What Is a Level 3 Hair Stylist? Career Levels Explained

Quick Overview
A hair stylist transforms hair through cutting, colouring, and styling, blending creativity with technical precision. From entry-level apprentices to seasoned senior stylists, each role builds unique expertise that shapes both skill and client confidence.
This guide covers:
✅ The different types and levels of hair stylists — from juniors to creative directors
✅ Key skills, duties, and qualifications required at each stage
✅ How stylists progress and specialise within the salon industry
✅ Essential soft skills for client care and professional growth
✅ Career paths, earning potential, and development tips for success

While looking at a salon’s price list or reading a stylist’s bio, have you ever come across the terms, Level 1 Stylist, Level 2 Stylist, or Level 3 Stylist? As a customer, you may wonder why the different levels even exist and what the difference is, in terms of cost, for each Level  Stylist. For future hairstylists, the question becomes a little deeper: “What do I need to do in order to get to Level 3, and why will it help my career?”  

There is a good reason for the different levels. They are not there just to confuse you or to market the stylist’s services in a different light. They are there to help you, the customer, know what to expect in terms of services and the price that the salon is going to charge you.  

What you get from this guide is a complete answer to your questions, particularly on what a Level 3 Hair Stylist is, since it is the most high-achieving and most trusted professional hairstylist. Be it a beginner stylist trying to figure out the career ladder or a customer interested in learning the reason for the salon’s price variations, this guide will help you out.

Hair Stylist Levels In a Salon

A hairdresser typically has three levels. Level 1 is for beginners, and Level 3 is for advanced, professional stylists. In any area of hairdressing, beyond Level 3 is called a Master Stylist. Just about any stylist, between these classifications, is considered intermediate. Any Level One stylist is professional; just consider Level One the beginner. Levelling Stress

Vest the business is always professional, always professional, and always levelled up. Level One is a no-brainer. To also build confidence and skill, Level One ought to be the most staffed and kept busy. 

Why Salons Use Levels

Salons don’t assign levels just to complicate things. This system serves several important purposes:

• Clarity for Clients: Clients can see at a glance why services with one stylist might cost more than with another. A senior stylist’s higher rate reflects their experience, speed, and advanced techniques.
• Career Progression for Stylists: Levels give hairstylists a clear path of growth. Instead of feeling “stuck,” they can work towards promotions by improving their skills, building a client base, and contributing to the salon’s reputation.
• Consistency of Service: By defining expectations for each level, salons ensure clients know what kind of service and expertise they can expect. A Level 1 may focus on basic cuts and colour, while a Level 3 handles complex transformations.
• Mentorship and Training: Higher-level stylists often guide junior colleagues, ensuring that the salon continues to produce skilled professionals.

In many salons, these levels are tied to pricing structures. For example, a haircut with a Level 1 stylist may cost significantly less than the same haircut with a Level 3. This doesn’t mean the Level 1 stylist is “bad,” but rather that they’re still gaining experience, whereas the Level 3 has honed their craft and commands higher rates.

Beyond Level 3

It’s worth noting that some salons go beyond Level 3, introducing Levels 4, 5, or even “Master Stylist” or “Creative Director” titles. These higher tiers often reflect stylists with decades of experience, advanced specialisations (like editorial work or colour correction), or leadership roles within the salon. However, Level 3 is often seen as the key benchmark of professional maturity.

Understanding the Different Hairstylist Levels and Job Roles

For both stylists and clients, understanding this tiered system is incredibly valuable.

For Aspiring Stylists

Understanding how the levels work in the industry gives you a roadmap. You can set realistic expectations for your first year (typically reaching Level 1 competency), your second or third year (aiming for Level 2), and further on. It also lets you know what salons expect from you in terms of technical skills, pace, client handling, and leadership at each level. Knowing this helps you outline your training — for example, advanced workshops in specific techniques, colour, or even client communication. 

