How Much Can A Hairstylist Make?
This blog was written by a 2014 graduate of the Aveda Institute Winnipeg.
There are many myths about hairstyling, and one of the biggest is that you can’t make money. Like many occupations, what you put in is what you will get out! Finding a salon that suits you, supports you, and aligns with your values is so important. You are who you surround yourself with, and being in an environment of stylists who want to grow is the best place to foster a successful career.
During your first three years in the industry, there should be a strong focus on furthering your education. In university, you’re spending 3 – 4 years on a Bachelor's Degree, and as a hairstylist, you spend 9 – 12 months on your initial schooling and approximately two years as an apprentice. The difference is that as an apprentice, you are getting paid to learn!
Education should remain a focus throughout your career because it will boost your growth, allow you to stay on top of trends, build your books and eventually, increase your price point.
YEAR 1
In Manitoba, during your first year as an apprentice, you make minimum wage + 10%. I spent most weekends attending classes on haircutting, colouring, benchmarking, styling, and more. This allowed me to hone my skills and retain guests in my chair. This is why it was crucial for me to work for a company dedicated to education. They helped pay for external education expenses, and provide frequent internal education.
The company I worked for had a structured level system based on benchmarks. Going into my second year as an apprentice, because I had such a focus on my benchmarks, I was able to move up in levels.
YEAR 2
Most second year apprentices make minimum wage + 20%. Because I was able to move up, I started making commission (which was higher than minimum wage + 20%).
It's super important to note that commission is not universal. Service costs will vary at different salons. Let’s say your haircut price is $40. Salon A has a service cost of $5 on a haircut, whereas Salon B has a $10 service cost on a haircut. At Salon A you will make 50% commission on $35, and at Salon B you will make 50% commission on $30. It’s crucial you know the details on how you are getting paid. Money talk shouldn't be a dirty thing — it’s how we make a living.
My first two years of working in the industry, I definitely had doubts on if I would be able to make it. At this point, I was making around $26,000 in commission and around $4000 in tips a year. I would often hear from friends and family the myth that you will not be able to make money. However, I refused to listen. If you are committed and you focus on things like your pre-booking, retail, retention, productivity, and building relationships, you will succeed and continue to grow.
If you aren't focusing on these key things, you can't guarantee your books will be full. Having your guests take home retail and pre-booking appointments ensures they are able to recreate the amazing look you just gave them and build their trust in you. Then they will return, keeping you busy and referring their friends and family to you.
YEAR 3
In my third year being a stylist, I had my Red Seal and was fully licensed. At this point in my career, my books were filling up, I had less slow days, and I started to see an increase in my paycheques. I started to put a stronger focus on upgrading services: adding on shine treatments, conditioning treatments, haircuts to colours, etc. This increased my average service ticket and productivity, in turn, increasing my income and tips. I was able to comfortably live in an apartment and still treat myself. I started to do more international travelling for education and hair shows. I think putting aside income for education is really important. It will refresh your creativity and give you so much inspiration.
YEARS 4 – 5
After four years of being in the industry, I had a huge life change and moved to a different city. This is always something intimidating as a stylist, because without a clientele, it is hard for us to make a sustainable income. My fourth year as a stylist was spent rebuilding. This was a time for me to not only rebuild my clientele, but also set goals on where I wanted to be in the future. I was starting from square one, working part-time and making an hourly wage rather than commission. This felt like a huge setback, but because of my previous education and focus on benchmarks, I was able to build faster than when I first started, and I was able to start as a senior stylist rather than an apprentice. By the end of my fifth year working part-time, I was making roughly $31,200 and about $4,500 in tips.
YEAR 7 (TODAY)
Moving forward into my seventh year in the industry, I am still only working 26 hours a week as a master stylist, and I’m making roughly $57,200 and $13,000 in tips — even during a pandemic. I still take education whenever I can, and this has allowed me to consistently up my benchmark numbers and increase my price point. I have built up my speed and dexterity so I am able to double book my guests. I have built relationships with them and built trust, ensuring my books are full. If you break down my overall income, including tips, I make roughly $104/hour. I own my own house, a car, and I have an unhealthy addiction to Starbucks. Hairstylists can, and do, make money.
If you’re interested in taking the first step into your hairstyling career, contact us today!
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