13 Careers You can Have as a Licensed Hair Designer

Are you passionate about hair, style, and helping people feel their best? If so, becoming a licensed hair designer could open the door to a world of exciting career opportunities. At Taylor Andrews Academy, we prepare students with the skills, confidence, and creativity to succeed in the beauty industry. But what exactly can you do once you’ve earned your cosmetology license? Let’s explore the many paths available to licensed hair designers.

1. Salon Stylist

The most common career path for a licensed hair designer is working as a stylist in a salon. This role allows you to:

Cut, color, and style hair for a variety of clients
Build lasting client relationships
Keep up with the latest trends and techniques
Earn tips in addition to a base salary

Working in a salon offers a balance of creativity and interpersonal connection. Stylists often specialize in services such as coloring, balayage, extensions, or textured hair care. Over time, you may build a loyal clientele that allows for a thriving, independent career.

2. Barbershop and Men’s Grooming Specialist

While barbering is technically a separate license in some states, many hair designers also work in men’s grooming. This career focuses on:

Classic and modern haircuts for men
Beard trims, shaves, and grooming services
Styling hair with pomades and clays
Providing expert advice on hair care products for men

Men’s grooming has been experiencing a boom in popularity, with specialized barbershops growing in cities across the country. For hair designers who enjoy precision cutting and working with male clients, this is an excellent path.

3. Freelance Hair Designer / Independent Contractor

Freelancing allows hair designers to work on their own schedule and take on projects that match their interests. This could include:

Weddings, proms, and special events
Photo shoots and editorial work
Working with fashion shows or runway events
Collaborating with makeup artists and stylists

Freelance work offers flexibility and the chance to create a portfolio that showcases your unique style. It does require networking, self-marketing, and managing your own schedule, but for creative professionals, it can be highly rewarding.

4. Salon or Spa Owner

Some hair designers take their careers a step further by opening their own salons or spas. As a salon owner, you’ll not only provide hair services but also:

Manage business operations, including finances and staff
Set the tone for your salon’s culture and service standards
Market your salon to attract new clients
Expand services to include nails, skincare, or other beauty treatments

Owning a salon gives you the freedom to create a brand and a business that reflects your values and creativity. While it comes with challenges, many hair designers find salon ownership to be the ultimate career goal.

5. Hair Color Specialist / Colorist

Coloring hair is one of the most specialized and in-demand skills in the beauty industry. A hair color specialist focuses on:

Techniques like balayage, highlights, lowlights, and ombré
Corrective coloring for clients who need color adjustments
Maintaining hair health during chemical treatments
Staying up-to-date on the latest color trends and products

Many stylists choose to further their education in color theory and advanced techniques to become sought-after colorists. These specialists often command higher rates for their expertise.

6. Hair Extension and Texture Expert

Hair extensions and textured hair care have seen explosive growth in recent years. Hair designers in this field may specialize in:

Installing and maintaining extensions such as tape-ins, sew-ins, and keratin bonds
Caring for curly, coily, or textured hair types
Braiding and protective styles
Providing consultation on hair care and product use

This niche allows you to cater to a wide range of clients and develop a strong reputation as an expert in hair health and styling techniques.

7. Educator or Trainer

If you enjoy teaching, becoming an educator can be a fulfilling career. Hair designers can work as:

Instructors at beauty schools or academies
Brand educators for hair product companies
Workshop leaders and continuing education providers

Educators share their knowledge, mentor new stylists, and help shape the next generation of hair designers. This path also opens opportunities for travel and speaking engagements in the beauty community.

8. Platform Artist / Hair Show Stylist

For highly creative hair designers, the stage is a way to showcase artistry and gain recognition. Platform artists often:

Demonstrate new techniques at hair shows, expos, and competitions
Collaborate with brands for promotional events
Inspire other professionals with cutting-edge styles and trends
Build personal branding and social media following

Platform work requires skill, confidence, and a flair for performance. It’s a high-profile career path for those who want to make a name in the industry.

9. Hair Product Specialist / Consultant

Hair designers who love products can turn their expertise into a career in hair care consulting. Opportunities include:

Working with salons to select products for clients and stylists
Educating clients on hair care routines and product use
Collaborating with beauty brands to develop or market products

Consulting combines technical knowledge with business insight, making it ideal for hair designers who enjoy problem-solving and helping others achieve their best hair.

10. Film, TV, and Theater Stylist

Hair designers can work behind the scenes in entertainment industries. This career involves:

Styling actors for film, television, and theater productions
Creating period-accurate or fantasy hairstyles
Collaborating with costume designers, makeup artists, and directors
Working on tight schedules in fast-paced environments

Entertainment styling is highly competitive, but it can be a dream career for hair designers who love creativity, storytelling, and high-energy work environments.

11. Bridal and Event Hair Specialist

Weddings and special events are a steady source of work for hair designers. As a bridal stylist, you would:

Consult with brides and wedding parties on hair design
Travel to event locations for on-site styling
Coordinate with makeup artists and photographers
Build repeat business through referrals

Event styling allows hair designers to combine technical skill with personalized client service. Many stylists find this path rewarding because they help clients look and feel their best on important occasions.

12. Social Media Influencer / Content Creator

In today’s digital age, licensed hair designers can build careers by sharing expertise online. This may include:

Creating tutorials, product reviews, and hairstyle inspiration
Collaborating with brands for sponsored content
Engaging followers on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
Hosting virtual classes or webinars

Social media provides a platform to showcase talent, connect with a global audience, and create additional income streams. For tech-savvy, creative stylists, this is a dynamic way to grow a personal brand.

13. Specialty Services Provider

Hair designers can also carve out niche services to differentiate themselves. Examples include:

Scalp treatments and hair restoration services
Afro-textured hair care and braiding
Hair extensions and wigs for medical hair loss
Curly hair and natural hair care expertise

Specialty services often come with higher rates, dedicated clients, and the opportunity to become a recognized expert in a specific area of hair design.

How Taylor Andrews Academy Prepares You for These Careers

At Taylor Andrews Academy, students receive hands-on training and industry knowledge to excel in these career paths. Our programs cover:

Hair cutting, coloring, and styling techniques
Professional salon etiquette and client consultation
Business skills for freelancers and salon owners
Continuing education to stay current with trends and innovations

Graduates leave our academy confident, licensed, and ready to pursue their dream career in the beauty industry.

The Benefits of Becoming a Licensed Hair Designer

Becoming a licensed hair designer offers:

Flexibility: Choose your schedule, workplace, and specialization
Creativity: Express your artistic talent every day
Job security: Skilled hair designers are always in demand
Financial opportunities: Build your career, increase your rates, or open your own business
Personal fulfillment: Help clients feel confident and beautiful

No matter which career path you choose, a license in hair design provides the foundation for success, growth, and creativity.

Ready to Become a Hair Designer?

A career as a licensed hair designer offers more than just a job—it’s a chance to turn your passion into a fulfilling and versatile career. From salon work and freelance projects to education, entertainment, and social media influence, the opportunities are endless.

At Taylor Andrews Academy, we’re here to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in the beauty industry. Whether your dream is to cut and color hair, create stunning bridal looks, or become a platform artist, your journey starts with proper education and hands-on experience.

Take the first step toward your career as a licensed hair designer today—contact us and start shaping your future in the beauty industry.