What is the burnout rate for hairdressers?

Author: Jessika Paucek I  |  Last update: Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Jepson says rates of anxiety and burnout are high among salon workers (a 2023 survey by L'Oréal Professionnel Paris found that 65 percent of hairstylists have experienced anxiety, burnout, or depression during their professional career) — and that's before you add the pressure of providing mental-health support to ...

Why do most hairstylists quit?

Job Satisfaction: If a stylist or barber feels unfulfilled or dissatisfied with their work, whether due to creative limitations or lack of client engagement, they may consider leaving the profession. Income Instability: Many hairstylists and barbers work on commission or rely on tips.

How stressful is being a hairdresser?

Burnout: Like any other job, hairstyling can be stressful and demanding, which can lead to burnout. Stylists may find themselves working long hours, dealing with difficult clients, and constantly trying to stay on top of the latest trends, which can take a toll on their mental and emotional well-being.

What is the failure rate of hair salons?

These things are always a bit difficult to nail down, so getting an accurate percentage of successes/failures is problematic at best; however, after a bit of research, taking information from several trusted sources, we can state that the success rate is right around 50%.

What is the turnover rate for cosmetology?

The average employment lifespan within a salon is approximately 3 to 5 years. However, this is not a trend unique to the salon industry. Overall, in the United States, one-third of new hires will quit their job within 6 months.

Hairstylist BURN OUT 😔 3 Tips to Overcome Burnout as a Stylist Behind the Chair - Business Advice

Is cosmetology a stable career?

Since changes in the economy typically affect businesses that sell services less than those that sell goods, cosmetology can be a stable career path.

What age do hairdressers retire?

The retirement age for hairdressers doesn't have a one-size-fits-all answer. It swings like a pendulum based on various factors, including physical health, financial readiness, and personal choice. However, most hairdressers start considering retirement around the typical age range of 62 to 67.

What state do hairdressers make the most money?

Top 65 Highest Paying States for Hair Stylist Jobs in the U.S. We've identified 15 states where the typical salary for a Hair Stylist job is above the national average. Topping the list is Washington, with District of Columbia and New York close behind in second and third.

What are the weaknesses of a hairdresser?

The Top Disadvantages of Working as a Hairdresser
  • Dealing With Dissatisfied Clients. ...
  • There's a Lot of Competition. ...
  • The Physical Demands. ...
  • Lack of Health Insurance and Benefits.

What is the average age of a hairdresser?

The average age of male Hairdressers, hairstylists, & cosmetologists in the workforce is 44 and of female Hairdressers, hairstylists, & cosmetologists is 40, and the most common race/ethnicity for Hairdressers, hairstylists, & cosmetologists is White.

Why not to be a hairdresser?

Hairdressers may deal with physical stress from long periods of standing or repetitive movement. They may also find themselves in emotionally taxing situations such as resolving conflicts between clients or dealing with constant criticism.

Are hairdressers happy?

Hairdressers report a higher level of career satisfaction than most professions. This is due to a flexible work week, the ability to work in a wide variety of salons, getting cash tips, and the satisfaction that arises from making people feel good for a living.

Is hairdressing hard on your body?

Studies suggest 1 of every 5 hair stylists will suffer from a health issue directly related to their occupation [1]. These can come in the form of allergies, breathing problems, and, in some cases, cancer.

What is the slowest month for hair stylists?

While the holiday season often brings a boom in bookings, January and February usually bring on a stint of traditionally slower times as customers settle in for the winter and rein in their spending.

Is there a shortage of hairdressers?

There are plenty student cosmetologists/ beginner Hairstylists and Estheticians who can't find well suited jobs. Salons are tightening their belts with an unstable economy and hiring less new grads. Salon jobs for newly licensed cosmetologists and estheticians are scarce. Demand for experienced salon pros is very high.

What is the future outlook for hairstylists?

Overall employment of barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 89,100 openings for barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

What are three disadvantages of being a hairstylist?

Some of the cons of being a cosmetologist are low salaries, long hours, and difficult customers. It's also a job not suited to everyone who wants to work in the beauty industry – for some people, other careers might be a better fit.

What is the primary reason that salons fail?

Difficulties With Customer Retention

The salon industry is highly competitive, so customers may leave for a competitor and never return. Small changes, such as creating a loyalty program and collecting customer feedback, can improve retention. Focus on improving the customer experience as much as possible.

Is it worth it to be a hairdresser?

Many stylists earn well over 6 figures every year while working way less than the typical 40 hour week. As a hairstylist, you can influence your earning potential based on your skill level, areas of specialization, and professional reputation.

How to make 100k as a hairstylist?

Creating Recurring Revenue as a Hairstylist

The most important step in your path to a 100k plus hair business is creating recurring revenue and regular repeat clients. One popular way to do this is to ensure that you have your clients book their next appointment while they are still in your chair.

What is a hairdresser's top salary?

Highest paying cities for Hair Stylists near United States
  • Phoenix, AZ. $30.41 per hour. 255 salaries reported.
  • Fort Wayne, IN. $25.93 per hour. 94 salaries reported.
  • Dallas, TX. $23.69 per hour. 142 salaries reported.
  • Provo, UT. $21.54 per hour. 12 salaries reported.
  • New York, NY. $21.02 per hour. ...
  • Show more nearby cities.

What is the average profit of a hair salon?

How Profitable Are Hair Salons? Profit margins at hair salons are surprisingly slim. According to the blog The Salon Business, the average profit is just $19,000 per year. The blog says the average salon profit is 8.2 percent but can range from just 2 percent to 17 percent, depending on how well you manage the salon.

What is a female hairdresser called?

The terms barber, hairdresser, and hair stylist are often used interchangeably, but there are some differences in their meaning. Technically, a hairdresser is the same as a hair stylist, although the term “hairdresser” is a bit out of fashion and was used primarily to refer to females.

How long do most hair stylists work?

While specific schedules may vary depending on the salon or workplace, the typical working hours for a hair stylist can range from around 20 to 40 hours per week.

Who makes more money, a barber or a hairstylist?

Pay. The median hourly wage for barbers was $17.38 in May 2023. The median hourly wage for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists was $16.81 in May 2023.

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