SALON ASSOCIATE STYLIST Entry Position to career path

Benefits:

401(k)

Employee discounts

Opportunity for advancement

Training & development

Associate Stylist Program — Bespoke Hair

Bespoke 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 communication

Shampooing, scalp care and treatment experiences

Haircutting foundations

Root color and maintenance color

Blonding, foiling and dimensional color

Toner formulation and application

Perms and texture services

Blow-drying, styling and finishing

Product knowledge and home-care recommendations

Rebooking, guest retention and relationship building

Time management and service efficiency

Understanding 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 services

Shampooing, applying treatments and assisting during color services

Mixing color under the direction of a licensed stylist

Performing blow-dries and finishing work as skills are approved

Maintaining clean, organized and service-ready stations

Supporting laundry, sanitation and shared salon responsibilities

Participating in scheduled education and coaching

Completing assigned training within established timelines

Providing models and practicing approved services

Gradually 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 hairstylist

Is coachable, curious and willing to practice

Takes ownership of their education and progress

Follows through on assignments and agreed-upon timelines

Values teamwork and understands that every role contributes to the guest experience

Communicates professionally and welcomes constructive feedback

Is comfortable asking questions and applying what they learn

Understands that confidence is built through repetition, preparation and experience

Cares about the guest’s trust and experience—not only the final photo

Is 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 consistency

Guest care and communication

Reliability and professionalism

Training completion

Efficiency and time management

Team contribution

Model work and service readiness

Rebooking, 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 program

Active California cosmetology license, or confirmed eligibility to obtain one before transitioning into hands-on services

Foundational knowledge of haircutting, color and styling

Ability to stand for extended periods and perform the physical responsibilities of a salon position

Availability to participate in required education and training

Previous salon experience is helpful but not required

A genuine interest in guest care and continued professional development

Compensation and Benefits

Hourly pay plus tips

Structured education and hands-on mentorship

Clear pathway toward becoming a Level Stylist

Model and supervised service opportunities

Ongoing salon classes and coaching

Product and service discounts

Supportive, 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].