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Hair Colorist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

True Aveda Salons

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HAIR STYLIST / HAIR COLORIST

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$35K - $120K/yr

... and hair artistry • Positive attitude and team-player mindset • Experience with color, highlights, balayage, and cutting preferred If you are motivated, professional, and ready to grow your ...

Tricoci Salon | Spa

Colorist

Orland Park, IL · On-site

$15 - $16.20/hr

... Colorist Locations Orland Park Hourly salary 15 - 16.2 Compensation + Commission $15-$16.20 per hour plus the ability to earn over 50% commission

Tricoci Salon | Spa

Colorist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15 - $16.20/hr

... Colorist Locations Chicago Hourly salary 15 - 16.2 Compensation + Commission $15-$16.20 per hour plus the ability to earn over 50% commission

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$25

How much do hair colorist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for hair colorist in the United States is $16.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $17.07 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.

Is it harder to get hired with colored hair?

Hair colorists are generally judged on their skills, professionalism, and ability to meet client needs rather than hair color. While some salons may have preferences for natural hair, many value creativity and personal style, including colored hair, as it can showcase their expertise. Overall, having colored hair does not significantly impact hiring chances if the stylist maintains a professional appearance and demonstrates strong technical skills.

How to make $100,000 as a Hair Stylist?

A hair colorist can earn $100,000 by building a strong client base, offering high-demand services like balayage and color corrections, and working in upscale salons or managing their own business. Developing advanced skills, obtaining certifications, and maintaining a flexible schedule can also increase earning potential.

What jobs can I get with dyed hair?

Hair colorists and salon professionals with dyed hair can work in beauty salons, spas, or as freelance stylists. Employers generally do not restrict employment based on hair color, and dyed hair is common in creative and customer-facing roles within the beauty industry. Skills in styling, coloring, and customer service are important for these jobs.

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.

How long does it take to become a hair colorist?

Becoming a hair colorist typically requires completing a cosmetology program, which usually takes about 9 months to a year, followed by obtaining state licensure. Gaining experience and advanced skills through apprenticeships or specialized training can further enhance proficiency in hair coloring techniques.

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.
More about Hair Colorist jobs
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What states have the most Hair Colorist jobs? States with the most job openings for Hair Colorist jobs include:
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Hair Colorist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hair Colorist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 2% As Needed, 87% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,460 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Hair Stylist, Hair Colorist

Essence Salon, LLC

Mountain View, CA

$64K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Competitive salary
  • Employee discounts
  • Health insurance
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development
  • Tuition assistance

Are you passionate about hairstyling? Want to be your own boss?
We are looking for a stylist who is a goal-oriented self-starter, always improving and who believes in our mission.
We create "Happiness Through Hairstyling".
When you join Essence Salon, you will work in a highly skilled and creative team: cutting, coloring and styling hair.
Our business model combines the best of being an Independent Contractor (booth renter) and an Employee.
We provide leadership, not management, to help you grow and meet your goals. You will prescribe, not sell, home hair care for your Guests to keep their hair looking great between visits. The environment is warm and friendly. Education and growth are constant. As a result, your haircuts and colors will become even more awesome, last longer and be easier to maintain. Your Guest service skills will continue to grow, helping you achieve a high Guest return rate.
This position provides an hourly wage and a commission based on a percentage of your service sales as well as a sales commission for the purchased hair care products that you prescribe.
We provide excellent benefits and ample time off to live your life to the fullest. Our stylists typically work 3 or 4 days a week so they can live more outside of work.
This position requires a current California Barbering or Cosmetology license.
Experience cutting/coloring hair in a licensed salon is required.
Salon experience credit may be given based on the quality of your formal education and training (e.g. Sassoon, Toni & Guy, Paul Mitchell and Aveda).
Join us if you are a creative self-starter, believe in great Guest service, strive for technical excellence and enjoy working in a team environment.
Interested?
We would love to talk with you! Please submit your resume.