For Clients

Clients are often confused as to why one stylist at the same salon charges £30 for a haircut, while another charges £60 for the same haircut. This confusion is resolved by understanding stylist levels. 

• Level 1: This is an entry-level stylist. They are new, learning with a more experienced stylist, and usually a part of the service. 
• Level 2: This is a more senior stylist. They have developed their skills and confidence, and can provide more advanced services at a reasonable price. 
• Level 3: This is an advanced stylist. They can confidently perform complicated cuts, intricate colour work, and customised transformations.

When clients understand the different service levels, they can determine what’s best for them. A client looking for just a basic trim may be perfectly happy with a Level 1, while someone looking for a balayage correction may want the reassurance of a Level 3.

This classification system also helps manage expectations. Clients are less likely to request Level 1 stylists to perform “celebrity-level transformations,” and stylists can grow without feeling like they are pressured to deliver results beyond their current capabilities. It’s a win-win system that fosters trust and professionalism.

What Is a Level 1 Hair Stylist?

When you hear the term Level 1 stylist, think of it as the entry point to the profession. These are the stylists who are just beginning their professional career path, having completed formal hairdressing training, an apprenticeship, or a college course.

The Beginner Stage

A Level 1 stylist is usually:

• Newly qualified or recently licensed.
• Focused on building confidence in the salon environment.
• Developing their foundational skills with real clients.

While they may have the technical knowledge from training, this is the stage where they put it into practice daily. Every haircut, colour, or blow-dry adds to their experience and builds muscle memory for techniques they’ve learned in theory.

Services They Typically Handle

Level 1 stylists often start with services that are less complex but essential for building their confidence and speed:

• Basic trims and simple haircuts.
• Blow-drying and styling.
• Root touch-ups or single-process colours.
• Shampooing and conditioning treatments.

They may not yet be trusted with advanced colour corrections, precision cuts, or experimental styles, but they are supervised and mentored by higher-level stylists to ensure clients still get quality service.

Why Choose a Level 1 Stylist?

For clients, booking with a Level 1 stylist usually means lower pricing. Many salons offer discounted rates with Level 1 stylists to help them gain more hands-on experience. If you’re looking for a simple service and are budget-conscious, choosing a Level 1 stylist can be a smart option.

It’s also important to note that just because they’re Level 1 doesn’t mean they lack talent. Many have fresh perspectives, creativity, and enthusiasm that can make the salon experience enjoyable.

What Is a Level 2 Hair Stylist?

If Level 1 is the entry point, then Level 2 represents growth and consolidation. A Level 2 stylist has moved beyond the beginner stage, usually with at least a couple of years of salon experience under their belt.  

The Developing Professional  

A Level 2 stylist is:

• More confident in core skills such as cutting, colouring, and styling.
• Starting to build a loyal client base, with clients returning specifically to book with them.
• Still refining techniques and learning advanced methods, but no longer requiring as much close supervision as a Level 1.

This stage is where stylists begin to define their personal style and strengths. Some may show a natural flair for colouring, while others shine in cutting or styling.  

Services They Typically Handle  

Level 2 stylists can offer a wider range of services than Level 1s. They are comfortable handling:

• A variety of women’s and men’s cuts.
• Highlights, balayage, and foiling techniques.
• Styling for special occasions (like weddings or events).
• More complex colouring jobs, though extremely tricky corrections may still be left to senior stylists.

Under the supervision of more experienced stylists, they could start to offer higher services and prepare for Level 3.

Building Independence  

For Level 2, one of the main characteristics is independence. Unlike Level 1 stylists, who receive the most supervision, Level 2 stylists have more control and can manage appointments. They are able to complete their tasks and produce results without help.

Why Work with a Level 2 Stylist?  

Level 2 stylists offer an ideal combination of cost and value. Their pricing is higher than Level 1, but lower than Level 3. Level 2 stylists are a good option for those wanting more complex services without high-end pricing.  

