Turns out, becoming a stylist in Nigeria is pretty straightforward. All you need is the right training, and skills. The best part is, the demand for stylists is huge right now, so you’ll have job security and the potential to earn good money.
This guide will walk you through exactly how to become a Hairstylist in Nigeria and how to get started in this exciting career. Read on to learn more!
Who Is a Hairstylist?
A hairstylist, is a beauty professional who cuts, colors, styles, and treats people’s hair.
As a stylist, your job is to help clients look and feel their best. You’ll cut, color, highlight, straighten or curl hair based on your clients’ needs and desires. To become a great stylist, you need to stay up-to-date with the latest hairstyle trends and cutting techniques.
Some important skills for Hairstylists include:
- Dexterity – Working with hair requires delicate and precise hand movements. Stylists should have good hand-eye coordination and finger dexterity.
- Technical cutting and coloring skills – You’ll receive training at a cosmetology school, but you must keep up with trends through continuing education.
- Communication ability – You’ll consult with clients to determine their needs, explain options and provide recommendations. You must listen well and make clients feel at ease.
- Creativity – Stylists need to visualize how different cuts, colors and styles will look on clients. You’ll make recommendations based on clients’ hair texture, face shape and lifestyle.
- Interpersonal skills – Strong communication and listening skills are essential. You’ll need to consult with clients, understand their needs and make recommendations. Building a loyal client base depends on your ability to provide good customer service.
- Knowledge of products – Stylists must be very familiar with the hair products, tools and equipment they work with. You’ll need to know how hair reacts to heat, chemicals and different treatments in order to properly care for your clients’ hair.
- Adaptability – Styles are constantly changing, so you must keep up with trends to meet clients’ demands. You may need to switch between different services quickly.
- Physical stamina – Standing for long periods and using chemicals and tools can be tiring. You must maintain a high energy level to provide the best service.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced, creative career and enjoy working with people, becoming a Hairstylist could be very rewarding. With the right skills and dedication, you’ll have happy clients and a successful business.
Education and Training Requirements to Become a Hairstylist in Nigeria
To become a Hairstylist in Nigeria, you’ll need to complete the following education and training:
Formal Education: While not always required, completing secondary school can provide a good foundation. Some salons may prefer candidates with a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Apprenticeship: Gain on-the-job experience through an apprenticeship at a salon. Apprenticeships typically last 2-5 years. You’ll work under an experienced stylist while honing your skills.
Continuing Education: Take regular classes to stay up-to-date with the latest styles and techniques. Most states require a certain number of hours of continuing ed for license renewal.
Skills and Knowledge: Develop expertise in areas like cutting, coloring, perming, extensions, and styling. Stay on top of trends in colors, cuts, hair care products, and styling tools. Build strong customer service and communication skills.
Professional Associations: Joining a professional association can help you network and advance your career.
How To Become a Hairstylist in Nigeria
To become a Hairstylist in Nigeria, here are the basic steps:
Find An Apprenticeship
Gain on-the-job experience through an apprenticeship program, usually lasting 1-2 years. Work under an experienced stylist while honing your skills and building your portfolio. Some salons offer paid apprenticeship programs.
Continuously Improve Your Skills
Take additional courses or pursue certifications in areas like coloring, extensions, natural hair care, or barbering to keep your skills and knowledge up-to-date. Stay on top of the latest trends and techniques in the industry. Consider joining professional organizations that provide education and networking opportunities.
Market Your Services
Create a professional website or social media profiles to help promote your business. Offer current and potential clients special promotions and discounts. Build your clientele through referrals, word-of-mouth marketing, and a great customer experience.
With the right training, experience, skill, dedication and marketing, you can build a successful career as a Hairstylist in Nigeria. Keep practicing, stay up-to-date with trends, and never stop learning!
Build Your Hairstyling Portfolio
Building a strong portfolio of your work is key to landing clients as a Hairstylist. Here are the steps to create a hair styling portfolio:
Practice on Friends and Family
Ask friends and family members if you can style their hair for free. This allows you to improve your skills and take photos of your work. Make sure to get their permission to include the photos in your portfolio.
Focus on a Style or Two
Choose one or two styles, cuts or color techniques to focus on in your portfolio. This could be updos, balayage coloring or precision cuts. Build your portfolio around the specific areas you want to specialize in. Having a niche will make you more appealing to potential clients.
Take High Quality Photos
Invest in a good camera and lighting equipment to take professional photos of your work. Close-up shots showing the details of your cuts, styles and coloring techniques are most effective. Make sure the photos are clear, well-lit, and showcase your skills.
Create a Website
Start a simple website to display your portfolio photos, experience, credentials, and contact information. Many free or low-cost website builders like Wix, Weebly or WordPress offer templates for Hairstylists and salons. Your website gives you an online presence and allows potential clients to view your work.
Continually Add New Photos
Keep taking photos of your latest and best work to add to your portfolio and website. Update your portfolio at least every few months to show how you are improving your skills and staying on trend with the latest styles. An up-to-date portfolio demonstrates your passion for the craft.
What is the difference between a hairdresser and Hairstylist?
The terms hairdresser and Hairstylist are often used interchangeably, but there are some key differences in their roles and responsibilities.
A hairdresser typically provides basic hair services like trims, cuts, and styling. They focus on the technical aspects of cutting and styling hair based on a client’s requests. Hairdressers usually work in salons, barbershops or spas and help clients achieve a desired hairstyle for their hair type and lifestyle.
On the other hand, a Hairstylist is a hair expert who stays on the cutting edge of trends in the hair industry. They are artists who aim to enhance a client’s natural beauty and complement their unique features. Hairstylists often have additional training in color techniques, extensions, and treatments. They make recommendations based on a client’s face shape, skin tone, and lifestyle. Stylists strive to create a customized look for each client to make them feel confident.
In summary, while a hairdresser and Hairstylist may provide some similar services, a stylist typically has more advanced skills and aims to create a personalized experience for clients. They keep up with the latest styles, coloring techniques, and beauty trends to ensure their clients walk away satisfied and feeling their very best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most asked questions about becoming a Hairstylist in Nigeria
Do I need any qualifications to become a Hairstylist?
While formal qualifications are not always required, completing a recognized hair styling course can help you gain valuable skills and experience. Many salons prefer candidates with a certificate and experience.
How long does it take to become a Hairstylist?
The time it takes to become a Hairstylist depends on the specific path you choose. Attending a short hair styling course at a beauty school can take 3-6 months. Earning a certificate or associate’s degree in cosmetology usually takes about a year. Gaining experience through an apprenticeship program typically takes 2-3 years.
How much do Hairstylists earn in Nigeria?
Hairstylists in Nigeria earn between ₦50,000 to ₦200,000 per month on average. Exact pay will depend on factors like location, experience, qualifications, and whether you work for a salon or are self-employed. Many experienced, highly skilled Hairstylists, especially those with celebrity clients, earn significantly more.
Conclusion
So now you have the key steps to get started as a Hairstylist in Nigeria. It will take hard work, passion, and the willingness to continuously improve your craft. But if you have the motivation and dedication, you absolutely can build a successful career making people look and feel their best.
At the end of the day, that’s really what it’s all about using your skills to boost confidence and brighten someone’s day. The money, reputation, and everything else will follow