What are the pro's and con's of being a hair stylist? Please only people in the industry answer :)?

I am looking into cosmetology schools and thinking about a career change. I know every job has things about it that make it suck! I Would like perspective of people who have been in the industry and not random people.What are the pro's and con's of being a hair stylist? Please only people in the industry answer :)?
I've worked as a stylist for several years,tried some additional careers and have decided to go back into hair. Here is my list of pro and cons.





I don't have much college education and I need a job that pays pretty good. If you have other interests, hair salons are a good place for creative people to work. Depending on the salon, the hours can be flexible, you can wear your hair trendy, you can dress trendy. Most


mid-range salons are closed on Sunday and Monday, so you have two days off together. The hours aren't crazy where you have a quick turn around. For the most part, I think stylist get a little more respect than some other trade workers. If you are good at what you do you can get tons of referrals.





Cons: You need to bank your money when times are good for when business slows down, so does your income. This profession attracts all kinds of people, some, not so good.What are the pro's and con's of being a hair stylist? Please only people in the industry answer :)?
i've been doing hair for 10 years and its had its ups and downs just like any other career. right now because of the economy, i'm barely scraping by. people arent spending money on themselves like they used to so theyre coloring their hair at home, having a friend do it, etc. so its been rough. you make your money in this business doing chemical services not haircuts all day long.


anyway, aside from that, i still love what i do. if you work in a salon its kick back and when business is good you can make a lot of money. one thing ive noticed thats hard to deal with is other hairstylists! LOL. we're creative people and if you get a bunch of them together it can either be lots of fun or pure hell! for the most part, ive been lucky to work with some great people.


as far as clients go, if youre a people person (or can at least fake it good like i do!) then this is the business for you.


if you do decide to go to cosmo school remember that school is very different from actually working in a salon. they teach you enough to pass your state board test and thats pretty much it. i would suggest assisting or starting out at a supercuts or fantastic sams where you can get more education before you get your own booth. i assisted, then worked at supercuts for a year before i went out on my own and it really helped me alot.


good luck:)