How To and Why Become a Hairstylist

To become a hairstylist in Michigan, you complete a state-approved cosmetology program of 1,500 hours and then sit for the state licensing exam to earn your cosmetology license. Most people choose this path for the creativity, the flexible schedule, and the people-focused work. At David Pressley School of Cosmetology, you can begin that education at our Royal Oak or Taylor campus, train hands-on in a student salon, and lean on an admissions team that helps you plan tuition and financial aid. This guide covers how to get licensed and why so many people find the work worth it.

How do you become a hairstylist in Michigan?

Becoming a licensed hairstylist follows a clear path. Here is what each step looks like.

1. Find an accredited cosmetology school. Accreditation matters, since it is often what salon owners look for when hiring. David Pressley School of Cosmetology operates NACCAS-accredited campuses in Royal Oak and Taylor, so you can train close to home.
2. Tour the campus. Before you commit, visit to observe classes, meet instructors, and see the student salon where you will train. A campus tour is the fastest way to tell whether a school fits how you want to learn.
3. Meet the requirements. Michigan asks that cosmetology students be at least 17 with a high school diploma or GED, plus a Social Security card and state-issued ID.
4. Apply to the program. Submit your application with proof of education and identification. Applying early is wise because class sizes are limited.
5. Complete your 1,500 hours. Michigan requires 1,500 hours of training. Because the program is hour-based, steady attendance is what carries you toward graduation, and you build real skill on real guests as you go.
6. Sit for the state licensing exam. After you finish your hours, you sit for the written and practical state exams. Passing earns your cosmetology license, which is what lets you work as a hairstylist.

What will you learn in cosmetology school?

A cosmetology education covers far more than cutting. At David Pressley, your training spans:

• Hair services: cutting, coloring, chemical texture services, and styling for a range of hair types.
• Skin and makeup: basic skincare, facials, and makeup application.
• Nails: manicuring and pedicuring fundamentals.
• The science: applied chemistry, anatomy, sanitation, and safety.
• The business: client consultations, retail, and the professional habits that build a loyal clientele.

Why become a hairstylist?

People choose hairstyling for reasons that go well beyond hair. The most common:

• Creativity and self-expression: you experiment with techniques and trends daily instead of sitting at a desk.
• Schedule flexibility: full-time, part-time, evenings, weekends, or freelance are all possible.
• Relationship building: you get loyal clients and a network of beauty professionals.
• Room to grow: you can specialize in color, extensions, or bridal work as you gain experience.
• Travel and events: weddings, fashion shows, film, and special-event styling can all be part of the work.
• Continuous learning: workshops and related fields like esthetics or instruction keep the work fresh for years.

How much does it cost, and can you get help paying?

Tuition varies by program and schedule, and it is one of the first things to plan for. David Pressley’s admissions team can walk you through the numbers so there are no surprises, and you can estimate your own situation with the school’s Financial Aid Calculator before you ever apply.

Financial Aid is available to those who qualify, including federal grants and loans for students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Ask admissions which options fit your situation.

Why train at David Pressley School of Cosmetology?

Where you spend your 1,500 hours shapes how ready you are on day one of your career. A few things set the David Pressley education apart:

• Two Michigan campuses: Royal Oak and Taylor, so you can train close to home.
• Hands-on training: you work with real guests in the student salon, not only mannequins.
• Experienced instructors: licensed professionals guide your practice from day one.
• Support with cost: admissions helps you plan, and Financial Aid is available to those who qualify.
• Room to advance: the school also offers instructor programs if you want to teach one day.

What is a hairstylist’s day actually like?

A day behind the chair mixes creativity with steady people work. You consult with each client, plan the service, and then cut, color, or style, often on several guests back to back, while keeping your station clean and your schedule on track.

The pace and the setting vary a lot depending on where you work, which is part of the appeal:

• Commission salons: a built-in client flow and a team around you, which is a common starting point for new stylists.
• Booth rental: more independence and control over your schedule and pricing once you have built a clientele.
• Specialized work: focusing on color, extensions, or bridal and event styling as you find your niche.
• Freelance and events: weddings, photo shoots, and on-location work for those who want variety.

Whichever path you choose, the day is hands-on and social rather than desk-bound, which is exactly why many people are drawn to it. Your cosmetology education is where you build the speed, consultation skills, and confidence those days require.

How do you choose the right cosmetology school?

Not every program is the same, and the school you pick shapes both your experience and how ready you are to work. As you compare options, look at:

• Accreditation: a NACCAS-accredited school signals a recognized standard of training, which salon owners notice when hiring.
• Hands-on time: ask how much of the program is spent working with real guests versus mannequins, because real client experience is what builds confidence.
• Instructors: licensed, experienced educators make a real difference in what you take away from the program.
• Location and schedule: a campus close to home with day or evening options makes it far easier to actually finish.
• Cost and aid: compare what is included in tuition, and ask what financial aid is available.

David Pressley School of Cosmetology checks these boxes with NACCAS-accredited campuses in Royal Oak and Taylor, hands-on training in a student salon, and an admissions team that helps you plan cost. A campus tour is the best way to see it for yourself.

Next step: Ready to explore hairstyling? Schedule a campus tour, talk with admissions, and use the Financial Aid Calculator to plan your cosmetology education. Financial Aid is available to those who qualify.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to become a hairstylist in Michigan?

Michigan requires 1,500 hours of approved cosmetology training. Full-time students can complete the required hours in roughly a year, then sit for the state licensing exam.

Do you need a license to be a hairstylist in Michigan?

Yes. You must complete a state-approved cosmetology program and sit for the state exam to earn a cosmetology license before working as a hairstylist.

How much does cosmetology school cost?

It varies by school and schedule. At David Pressley the admissions team can walk you through tuition, and Financial Aid is available to those who qualify.

What qualities make a good hairstylist?

Creativity, strong communication, time management, and a genuine interest in working with people. Technical skill is taught in school; the people skills are what build a loyal clientele.