.

Much more than hair

Hairstyling has gone beyond mere “styling”. To be a renowned hair stylist one would require an extensive knowledge of different kinds of hair and their needs, requirements, treatment. This naturally presumes an understanding of both chemistry and cosmetics. The second most important qualification required is creativity. A unique blend of style and attitude is expected of any dependable stylist. If you are a good hair stylist then you must be able to cater to the client’s taste and yet surprise her/him with a unique haircut. The rest, of course, depends on hard work and commitment.

Get those papers ready

To get into a hair styling institute you must have a high school degree certificate. This is the minimum qualification required. This is one of the off-the-beaten-track kind of career but be prepared for competition.

Everything you want to learn

A hair styling course will teach you shampoo and scalp treatment, braiding, curling, finger waving and sectioning of hair, knowledge of trichology and pH scale, roller setting of hair, hair cutting techniques using clippers, razors, shears, application of wigs and hair extensors, hair colouring and perming, hair waving and straightening. The hair academies in India usually offer either Fresher or Advanced courses. The initial investment can range from Rs 90,000 to Rs 1,50,000.

What are your chances of making it big?

Once you have gotten a degree or diploma, prospects of prosperity will largely depend on your initiative, skills, and industriousness. Usually, an internship follows the training. It can last till six months. The initial salary maybe Rs 5000 but after a few months it can be raised to Rs 8000 – Rs 10,000. In the next few years you could be earning anything between Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000. This will include or should include commissions, the clients’ goodwill and your performance. Depending hugely on creativity and knowledge, some hair stylists can quickly climb the income ladder while it might take longer for others.  For the great talented ones, opportunities await everywhere in the world. Italy, France, London, USA are the places to aim for as these countries are always looking for bright hair stylists. Fashion houses like Federmoda, Inex, Moda, Hakkin, Guccioni, Optical Design, Elle, Thes Tziveli, Massimo Crvelli, Nico Fontana and Stefano Guerriero are dream jobs for people who want to make it in this business.

Most media industries in this world are paying more and more attention to looking good. If you got a strong innovative streak, with a little aggression you can go from freelancing to styling anchors, models, actresses and the who’s who of the town.

Some institutes around the country

• In Mumbai
  1. Nalini & Yasmin Khar Road, West Mumbai (Run by Nalini Naegamvala and Yasmin Eranee).
  2. Emeralde International Institute of Hair & Beauty Pedder Road (Run by Adhuna Bhabani Akhtar with Ashoke Bhabani and Nitin Kalwani). 
  3. Juice Hair Academy Pedder Road (Run by Adhuna Bhabani Akhtar with Ashoke Bhabani and Nitin Kalwani). 
  4. Beyond the Fringe.
  
• In Delhi
  1. Habib's Hair Academy South Extension (Run by Jawad Habib and his family). 
  2. Pivot Point Kailash Colony (Run by Samantha and Blossom Kochhar). 
  3. Shahnaz Hussain's Women's World International Greater Kailash.
  4. International Polytechnic for Women South Extension. 
  5. Vandana Luthra Academy of Beauty and Hair Shalimar Bagh.
• In Bangalore
  1. Spratt Academy of Hair Design Brigade Road, Bangalore (Run by Rita Spratt).