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Hair Colorist Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Health & Beauty TA

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$14 - $27/hr

Hourly Wage: $14 - $27 per/hour *The actual hourly rate will equal or exceed the required minimum wage applicable to the job location. Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance ...

Hourly Wage: $15 - $28 per/hour *The actual hourly rate will equal or exceed the required minimum wage applicable to the job location. Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance ...

Health & Beauty TA

Battle Creek, MI · On-site

$14 - $27/hr

Hourly Wage: $14 - $27 per/hour *The actual hourly rate will equal or exceed the required minimum wage applicable to the job location. Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance ...

Hair Colorist information

See Michigan salary details

$12

$15

$23

How much do hair colorist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for hair colorist in Michigan is $15.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $16.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges hair colorists face when working with clients who want dramatic color changes?

Hair colorists often encounter challenges when clients request dramatic color changes, such as going from dark to light shades or achieving bold fashion colors. These transformations can require multiple sessions to maintain hair health and achieve the desired result. Communicating realistic expectations, assessing hair condition, and selecting appropriate products and techniques are all crucial. Additionally, colorists must stay updated on the latest trends and safety protocols to ensure client satisfaction and minimize damage.

What is a hair colorist?

A hair colorist helps their clients achieve enhanced, color-treated hairstyles or looks. They alter the tint or color of various textures of hair by skillfully applying reactive chemicals with a brush and determining how long it needs to set. Many hair colorists mix their own formulas to ensure their coloring is unique. A hair colorist or hair color specialist works in a salon and builds up clientele through networking and referrals. They keep up with current hairstyle trends as well as knowledge of new equipment, coloring products, and techniques. Most importantly, they’re able to listen to, understand, and fulfill clients’ requests. Like makeup or other areas of cosmetology, practicing hair coloring requires a state license.

What is the difference between Hair Colorist vs Hair Stylist?

AspectHair ColoristHair Stylist
CredentialsCosmetology license, specialized color trainingCosmetology license, general styling training
Work EnvironmentSalons, color-focused settingsSalons, barbershops, freelance
Industry UsageColor application, highlighting, bleachingHaircuts, styling, blowouts

While both Hair Colorists and Hair Stylists work in salons and require cosmetology licenses, Hair Colorists specialize in coloring techniques like highlighting and bleaching. Hair Stylists offer a broader range of services including cuts and styling. The main difference lies in their focus: color application versus overall hair styling.

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

To thrive as a Hair Colorist, you need strong knowledge of hair coloring techniques, color theory, and hair health, typically gained through cosmetology school and state licensure. Familiarity with professional hair color brands, mixing and application tools, and salon management systems is important for daily operations. Excellent communication, creativity, and customer service skills help build client trust and deliver personalized results. These skills ensure safe, high-quality color services and foster client satisfaction and retention in a competitive industry.

What does a hair colorist do?

A Hair Colorist is a professional who specializes in changing or enhancing the color of clients' hair. They consult with clients to determine the best shades and techniques based on hair type, skin tone, and desired results. Hair Colorists are skilled in applying various color treatments, such as highlights, lowlights, balayage, and full color. They also ensure the health and integrity of the hair throughout the coloring process, and provide aftercare advice to maintain color vibrancy.
What are popular job titles related to Hair Colorist jobs in MI? For Hair Colorist jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Hair Colorist job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,465 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Part-time

PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

About Us:
Love to sculpt, shape and style? Color, perm and texturize? Fantastic Sams is a full service salon specializing in all these areas. Not just cuts, but COLOR and STYLE! Be the hair stylist you want to be.
It's an exciting time to join our team of professional hair stylists and colorists.We are a growing salon in need of filling our schedule and are looking for full and part time professional, licensed hair stylists for our main Salon. Flexible hours, fun and experienced staff to work with and plenty of professional training available.
Fantastic Sams Cut and Color is a team oriented, fun, and extremely creative salon. We are looking for a Cosmetologist Hair Stylist that is excited to create beautiful styles which will complement our guests look and feel!
Benefits:
  • Retail, back bar, color products and ongoing training are provided free
  • Vacation pay after your 1st year of service
  • Flexible scheduling
  • We offer Direct Deposit for payroll
  • Employee discounts on all retail products
  • Compensation is commission/hourly on a bi-weekly basis with bi-weekly and monthly bonuses

Desired Skills:
  • Hair cutting, shampooing, blow drying for men, women and children
  • Neck shaves
  • Color and Chemical Services on men and women
  • Facial waxing and up-dos for clients
  • A desire to keep up with current hair cutting and styling trends
  • Willingness to take part in free education provided by Fantastic Sams Cut and Color

Hair Stylist Responsibilities:
  • Provide exceptional full salon service to every and all clientele
  • Provide expert cuts for men, women and children
  • Provide color and chemical services for men and women
  • Maintain cleanliness of both your individual station, as well as the salon as a whole
  • Keep up to date on all current hair cutting/styling trends
  • Ensure all appointments are handled in a timely efficient manner
  • Take payments for services

Hair Stylist Qualifications:
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, fun, busy atmosphere
  • Capable of handling walk-in clients, in addition to scheduling appointments
  • Willingness to build a book off our traffic flow, and increase your paycheck
  • Valid Cosmetology license
  • Self-motivated, energetic, positive, and goal-oriented