Top Paying Hair Styling Roles After Completing Certification

The beauty industry is evolving rapidly, and with it, the opportunities for talented hair professionals are multiplying. One thing is clear: the right certification can unlock doors to some incredibly high-paying and fulfilling roles.

But what are the best-paying jobs once you’ve earned that license? From jet-setting celebrity stylists to entrepreneurs running their own salons, here’s a detailed breakdown of the top paying hair styling roles that can help you turn your skills into a thriving career.

Why Hair Certification Matters

Before we jump into the top roles, it’s important to understand why certification is crucial. A certified hair stylist is more than just someone who knows how to cut or color hair. Certification ensures:

• Professional credibility

• Access to advanced tools and techniques

• Legal compliance (especially for salon work)

• A higher earning potential

And if you’re based in or around Kolkata, pursuing Hair Stylist Courses in Kolkata from reputed institutions can give you a strong start, especially with the city becoming a growing hub for beauty and grooming professionals.

1. Celebrity Hair Stylist

Average Pay: ₹8–₹20 lakhs/year (can go higher)

These stylists work with Bollywood celebrities, models, or influencers. It’s a competitive but rewarding field.

What You’ll Need:

• Strong networking skills

• A bold, creative portfolio

• Mastery of trending styles and advanced techniques

• Willingness to travel frequently

Pro Tip: Intern under stylists in Mumbai or Delhi for exposure, then build your niche.

2. High-End Salon Stylist (Metro Cities)

Average Pay: ₹6–₹12 lakhs/year

Working in elite salons in major metros like Mumbai, Bangalore, or Kolkata can significantly increase your earnings. These clients expect premium service—and pay for it.

Must-Have Skills:

• Advanced coloring techniques

• Keratin, hair botox, and smoothing treatments

• Precision cutting and styling

Kolkata Insight: Top salons like Head Turners, Jawed Habib, and Toni & Guy are always on the lookout for well-trained, certified stylists.

3. Bridal and Event Hair Specialist

Average Pay: ₹5–₹10 lakhs/year

With weddings booming all year round in India, bridal hairstyling is one of the most reliable sources of income. Specializing in this niche gives you access to repeat seasonal income.

Key Skills:

• Intricate updos and braids

• Accessory placement

• Working under pressure on event days

Bonus Tip: Offer combined hair + makeup packages for higher value deals. Kolkata, with its vibrant wedding scene, is a fantastic city to build this career.

4. Hair Extension & Wig Specialist

Average Pay: ₹6–₹10 lakhs/year

This niche is in demand among celebrities, cancer patients, and clients with hair thinning issues. Stylists certified in extensions and wigs can charge premium prices.

Recommended Certifications:

• Tape-in and keratin bond application

• Wig cutting, coloring, and styling

• Hair care for extensions

Course Opportunity: Many Hair Stylist Courses in Kolkata now include modules on extensions and wig work.

5. Platform Artist / Brand Educator

Average Pay: ₹7–₹14 lakhs/year

Love teaching and performing? Platform artists work with top brands like L’Oréal, Wella, or Schwarzkopf, training professionals and showcasing products at events.

What You Need:

• Charismatic personality

• Public speaking skills

• Mastery in multiple styling techniques

Career Path: Start as an educator in Kolkata, then move into regional and national brand campaigns.

6. Trichologist (Hair & Scalp Specialist)

Average Pay: ₹8–₹15 lakhs/year

Trichology is the science of the scalp and hair. With more clients suffering from hair loss and scalp issues, this role is both in demand and financially rewarding.

Prerequisites:

• Certification from a Trichology Institute

• Knowledge of dermatological conditions

• Partnership with clinics or dermatologists

Bonus Opportunity: Start a trichology clinic in Kolkata and cater to clients seeking non-invasive solutions.

7. Film & TV Hair Stylist

Average Pay: ₹6–₹15 lakhs/year

These stylists work on movie sets and TV shows, managing continuity, wigs, and complex hairstyles based on the director’s vision.

Requirements:

• Flexibility in schedule

• Fast styling under pressure

• Union or industry connections

Local Note: With Tollywood’s growth in Kolkata, this is a viable career path for local stylists with strong portfolios.

8. Salon Owner / Franchise Partner

Average Pay: ₹10–₹25 lakhs/year (depending on size and success)

Owning your own salon is a dream for many stylists—and a realistic one with the right plan.

Business Must-Haves:

• Location scouting

• Hiring and training staff

• Digital marketing knowledge

Franchise Alert: Brands like Naturals, Jawed Habib, and Lakmé offer franchise models in Kolkata and nearby cities.

Summary: Best Roles After Hair Stylist Certification

Choosing the Right Course: Why Kolkata?

If you’re planning to enter this field, Hair Stylist Courses in Kolkata offer excellent starting points. The city has numerous accredited academies that provide:

• Hands-on training in cutting, coloring, and styling

• Certification recognized across India

• Exposure to salon internships and bridal workshops

• Specialized modules in trichology, extensions, and more

Top Institutions in Kolkata:

• Habib’s Hair Academy

• Toni & Guy Academy

• Lakmé Academy

• Loreal Professional Salon Partner Program

Investing in the right course will set the tone for your entire career.

Final Summary💇‍♂️

The hair industry is far from just snipping and styling—it’s a lucrative profession for those with passion, precision, and business acumen. Whether you’re eyeing the glamor of celebrity styling or the stability of owning a high-end salon, the path begins with education and continues with specialization.

For aspiring professionals considering Hair Stylist Courses in Kolkata, the opportunities are both vast and financially rewarding. Now is the time to turn your passion for hair into a full-blown, high-income career.