When you picture your future in the beauty industry, do you see yourself working side by side with a team in a busy salon? Creating your own vibe in a suite or booth? Or maybe running your own business from the ground up?
The truth is there’s no one-size-fits-all path. Each option comes with its own unique perks, challenges, and lifestyle. The beauty of this industry is that there is room for it all. There are countless opportunities that don’t fit the mold of being “behind the chair”. For instance, educators and brand representatives, to name a few. But we’d be careless to not mention that most opportunities begin with behind the chair experience.
In this blog we’ll break down the different types of “behind the chair” work models, so that as you begin your journey in beauty school, you can feel equipped with knowledge when deciding what path to take. Let’s break it down:
Working in a Salon: Structure & Support
The vibe: Community, collaboration, mentorship, continued education
As a salon employee, you’ll likely work on a schedule set by the salon, which means consistent hours and a steady flow of clients. You’ll often have mentors guiding you, helping you sharpen your skills, and providing training opportunities. Your day-to-day is usually focused on your artistry, your clients, and building confidence.
When speaking to alumni, one of the most prevalent sentiments is not only the camaraderie of co-workers, but the mentorship opportunities often created by the veteran employees within salon spaces. Not exactly sure how to formulate a tricky color? Seasoned and experienced employees are right there to co-collaborate and help you feel confident going into situations that might otherwise feel overwhelming.
Some stylists simply want to focus on one thing – hair! Being an employee lets you do that. You’re not weighed down by other responsibilities, and you might possibly have a better work/life balance, because most of the administrative work like booking appointments, posting on social media, is done by your salon.
Finally, working in a salon can open continuing education opportunities that you may not otherwise have when working on your own or booth renting. If education is important to you (and we strongly believe it should be) make sure during your interview to ask the salon manager what continuing education for stylists looks like and how often opportunities are provided.
Let’s review the pros and cons of working in a salon:
Pros:
- Consistency in schedule and clientele.
- Built-in education and training from senior stylists.
- A collaborative environment with peers and mentors.
- Less pressure to run the “business” side of things.
- Potentially better work/life balance
Cons:
- Less independence. You work by the salon’s rules and schedule.
- Less control over your branding or creative space.
- Limited say in the types of services or products you offer.
Best for: New graduates who want experience, guidance, and the security of a structured environment. Stylists who want their focus to be on hair and who don’t want the extra workload of running their own business.
Booth or Suite Rental: Independence & Flexibility
The vibe: Entrepreneurial, self-directed, creative freedom.
Picture this: you’ve got your own chair, your own vibe, and your own schedule. No boss telling you when to clock in, no salon owner deciding which products you use. As a booth renter or suite stylist, you’re in charge. And that freedom can feel incredibly empowering.
But with independence comes responsibility. Your day isn’t just about cutting, coloring, or styling hair. It’s also about keeping your calendar full, restocking products, promoting your services, and making sure your space looks as professional as your work. You’re not just a stylist—you’re also the receptionist, marketer, bookkeeper, inventory manager and cleaning crew all rolled into one.
There are different structures within booth and suite rental. In some setups, you run completely solo, booking your own clients, using your own products, and managing your own software for scheduling and payments. In other models, things are more of a hybrid. You might still use your own products, but the salon manages transactions or helps with booking appointments and marketing.
The vibe of the space can vary, too. Some suites are private and feel like a mini salon just for you, while others feel more open, like a traditional salon, just with different back-end operations.
Here’s the key: independence means you get to decide how your time is split. Maybe you’re spending 80% of your day with clients and 20% handling the behind-the-scenes work. Maybe it’s a different balance. Either way, the reality is that being a booth or suite renter means trading some chair time for business time.
That’s not a bad thing! It all depends on your personality and your goals. If you love the idea of calling all the shots, branding yourself, and having total control, this path can be incredibly rewarding. If you’d rather spend most of your time just focusing on the craft and letting someone else handle the details, you might find the extra responsibilities overwhelming or not worthy of your time.
Let’s go over the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Freedom to design your schedule and choose services.
