Ready to become a hairstylist in Sarasota? Considering working at a community salon, franchise hair cutting provider or boutique salon and spa? Sarasota offers a burgeoning beauty and wellness community. If you are creative and like to help others build their self-esteem through hair, skin, and makeup, then becoming a cosmetologist may be the right career path for you. So, how do you become a hairstylist in Sarasota?
How Do You Become a Hairstylist in Sarasota?
An easy way to become a hairstylist in Sarasota is to complete a cosmetology program at Meridian College. Not only do you learn your new trade but cosmetologists in Florida need to be licensed to practice their trade. A prerequisite to getting a license is completing an accredited cosmetology diploma program. After graduation you are prepared for the licensing exam and your first day as a cosmetologist.
Where Can I Work as a Hairstylist in Sarasota?
There are many great places to work as a hairstylist in Sarasota. From local hair salons and haircutting franchises to some top-quality salons in Florida. Here are a few hair salons in the Sarasota area. Inquire to see if they are hiring:
The Little Salon
1776 Main St
Sarasota, FL 34236
The Little Salon is a boutique salon in Downtown Sarasota that has a concentration on hair cutting and coloring with a focus on suitability.
Inspiration Salon
126 N Orange Ave
Sarasota, FL 34236
Inspiration Salon is located in Downtown Sarasota. They offer haircuts, chemical services, hair extensions, blow dry, barber services, hair smoothing treatments and waxing services.
Spa Hollywood
5780 Swift Rd
Sarasota, FL 34231
Offering haircuts and styling since 1991. Located in Sarasota and catering to men, women, and children.
As of May 2022, the following companies are hiring hairstylists, cosmetologists, and salon assistants in the greater Sarasota area.
- LG Howard & Company
- Besame Studio LLC
- The Met Fashion House Day Spa & Salon
- Great Clips
- Nuovo Salon Group
- Sally Beauty Supply
- Blow La
- Sassy Hair on Siesta Key
- Supercuts
- JCPenney
- Christian Dior
- Key Salon & Boutique
- Fantastic Sams Cut & Color
How Do You Become a Hairstylist in Sarasota?
There are many steps to become a hairstylist in Sarasota. From graduating from cosmetology school, to getting a cosmetology license and then preparing for the job search, Meridian College is with you every step of the way.
Step #1: Graduate from Cosmetology School
The first step in the process of becoming a hairstylist in Sarasota is to attend and graduate from Meridian College. We offer a cosmetology program that can be completed in as little as 10 months, attending full-time. To supplement your classroom lectures, we offer hands-on experience cutting and styling the hair of mannequins, fellow classmates, and real customers in our student run salon. You will learn the latest techniques in hairstyling, cutting, coloring, facials, makeup, and nail care. We offer small class sizes, so you get one-on-one attention from industry experienced instructors.
Step #2: Get Cosmetology License
In order to work as a hairstylist in Sarasota, you must hold a cosmetology license from the State of Florida’s Department of Business & Professional Regulation. They administer an examination to cosmetology applicants, who have completed at least 1,200 hours in a cosmetology program.
The exam has two parts, written theory and written clinical. Each part is administered with 65 questions and must be completed within the 2-hour time limit. The written theory portion of the exam focuses on general safety and sanitation procedures, client services, facials, makeup and hair removal, manicuring and pedicuring, and professional, legal, and ethical laws and rules. The written clinical portion of the exam focuses on hair coloring, hair lightening, permanent waving and chemical relaxing, scalp and hair care, hair cutting, hair shaping, and hair styling.
Step #3: Find a Job at a Sarasota Salon or Spa
At Meridian College, we also support you on your job search. We help you build an eye-catching resume, prepare you for interviews, help you build an album of hairstyles and haircuts you are proud of from your time in the classroom, and identify the right job for your passion. We have ties to the Sarasota community and find out about opportunities for cosmetologists and hairstylists directly from employers. Salon owners know that graduates of Meridian College are fully prepared to start working on day one and have the qualities and skills they are looking for in a hairstylist.
What Do You Learn During a Cosmetology School?
Cosmetology school is a great place to learn about hairstyling, hair cutting, hair coloring, facials, mani-pedis, and makeup application. Below is a description of each class that is offered at Meridian College:
Haircutting
Instructors help you master haircutting techniques for different clients including women, men, and children. Whether you are creating a fade for men, an updo for women or faux hawk for children, you learn the many techniques needed to create personalized styles for your clients. In addition to lectures on hair theory, you will work in a student run salon helping real clients. During this hands-on experience, you use the actual hair care tools and equipment that you will use in a real salon or spa. This will help you build confidence in your skills and help clients trust your hair related decisions.
Hairstyling
During your cosmetology training, you will learn effective hairstyling techniques. Whether you want to recreate celebrity hairstyles or use your creativity to create a personalized hairstyle that fits your client’s facial attributes. You will become proficient in popular styling techniques, including blowout services, updos, hair extensions, and braids. You will also learn how to use many styling products like pomades, sprays, and mousse. All throughout the cosmetology program, there will be an instructor to mentor you about hairstyling and offer a wealth of information from their formidable experience.
Hair Coloring
Your hair coloring training starts with proper chemical handling and safety as advised by OSHA. When handling chemicals and hazardous waste, there are certain protocols to keep everyone safe. You will learn how to use, store, mix and dispose of hair coloring chemicals and follow OSHA protocols and guidelines. After mastering the management of hair coloring chemicals, you will learn how to create highlights, lowlights, single foils, cap highlights, and retouch hair.
Facials
Facials are taught in cosmetology classes, allowing you to offer additional services in a salon or spa setting. Whether dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, or chemical peel, you will learn the proper technique to provide facials for clients to improve skin health, unclog pores, and exfoliate their skin.
Mani-Pedi
An additional service you can offer clients after graduating from a cosmetology program are manicures and pedicures. You will learn the different techniques of massage, hot wax treatment, nail shaping, nail art and general foot hygiene. There are many tools that you will become familiar with during the cosmetology program, and you will build your confidence as you offer real clients, manicures, and pedicures in the student run salon.
Makeup
It can be difficult for the average person to create professional makeup styles, so you will get expert instruction from the cosmetology instructors on how to use makeup, how to clean the skin before and after applying makeup, and some unique techniques to offer clients a personalized look.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to become a hairstylist in Sarasota, it is time to learn more about Meridian College. We help you learn your new craft and support you with career services to find the job that matches your knowledge and skills. You bring the passion, and we will supply you with the tools and techniques to become a successful hairstylist.
Want to Learn More?
Are you ready to enjoy the many opportunities available in cosmetology? Meridian College offers a Cosmetology training program in Florida that prepares you to deliver high–quality beauty and hair services to both men and women. Their hands–on Cosmetology training program gives you the skills you need to start an exciting career and become a leader in the beauty industry.
Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a cosmetologist.