Here at Peak Beauty Academy, our mission for our students is crystal clear: Enroll, Educate, Graduate, Succeed. We’re all about nurturing engaged students like you, guiding you through the ins and outs of the beauty industry, and setting you up for a smashing success in your career. It’s not just about getting a diploma; it’s about creating a sustainable, satisfying, and downright fabulous career path.
The thing is, this mission is not exclusive to becoming a successful hair stylist or barber, which seems to be the obvious career path, there are so many other exciting careers that can be pursued. Some of these can be side hustles to a career as a stylist, others can take you on a whole new adventure!
Some students may want to pursue these paths right out of our program, others may transition at a later time, either way, we highly encourage students to complete their journeyman apprenticeship with the government of Alberta first.
So with no further ado, here are 20 hairstylist careers that will have you loving your future like never before:
1. Hair Stylist/Barber
As a stylist or barber, you will work directly with consumers to bring their desired looks to life. Within this career path, there are endless opportunities to niche in specific services and work under a multitude of business models from independent contracting to commission or team-based pay structures.
2. Color Specialist
Dive into the colorful world of hair color and create masterpieces that would make even Picasso jealous. Whether it’s creating natural highlights or bold fashion shades, having a niche color specialty can help make your mark in the beauty industry.
3. Texture Specialist
Much like a color specialist, texture is another high-demand niche you may want to consider. Embrace the beauty of every hair type and texture, from sleek straight styles to bouncy curls. With your expertise and knowledge, you’ll have clients falling in love with their natural hair all over again.
4. Wig and Hairpiece Specialist
Because everyone deserves a good hair day, even if it’s not their own. Whether it’s for fashion, fun, or necessity, you’ll be the go-to guru for custom wigs and hairpieces that look and feel like the real deal. Working with clients who love to change their look or patients who suffer from hair loss, you will truly transform someone’s life!
5. Loctician
These professional hairstylists specialize in creating the hairstyle made famous by the rise of the 1960s Rastafari movement in Jamaica and made particularly famous by musician Bob Marley. A dreadlock professional or loctician is responsible for: The guidance and preparation of a client’s hair to create dreadlocks.
6. Salon Manager
Picture yourself as the captain of a stylish ship, navigating through the choppy waters of scheduling conflicts and inventory management. Your mission? To ensure that every client leaves the salon feeling pampered and fabulous, while also keeping the team motivated and on point. It’s not for the faint of heart, but the reward of helping others create fulfilling careers making people feel great about themselves is a feeling like no other!
7. Freelance Stylist
This style of work offers the ultimate flexibility but be prepared to be on the go, it takes hustle and personal accountability. Whether it’s styling models for a photoshoot or glamming up brides for their big day, you’re a vital asset to bringing the glam to your clients’ doorsteps, wherever that may be. This career may lead to some amazing travel destinations.
8. Platform Artist
Step into the spotlight and dazzle audiences with your hair mastery. As a platform artist, you’re not just showcasing hairstyles – you’re inspiring the next generation of stylists with your skills, charisma, and larger-than-life personality. Often working with or for product brands around the country or internationally.
9. Session Stylist
Lights, camera, hairspray! Much like a platform artist only working behind the scenes, you will make every photoshoot a masterpiece whether it’s high-fashion editorials or glamorous red carpet events, you’ll be the secret weapon behind every stunning shot.
10. Theater
Transform actors into characters with your magical hair-touching skills. Whether it’s creating period hairstyles or over-the-top fantasy looks, you’ll be an essential part of bringing the production to life. Makeup is a great skill addition for this career.
11. Educator/Trainer
Share your passion for hairstyling with eager learners and watch them blossom into beauty superstars. From teaching the basics to unveiling advanced techniques, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing your students grow and succeed under your guidance.
12. Product Sales Representative
Work with a distributor to help salons stay stocked and up to date with the latest trends and brands that will fit their companies. A hairstyling license will help you connect on a deeper level with a broader understanding of salon needs, leading to successful sales for you and your customers. This career often offers some flexibility and travel possibilities.
13. Beauty Consultant
Help consumer clients find their perfect beauty care products. With your expert advice and personalized recommendations, you will captivate your clients and slay sales with the ultimate beauty routines.
14. Image Consultant
Someone’s image is so much more than just hair – transform lives with your expert eye for style. Whether it’s a complete makeover or a subtle change, you’ll have clients strutting with newfound confidence and swagger with complete image consulting. Image consultants can serve clients all over the world with digital consultations to local/on-site wardrobe and image overhauls.
15. Cosmetology Instructor
Mold the minds of future beauty legends and watch them soar to new heights under your guidance. Whether it’s teaching the latest techniques or sharing industry insights, there’s nothing more rewarding than empowering the next generation of stylists.
16. Mortuary Cosmetologist
Bring comfort and dignity to grieving families by ensuring their loved ones look their best for their final farewell. With your expert touch and attention to detail, you’ll help create a peaceful and respectful atmosphere during a difficult time.
17. Product Development Specialist
Mix potions and lotions like a mad scientist and revolutionize the beauty industry. Whether it’s creating groundbreaking formulas or improving existing products, your expertise and innovation could shape the future of hair care.
18. Hair Care Blogger/Influencer
Take your passion for hair to the digital realm and become an online sensation. From tutorials to product reviews, your followers will hang on your every word, eager to learn your secrets to hair perfection. Work with brands or create your own, you will earn a living through sponsorships and content creation! This career path pairs perfectly with photography/videography courses.
19. Beauty Writer
A beauty writer creates articles and blog posts for beauty magazines, fashion publications, marketing agencies, and industry blogs. This career requires a thorough knowledge of cosmetology products and the ability to write professionally, an extensive knowledge of trends in hair, skin, makeup, and beauty. Travel is also often a part of the job, but you can do a lot digitally now.
20. Cruise Ships/Resort Stylists
Set sail and make money while you travel the world! Whether it’s poolside blowouts or elegant updos for formal dinners, you’ll bring a touch of glamour to every corner of the ship. Or keep your feet on the ground and work at a resort in your dream destination! You will get to meet people from all over the world!
