Hair styling: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What hair styling is

A hair stylist shapes and styles hair for an event or an everyday look. Stylists use blow dryers, irons, rollers, pins and products to set hair so it looks finished and holds its shape.

Signs you need it

  • You have an event such as a dinner, a party or a meeting and want your hair to look finished
  • Your hair is hard to style at home, or you cannot get the shape you want
  • You want a blowout that lasts several days between washes
  • You are going to a photo shoot or a formal event and want the style to hold under lights
  • You want to learn a style that you can recreate at home

What the pro does

  • Looks at your hair type, length, texture and any color or treatments already in it
  • Washes and conditions your hair, or checks that it is clean and ready for styling
  • Sections the hair and works through it with brushes, a round brush or a blow dryer
  • Adds heat styling with an iron, curling tool or flat iron, with heat protection first
  • Sets the style with pins, rollers, a finishing spray or a light hold product
  • Shows you the products and steps so you can keep the style at home

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Hair length and thickness, since longer and denser hair takes more time
  • The complexity of the style, such as a simple blowout or a multi-step updo
  • Whether a wash, conditioning treatment or detangling is included
  • Whether the stylist travels to your home, a venue or a hotel
  • Whether you need a trial before a major event
  • How long the style needs to last and whether touch-ups are needed

What a written quote should spell out

  • The style, the length of hair and the time needed for the appointment
  • Whether a wash, treatment or product is included
  • Travel details, including the location and any travel fee
  • Whether a trial or consultation is included
  • The cancellation and late arrival terms

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Can I see photos of styles you have done on hair like mine?
  • What heat protection and products do you use, and are they right for my hair type?
  • How long will the style take, and how long will it last?
  • Do you wash the hair, or do I need to come in clean?
  • Can you show me how to recreate the style at home?
  • Do you offer a trial before a big event?

Red flags

  • Uses high heat without asking about your hair type or using a heat protectant
  • Will not show examples of styles on hair that is similar to yours
  • Pushes a long list of add-on products before the basic style is done
  • Does not check the scalp or hair before using tools or pins
  • No clear timing or no plan for how the style will be finished

What you can do yourself

You can keep your hair clean and dry before a style, use a heat protectant, and practice a simple blowout or curl at home. Keep a small kit with a brush, pins and a light hold spray for touch-ups. Hire a stylist when you need a complex updo, a bridal style, a long-lasting look for a big day, or a cut and style that needs a trained eye.

Licenses and permits

Hair styling is commonly covered by state cosmetology rules, and most states require a cosmetology license for paid hair work. Check with your state's cosmetology or licensing board, and ask the stylist how they are licensed for the work you want.

Hair styling questions

Should I come in with clean hair?

Ask the stylist first. Some stylists wash hair as part of the service, and others want it clean and dry. Tell them if you have used heavy products that day.

How long will a blowout last?

It depends on your hair type, humidity, sleep and how you care for it. Ask the stylist what products and habits will help the style last.

Can a stylist work on textured or curly hair?

Many stylists work on textured hair, but the skill varies. Ask to see work on hair like yours and ask how they approach dryness, shape and product.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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