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Hair Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Educates clients on LifeSpa and Salon products, services, and treatments to assist them in maintaining their style * Serves as an expert in hair analysis, maintenance regimens while staying current ...

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Hair Assistant information

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How much do hair assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for hair assistant in Reston, VA is $14.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.74 and $16.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is the Job of a Hair Assistant?

A hair assistant works in a salon under the supervision of a hairstylist. Your duties as a hair assistant are to help the hairstylist style their client, greet incoming clients, maintain the cleanliness of the salon, mix shampoo and other hair products, and assist with other service offerings. Most hair assistants start with this career with the intention of eventually moving up to a hairstylist with a license and full stylist responsibilities, so you can use this position to learn everything you can about the job and develop the necessary skills to become a fully trained solo stylist.

What do hair assistants do?

Hair assistants support hairstylists by preparing clients, cleaning tools, and maintaining the salon environment. They may also shampoo hair, apply treatments, and assist with styling, often gaining experience to become licensed stylists.

What is the difference between Hair Assistant vs Hair Stylist?

AspectHair AssistantHair Stylist
CredentialsBasic cosmetology license, on-the-job trainingLicensed cosmetologist, advanced training
Work EnvironmentSalons, salons, assisting senior stylistsSalons, independent practices, freelance
Job ResponsibilitiesPreparing tools, shampooing, assisting stylistsCutting, coloring, styling, client consultations

Hair Assistants support stylists by handling preparatory tasks and client care, while Hair Stylists perform the full range of styling services. The role of a Hair Assistant is often a stepping stone toward becoming a licensed Hair Stylist, requiring less experience but offering valuable industry exposure.

How much do assistant stylists get paid?

Assistant stylists in the hair industry typically earn between $10 and $15 per hour, with some earning higher based on experience, location, and salon prestige. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants or those working in high-end salons can earn more, often supplemented by tips.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Hair Assistant in a busy salon?

Hair Assistants play a vital support role in a salon, with daily tasks that often include shampooing and conditioning clients' hair, preparing workstations, sanitizing tools, managing laundry, and assisting stylists during color or treatment applications. They also help with scheduling, greeting clients, and ensuring the salon environment remains clean and organized. Working closely with stylists and clients, Hair Assistants gain hands-on experience and learn salon operations, which can lead to advanced roles as they develop their technical and customer service skills.

How much should you tip on $250 hair service?

For a hair assistant, tipping 15-20% of the service cost is standard, so on a $250 hair service, a tip of $37.50 to $50 is appropriate. Tipping practices can vary based on service quality and location, but this range is generally accepted in the industry. Providing a tip reflects appreciation for the stylist's work and can support good customer service relationships.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hair Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hair Assistant, you need basic knowledge of hair care, sanitation protocols, shampooing, and blow-drying techniques, typically acquired through a cosmetology program or on-the-job training. Familiarity with salon tools, hair products, and appointment scheduling systems is often required. Strong customer service, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently as part of a team are standout soft skills. These abilities are essential for maintaining client satisfaction, ensuring salon hygiene, and supporting the overall workflow of busy salon environments.

Do you need a license to be a hairstylist assistant?

In most regions, a license is not required to work as a hairstylist assistant, but some states or countries may have specific requirements or certifications. Typically, assistants learn on the job and may pursue cosmetology licenses if they plan to become licensed hairstylists in the future.

What are Hair Assistants?

Hair Assistants are entry-level professionals in salons who support hairstylists and colorists with a variety of tasks. Their duties typically include shampooing and conditioning clients' hair, sweeping and cleaning work areas, preparing tools and products, and sometimes assisting with basic styling or color application under supervision. Hair Assistants help keep the salon running smoothly and gain valuable experience that can lead to becoming a licensed hairstylist. This role is an important stepping stone for those pursuing a career in the beauty industry.
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Hair Color Bar Assistant, Licensed Cosmetologist

Hair Color Bar Assistant, Licensed Cosmetologist

Madison Reed

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$26 - $27/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 hours ago


Madison Reed rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 39 rated hair and beauty


Job description

Hair Color Bar Assistant, Licensed Cosmetologist

The Hair Color Bar Assistant at Madison Reed Hair Color Bar supports the Licensed Colorists and Shift Lead to provide a seamless guest experience from arrival to departure as you learn the services and work towards your next role. You love beauty and hair color, and you pride yourself on helping guests find the best color for them and executing their service with perfection.