- Creative control over your personal brand and style.
- Ability to focus on your own clients and build your reputation.
Cons:
- Requires strong organizational skills.
- You handle your own marketing and client management.
- Less built-in community support compared to a traditional salon.
- Different monetization and tax implications
Best for: Stylists who are independent, organized, and ready to step into the role of both artist and entrepreneur.
Self-Employed Business Owner: Total Creative Control
The vibe: Visionary, driven, full ownership.
When you own a salon or studio, you’re not just a stylist anymore you’re building a whole brand. You become the creative, the leader, the marketer, and the visionary all at once. Some days you’ll be behind the chair with clients, and other days you’ll be creating social media content, meeting with product reps, or mentoring your team.
Here’s the reality: most salon owners eventually step out from behind the chair because running a company and maintaining a full client load isn’t sustainable long term. And that’s not a bad thing. Many owners love the balance of creativity and leadership. They still get to serve a limited clientele, but they also get to shape the bigger picture, grow a business, and guide their team toward success.
This path isn’t usually one you jump into right after graduation. Most professionals build up experience as a salon employee or booth renter first, learning the ropes and gaining insight into what it takes to run a business. Think of it as a progression. Each step teaches you something new that prepares you for ownership.
That said, there’s no single “right” way. Some stylists realize early on that they’re wired for leadership and may move into ownership sooner. Others take time to grow confidence and skill before making the leap. What matters most is experience. Every hour spent working in a salon environment gives you knowledge that can make or break your success as an owner.
Owning your own salon is more than a career move, it’s a lifestyle. It’s about turning your vision into reality and creating a space that reflects not only your talent but also your leadership. For the right person, it’s one of the most rewarding paths in the beauty industry.
Pros:
- Complete control over your brand and business decisions.
- Opportunity to grow beyond yourself. Hire a team, expand your services.
- Ability to make your space truly reflect your vision.
- Possible increased financial opportunity when done right.
Cons:
- You wear all the hats from bookkeeping to branding.
- Higher level of responsibility and accountability.
- Can feel overwhelming without the right support system.
Best for: Dreamers and doers who thrive on building something of their own and want the freedom to shape their career in every way. You are in love with hair but not tied to it. You don’t feel you’ll lose your spark for the industry if you’re not doing hair.
Day-to-Day Life: What to Expect
One of the most common questions prospective students ask is, “What’s it really like day-to day?”
- Salon employees: Busy, fast-paced, with lots of client interaction and teamwork. You’ll grow quickly under structure.
- Booth renters: A balance of artistry and business. You’ll be styling, but also checking emails, managing bookings, and stocking products. In most instances, you get to set the pace.
- Self-employed owners: A mix of client work and running the business. Marketing, hiring, planning.
No two days are the same. Each path comes with its own rhythm, and the right fit depends on how you want your workday (and your lifestyle) to look.
Growth Opportunities
No matter which path you choose, the beauty industry is full of opportunities:
- Salon employees can grow into management or education roles.
- Booth renters can specialize in niche services or expand into larger spaces.
- Self-employed owners can scale into multi-chair salons, open additional locations, or hey, dream big, open a school!
Your career is what you make of it, and the beauty of this industry is that you can evolve over time.
Remember, your first choice isn’t your forever choice. Many professionals move between these paths as their goals and lifestyles change.
Busting the Myths
- “You’re stuck in one path forever.” Not true. In this industry, you can shift directions anytime.
- “You have to own a salon to be successful.” False. Many stylists thrive as renters or employees.
- “Only seasoned stylists can be independent.” Everyone’s journey is unique. With the right mindset and support, you can explore independence when you feel ready.
Final Thoughts: Your Career, Your Choice
Whether you picture yourself as a stylist in a buzzing salon, an independent renter carving your own path, or a self-employed boss building your brand, the beauty industry has a place for you. Each path offers growth, creativity to help build a career you love. It’s about finding the fit that aligns with your personality, goals, and is reflective of the lifestyle you’d like to live.
And folks, that’s the beauty of this industry. It’s flexible, creative, and full of opportunity.