Different Types of Hairstylists and The Tools They Use for Success!

May 31, 2018

Why You Should Have More Than One Stylist

How many hairstylists do you have? Be honest, and I promise I won’t tell your “main” stylist you’re cheating on her or him! I have three, and I know neither of them will be upset because they all specialize in different areas of hair styling. My first stylist is great at keeping relaxed hair on point. She knows all about relaxed hair and can keep my hair ends trimmed, colored, and looking healthy as it grows out. She can keep my hair healthy for me, and that's important when you have a relaxer. My other stylist specializes in braiding. She can create any style I want, and I can always go to her for bomb foundation braids for a quick style. It's one of the easiest ways to give my natural hair versatility. I'm natural now, and my new stylist specializes in natural hair. She helps me understand my hair and get to know my hair's "personality." I mention all of this because I think a lot of people with cosmetology licenses get bored or lose inspiration with styling hair. In this article, I'm going to talk about the different types of hairstylists and the tools they use. I may add a few tips in throughout the article so make sure you keep reading to the end to get inspired. So I'm excited to give you the behind-the-scenes to the cosmetology industry and help you to kind of think outside of the box. Some stylists feel as if they are stuck. Hopefully, this article will help you to get inspired again. You may see the need to pivot or shift if you need to go in a new direction.

1. Natural Hair Stylist

If you're someone who is interested in becoming a natural hair stylist, then your journey may be a little bit different from your peers. A natural hair stylist is an individual who cares for African-American or ethnic hair without using chemicals to treat the hair. He or she uses processes that result in tension on the strands of hair by twisting, wrapping, or weaving it. The challenge of being a natural stylist is that you must understand the various types of hair textures and what products you should be using. The different style options such as braids, twists, and blowouts provide versatility a lot of clients desire. Natural hair stylists receive education on which products (especially shampoos and conditioners) work best for your client's natural hair. Shampoos should be shampoos should be special should be used to this angle as well as curl the hair leave-in conditioners you also want to enroll in continuing education you will need to make sure that you are keeping yourself up-to-date on industry trends as well as continuing education requirements. Popular styles include braids, cornrows, and flat twists, twist outs, and updos. If you can work with extensions, you can also install Senegalese twists, box braids, Havana twists, feed-in braids, as well as locs. SUPPLIES USED

Rattail comb
Ecostyle gel
Diffuser
Leave-in conditioner
Sulfate-free shampoo
Bobby pins
Crochet needle
Braid hair

Your job is a natural hair stylist is to nurture textured hair and provide excellent natural hair care services. The key to becoming a successful natural hair stylist is to know techniques, as described above, to earn significant money in the industry. It will expose you to a lot of people and help you to establish a diverse clientele. Below are styling choices which are perfect niches for a hairstylist.

Loc Specialist

A cosmetologist (Check out this article: pros and cons of being a cosmetologist) can specialize in loc installation and repair. Providing this service is excellent but make sure you have gotten the training and education required. The great thing is that even if a stylist begins his/her career working with all types of hair, he/she can transition into caring for natural hair only. There is a demand for natural hairstylists. A natural hairstylist educates clients on how to care for of their unique hair texture, how to style it, how to maintain a style. During a client consultation, you will want to understand the texture of a client's hair and well as the how to manage hair once it begins to loc. A natural transition for natural hair cosmetologists is to become an educator who shares information with the public to further educate everyone on natural hair. Locs are created by combining medium amounts of hair with the palms or a product. Once the stylist installs the locs they are permanent. As they grow, they will get heavier. Specialists redo locs about every three weeks. SUPPLIES USED

Clarifying shampoo (should be as organic as possible and should help retain moisture)
Moisturizing conditioner (hydrogenized protein or wheat germ protein)
Wide-toothed comb
Shower caps
Hooded dryer
Small-toothed comb or a rattail comb
Duckbill clips
Spray bottle filled with water and leave-in conditioner
DIY leave-in conditioner (distilled water, aloe gel, jojoba oil, lavender essential oil, and rosemary essential oil
Leave-in conditioner (your favorite brand)
Jamaican castor oil (for scalp)
Hair dryer
Wrapping papers (to keep edges down)
Finishing oil spray

Braider

Braiding is a lucrative business, and the more diverse a hairstylist is, the better! Whether she specializes in basic box braids or more elaborate styles, there is money to be made and clients seeking her expertise. Some states do require braiders to get a license to offer this service. Licensed cosmetologists don't need to apply for this license. A great braider will have your braided style looking amazing while keeping your edges intact and you are headache free. SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR FEED-IN BRAIDS

One pack of braid hair
Jamaican castor oil
Rattail comb
Lighter
Hot water
Hair accessories

SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR BOX BRAIDS

Six packs of braid hair
Rattail comb
Hair accessories
Finishing oil spray
Hot water
Edge control

SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR CROCHET BRAIDS

Rattail comb
Three packs of crochet hair
Nylon thread
Crochet needle
Hicks edge control
Scissors
Duckbill clips

2. Wigmaker

As a hairstylist, it's a smooth transition to becoming a wigmaker. Creating wigs is a sensible evolution of skills. Most wig makers do this as a way to increase revenue and offer services to those who are in need of wigs. A wig maker handles work a week making or another word for an alternative Hair Solutions without much call and an immediate solution for baldness. The steps to make wigs is pretty straightforward. You must understand creating a wig can be an extensive project. Usually, the individual who creates custom wigs is someone who has passion or purpose to do what they do. Poor customer service and a sub-par product can be another reason wig makers start their businesses. Wig makers know the key to the success of their companies is to understand their product and have great suppliers. Wigmakers can make a significant amount of money creating units although it can be a lengthy process depending on the style and color. Wigs sell well, and most makers cater to a particular market. Hairstylist creates wigs for some reasons which are listed below:

People suffering from alopecia (hair loss)
Theatrical events
Actors for specific roles
Women who wear wigs for style
Entertainers

SUPPLIES NEEDED

Private Label Extension's Lace frontal (free part)
Nylon sewing thread
Scissors
Wig cap
Curved sewing needle
Tape measure (Learn how to measure your frontal here)
Duckbill clips
Foam head
T pins
Dome cap
Options (wig combs, elastic band,
Online website
Active social media platforms
BW2 bleaching powder
Various color
Scissors

3. Colorist

Clients, both male, and female take their hair color very seriously. That’s why they pay a right amount of money to get the color they want. Colorists who are competent at what they do, can earn a good salary and have a comfortable lifestyle. Client consultations are critical to creating the right color and look. All colorists take the following steps to provide this service:

Attend cosmetology school
Obtain your license
Gain employment in a salon
Train with other colorists
Get training and practice a lot
Become a certified colorist
Get business cards promoting themselves as color specialists
Market themselves as a hair color specialist
Inform their clients they are certified, colorists
They stay up-to-date on continuing education

SUPPLIES NEEDED

Mixing bowl
Applicator brush
Creme colors
Liquid colors
Handheld mixer
Key (to get color out of a tube)
5-40 Developer
Measuring cup
Color whisk
Measuring scale
Toner
Towel
Foils
Comb
Shampoo
Conditioner
Styling tools

4. Extension expert

Not everyone can install extensions correctly! Some hairstylist don't want to deal with installing a full sew-in or other styles due to the time it takes to complete the style. Therefore, stylists who specialize in extensions create a unique lane for themselves. It goes without saying (but I will say it) that a licensed cosmetologist is the best person to install your extensions. They know to understand your natural hair and scalp as well as they know the proper way to install extensions to prevent alopecia and other adverse reactions to a poorly executed style. Below are a few extension styles our expert stylist focus on:

Micro-Link Extension Expert

A hairstylist who installs micro-link or loop extensions can have a profitable business. Micro-link extensions do not use any glue, clips, or wefts. Stylists attach a small section of hair with rings which are clamped down to hold the extensions in place. Micro-links last between two and three months. SUPPLIES NEEDED

Loop tool
Metal plier tool
Micro ring
Micro loop ring human hair extensions
Grooved beads

Brazilian Knots

This method of hair extensions is a safe method of installing hair extensions. These extensions require no glue nor heat. Brazilian knots are flexible, and a stylist can install them on any texture of hair. SUPPLIES NEEDED

Extensions removed off the weft
Nylon elastic thread
Rattail comb
Scissors
Rubber bands
Duckbill clips
Paddle brush

Sew-ins

Full or partial sew-ins are an excellent way to give your relaxed or natural hair a break! A sew-in which causes pain or discomfort is not the right way to install one. It's essential you find a great cosmetologist who specializes in these types of installs. Sew-ins, when installed correctly, can last for two to three months. SUPPLIES NEEDED

Private Label Extensions
Curved sewing needle
Nylon sewing thread
Jamaican castor oil
Finishing oil spray
Rattail comb
Edge control
Shampoo
Conditioner
Scissors
Weaving net
Butterfly clips
Braiding hair
Lace Frontal or closure

Find The Right Hairstylist for You

Some so many talented hair stylists are committed to their craft. They are ready to give you a look you want, and all it takes is a little research. Start by asking your friends who styled their hair and schedule a consultation with him or her. A discussion is an excellent time to express what type of style you want because your hairstylist can let you know if this is a style she or he can accomplish for you. Make sure you have your questions ready during the consultation. Also, if there is a salon you have been thinking about going to thin to go to check out their reviews on social media and their posts as well. Completing research before sitting in someone's chair can save a lot of frustration and dissatisfaction. As always, share your comments or questions below! We love hearing from you! Tag us in your posts on Instagram @privatelabelextensions to possibly get featured on our page!