The Madison Reed Hair Color Bar Assistant is the expert on Madison Reed consultations, hair care products, shampooing and conditioning, blowout services, unlimited roots membership program and subscriptions while learning and practicing services offered. Learning how to connect with guests and fellow team members to foster a focused and friendly work environment, meet the demands of a busy day, keeping the environment clean and organized while building relationships and supporting each other, the Hair Color Bar Assistant is in training for promotion to Licensed Colorist. #livelifecolorfully

This role reports to the Manager, can be full or part time depending on business needs and requires availability at peak times to best serve our guest needs.

At Madison Reed, we aim to pay competitively. Compensation for this role consists of base hourly pay, commissions, and tips. Potential earnings for this location range from $26 - $27 per hour. Actual compensation contingent on factors including Hair Color Bar performance, tenure, and time behind the chair.

Responsibilities:
  • Demonstrate and develop teamwork skills to provide a guest experience aligned with our values of Love, Joy, Trust, Courage and Responsibility.
  • Perform behind-the-chair services such as assisting in finishing services and shampooing and conditioning services, styling, blowouts, hot tool styling, treatment and toner services, and add on product application per guest request.
  • Contribute to achieving monthly sales goals and other key performance indicators, including but not limited to: retail sales, services, memberships.
  • Ensure Hair Color Bar meets company standards as it relates to cleanliness, merchandising, inventory, company asset security.
  • Adhere to protocols regarding Madison Reed systems, policies, processes and procedures.
  • Drive Hair Color Bar revenue through increasing the average service ticket through additional services, sales of unlimited roots memberships, subscriptions, home hair care and more.
  • Take a proactive approach by demonstrating the willingness to learn and complete the Assistant
  • Colorist to Colorist Training including mastering color theory and developing behind the chair application skills to grow your career within Madison Reed

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this position, team members will regularly stand, walk for four plus consecutive hours; repetitive and regular bending and twisting at the waist; manipulating fingers and hands, bend and reach wrists and arms, reach with hands and arms or move up to ten pounds. May occasionally sit, kneel, stoop, crouch, and lift, push, pull up to ten pounds. Additionally, team members will communicate regularly with guests via ongoing conversations and consultations.

Qualifications:
  • Active cosmetology license in the state in which you are applying.
  • Entry level experience in any customer service or retail sales environment; salon or beauty industry experience preferred.
  • Effective communication, strong problem solving and people skills, in a fast-paced retail or salon environment.
  • Comfortable operating point of sale systems
  • Fluency in English
Benefits:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision & FSA (FT Only)
  • Employee Assistance Program (FT and PT)
  • Pre-tax Commuter (Parking & Transit) Basic (FT Only *)
  • Life AD&D (FT Only)
  • Short & Long-term Disability (FT Only)
  • Accident Insurance (FT Only)
  • Critical Illness Hospital (FT Only)
  • Hospital Indemnity (FT Only)
  • Parental Leave* (FT Only - Dependent on Tenure and Position)
  • Team Member Discount: Working Advantage (FT & PT)
  • Pet Insurance (FT & PT)
  • One Medical Membership (FT & PT)
  • The College Tuition Benefit (FT & PT)
  • 401k Plans (FT & PT)
  • Paid Vacation Time (FT Only)
  • Paid Holidays (FT & PT)

 *Additional benefits may be available depending on geographic location

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this position, team members will regularly stand, walk for four plus consecutive hours; repetitive and regular bending and twisting at the waist; manipulating fingers and hands, bend and reach wrists and arms, reach with hands and arms or move up to ten pounds. May occasionally sit, kneel, stoop, crouch, and lift, push, pull up to ten pounds. Additionally, team members will communicate regularly with guests via ongoing conversations and consultations.

Equal Opportunity Statement Madison Reed is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to recruiting, training, compensating, and promoting our employees regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Inclusion is at the heart of what we do, from the way we craft our job descriptions to the values we espouse daily.Pay Transparency The posted pay range for this role represents the expected compensation for this position. Actual offers are determined by a number of factors including the applicant's experience, skills, and location.Background Checks & Fair Chance We comply with all applicable Fair Chance Ordinances and will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and other applicable laws within the city, county, and state candidates are located.Accommodations We value inclusion and are pleased to provide reasonable accommodations to complete the interview process. If you require an accommodation, please contact hiring@madison-reed.com as early as possible.
Note to Recruiters Madison Reed does not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing vendors or search firms and does not pay fees for any such resumes. All unsolicited resumes are considered the property of Madison Reed.


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