KEY TAKEAWAYS: For beauty pros who want to become hairstylists for celebrities, there are a few key steps to take and things to know that can help them achieve their goal. From receiving a proper education to embracing a traveling lifestyle, you can set yourself up for success by following the tips below.
The beauty industry is home to a vast number of specialties, personalities, and dreams. One beauty professional might envision opening a small shop in their hometown, while another dreams of Hollywood fame. It is this diversity and unique individuality that make life as a beauty pro so exciting.
If you fall into the latter category and have big goals of becoming a celebrity hairstylist, you’re not alone. The glamor, innovation, and lifestyle are appealing to many aspiring beauty pros, leading to one potent question: “Can I be a hairstylist for a celebrity?”
The short answer is, “yes!” Read on to find out how you can achieve your dream of becoming a celebrity hairstylist.
How Can You Be a Hairstylist for a Celebrity?
If you are interested in becoming a hairstylist who works with celebrities, you’ll want to know how to get started, the earning potential of your career choice, the lifestyle you’ll be exposed to, and more.
Thankfully, there are many beauty pros who have taken this path, and it’s a totally achievable goal for motivated, ambitious hairstylists. From establishing a strong foundation in the industry to learning from beauty pros who have been there, you can set yourself up for success with the following information and tips.
How to Become a Celebrity Hairstylist
The idea of being a celebrity hairstylist may seem daunting. After all, you would be working with famous people who are often in the public eye. Talk about a big deal!
In truth, there is no need to put undue pressure on yourself or your aspirations. By simply giving your all to becoming the best hairstylist you can be, you position yourself to pursue your dreams. You don’t need to be intimidated by the status of the people you may end up working with.
Attend Beauty School and Get Licensed
Your celebrity hairstylist journey begins with education. Find a reputable program that will teach you the fundamentals of the industry, fulfill the requirements of your state, and set you up for professional success. You should also train under an experienced hairstylist who can guide you through the early phases of your career.
Once you have completed your beauty school program, you should get licensed in your state. Different states have different requirements, so be sure to prepare accordingly!
Gain Experience, Refine Your Skills, and Build Your Career
Very few professionals become superstars as soon as they graduate from their program. For most beauty pros, it takes time to work your way up the ladder and become the very best version of yourself. Then, opportunities come knocking.
In other words, it’s essential to work hard, gain hands-on experience by working in professional settings (even if you work for yourself), focus on refining your skills, continue to expand your educational knowledge, and build a successful career as a hairstylist.
"I started out assisting behind a chair, and that led me to a career in fashion, beauty, runway, editorial, print, TV, film, celebrity work, and education, which is now my main passion."
~ Stacy Ciceron, Celebrity Hairstylist & Educator
As you improve as a hairstylist and an industry professional, you will set yourself up to take that next step into a niche specialty; in your case, working with celebrities!
Network, Network, Network
With the specific goal of working as a celebrity hairstylist, you’re going to need to put yourself in certain circles so that you can work your way toward your dream job. This means focusing on networking and building connections with people who are doing the work you want to do.
Form relationships with stylists, entertainment industry professionals, photographers, and anyone else who may be involved with or adjacent to the work of celebrity beauty. To do this, you may have to take jobs or training positions you are overqualified for, attend industry events, and otherwise invest some of your time and energy into rubbing the right shoulders.
These genuine relationships will eventually lead to opportunities in the industry you want to make your world.
How Much Do Celebrity Hairstylists Make?
The question that tends to immediately follow, “Can I be a hairstylist for a celebrity?” is “How much can I get paid?”
This is a fair progression for any aspiring celebrity hairstylist, but the answer is anything but clear. As a beginner in the world of celebrity hairstylists, you might make as little as $25,000 a year. On the other hand, some of the premier hairstylists for celebrities make upwards of six figures. Talk about a range of potential incomes!
The most important factors that will determine your income as a celebrity hairstylist are your location, your experience, and your client list.
The Lifestyle of a Celebrity Hairstylist
If you dream of a laidback, casual lifestyle where you run a quaint salon and know everyone in your community by name, you should probably avoid becoming a hairstylist for a celebrity. Hairstylists in this industry face demanding work hours, busy travel schedules, chaotic environments, and unpredictable requests.
The art of the consultation helps build both regular and celebrity male clientele: "Being able to communicate with clients is key."
~ Kristan Serafino, Celebrity Stylist & Men's Groomer
For those who like to challenge themselves, push the limits of creativity, and live a fast-paced life, becoming a celebrity hairstylist can be incredibly rewarding.
Interviews with Celebrity Hairstylists
For in-depth insight into the career of celebrity hairstylists, check out our exclusive interviews with two highly successful hairstylists!
Stacy Ciceron: As a successful natural hair specialist, brand ambassador, and educator, Stacy Ciceron has been working in the beauty industry for over 25 years. Her business, The Stacey Ciceron Studio, is a testament to her hard work and dedication to excellence.
Kristan Serafino: As a celebrity hair stylist and men's groomer, Kristan Serafino has an impressive client list with stars like Ryan Reynolds, Shawn Mendes, Matthew McConaughy and Norman Reedus, to name a few.
Hairstylist Liability Insurance
At Elite Beauty Society, we support all beauty pros, from hometown heroes to celebrity bigshots. Whether you're in-training to become a celebrity hairstylist or already working with the stars, hairstylist liability insurance is a must-have!
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