Hair Stylist Assistant

Benefits:

401(k)Employee discountsOpportunity for advancementTraining & development

Associate Stylist Program — Bespoke HairBespoke Hair is an established San Diego salon with more than two decades of experience creating exceptional hair and meaningful guest relationships. We’re known for our welcoming, inclusive environment, commitment to education, and belief that every guest deserves to feel comfortable, cared for, and confident in the chair.

We are currently seeking a motivated, licensed cosmetologist to join our Associate Stylist Program—a structured, hands-on pathway designed to help newer stylists bridge the gap between cosmetology school and building a successful career behind the chair.

This is more than a traditional salon assistant position. Associates work alongside experienced stylists while developing the technical skills, guest-care habits, confidence, and business-building knowledge needed to progress into a Level 1 Stylist position at Bespoke Hair.

What You’ll Learn

Through a combination of hands-on assisting, guided practice, online education, model work, salon classes, and individual coaching, associates will develop skills in:

Guest consultations and communicationShampooing, scalp care and treatment experiencesHaircutting foundationsRoot color and maintenance colorBlonding, foiling and dimensional colorToner formulation and applicationPerms and texture servicesBlow-drying, styling and finishingProduct knowledge and home-care recommendationsRebooking, guest retention and relationship buildingTime management and service efficiencyUnderstanding salon performance goals and career benchmarks

What the Role Includes

Associates support both the guest experience and the daily flow of the salon. Responsibilities may include:

Preparing guests and stylists for servicesShampooing, applying treatments and assisting during color servicesMixing color under the direction of a licensed stylistPerforming blow-dries and finishing work as skills are approvedMaintaining clean, organized and service-ready stationsSupporting laundry, sanitation and shared salon responsibilitiesParticipating in scheduled education and coachingCompleting assigned training within established timelinesProviding models and practicing approved servicesGradually taking guests through opportunity shifts as readiness is demonstrated

Responsibilities and independence increase as each associate demonstrates consistency, technical readiness and professional growth.

Who We’re Looking For

This opportunity is ideal for someone who:

Wants to build a long-term career as a hairstylistIs coachable, curious and willing to practiceTakes ownership of their education and progressFollows through on assignments and agreed-upon timelinesValues teamwork and understands that every role contributes to the guest experienceCommunicates professionally and welcomes constructive feedbackIs comfortable asking questions and applying what they learnUnderstands that confidence is built through repetition, preparation and experienceCares about the guest’s trust and experience—not only the final photoIs dependable, organized and able to stay engaged during slower periods

We welcome applicants with different personalities and learning styles. You do not need to know everything when you begin, but you must be willing to participate fully in your own development.

Career Development

The goal of the Associate Stylist Program is advancement into a Level 1 Stylist position.

Progress is based on demonstrated readiness rather than time alone. Associates will receive clear expectations, regular feedback and opportunities to show growth in areas such as:

Technical skill and service consistencyGuest care and communicationReliability and professionalismTraining completionEfficiency and time managementTeam contributionModel work and service readinessRebooking, retail education and business-building habits

We provide the structure, education and coaching. The associate is responsible for bringing initiative, consistency and follow-through.

Qualifications

Successful completion of an accredited cosmetology programActive California cosmetology license, or confirmed eligibility to obtain one before transitioning into hands-on servicesFoundational knowledge of haircutting, color and stylingAbility to stand for extended periods and perform the physical responsibilities of a salon positionAvailability to participate in required education and trainingPrevious salon experience is helpful but not requiredA genuine interest in guest care and continued professional development

Compensation and Benefits

Hourly pay plus tipsStructured education and hands-on mentorshipClear pathway toward becoming a Level StylistModel and supervised service opportunitiesOngoing salon classes and coachingProduct and service discountsSupportive, inclusive and growth-focused team environment

At Bespoke Hair, we create beautiful hair—but we also create experiences guests remember. We serve our community based on genuine needs, lasting relationships and thoughtful care rather than fleeting trends.

If you’re ready to take an active role in your education and build a strong foundation for your career, we’d love to meet you.

Please send your résumé and a brief introduction explaining where you are in your career and what you hope to develop as a stylist to [email protected].