For instance, a Level 2 stylist will provide reliable results for customers requesting balayage, highlights, or layered cuts. While they are still mastering their skills, Level 2 stylists have confidence and professionalism.  

The Transition in Their Career  

For aspiring hairstylists, Level 2 is often the make-or-break stage. It’s the point where they move from being “a new stylist” to being seen as an established professional. The focus here is on:

• Building repeat clientele.
• Refining advanced techniques.
• Developing efficiency (completing services faster without losing quality).
• Working towards leadership qualities that will prepare them for Level 3.

Many salons actively encourage Level 2 stylists to attend workshops, advanced colour training, or external courses to keep improving. 

Understanding Level 1 Compared to Level 2  

To summarise:

• Level 1 is about learning and applying basics. Clients benefit from lower costs, while stylists focus on practice.
• Level 2 is about building confidence, skill, and autonomy. Clients get mid-range pricing with higher consistency, and stylists start shaping their reputation.

Both levels are crucial steps in the career ladder. Without a strong foundation at Level 1 and steady development at Level 2, reaching Level 3 — where stylists are considered highly skilled and often mentors— would be impossible.

What Does a Level 3 Stylist Do?  

If Level 1 establishes the groundwork, and Level 2 is the development period, Level 3 is the stage at which a stylist is considered to have advanced confidence, experience, and flexibility. This is the stage most stylists hope to achieve, as it demonstrates not only technical prowess but also professional maturity.

The Advanced Professional

At this point, the professional may be called a “senior stylist” or “expert” within the salon. They have years of salon experience. At this level, the professional is able to:

• Deliver advanced haircuts and precision styles.
• Perform complex colouring techniques such as balayage blends, corrective colour work, and multi-tone highlights.
• Adapt styles to suit different face shapes, hair textures, and lifestyles.
• Consult confidently with clients, offering personalised recommendations

At this point, Level 1 stylists are still building skills. Level 2 stylists are still building the consistency of their work. Level 3 stylists work with confidence and independence. 

Client Trust

The loyal clientele base a Level 3 stylist builds is a huge indicator of their work. Clients book appointments, for example, with Level 3 stylists because of the trust the clientele has built with stylists over the years. They are the “go-to” persons for huge transformations, colour corrections, and even special appointments such as weddings.

This trust definitely is not built in a short time period, as it is established over years by consistent results, effective communication, and professional advancement.

Mentor Responsibilities

At Level 3, having a mentorship role is another key characteristic. They also tend to the needs of junior stylists. This can involve:

• Overseeing Level 1 and Level 2 stylists during appointments.
• Sharing advanced techniques and tips.
• Setting an example of salon professionalism and client care

 Because of all these factors, Level 3 stylists receive a lot of mentorship work. This is why they hold such a strong reputation in any salon team.

What Is a Level 3 Hair Stylist Job?

When we refer to a Level 3 stylist’s job, we do not mean just cutting and colouring hair. The role goes far beyond the salon chair and includes several different aspects of the job, such as leadership and client management.

A Level 3 stylist is typically responsible for: 

1. Advanced Services:
   Handling complex or specialised treatments such as corrective colouring, precision cutting, keratin treatments, or extensions.
2. Client Consultations:
   Conducting in-depth consultations, especially for clients who want a significant change or have complicated requests. They must balance creativity with practicality, ensuring clients leave happy with realistic results.
3. Mentoring and Training:
   Supporting junior stylists by demonstrating techniques, reviewing their work, and offering feedback. They may also assist salon managers in running training sessions.
4. Salon Leadership:
   In some salons, Level 3 stylists take on semi-managerial responsibilities. They might oversee scheduling, contribute to marketing campaigns, or help with product promotions.
5. Client Relationship Management
   Developing long-term relationships with clients, ensuring they return regularly and refer others. This ability to retain clients is a significant part of their value to the salon.
6. Problem-Solving:
   Whether it’s fixing a colour gone wrong, dealing with an unhappy client, or stepping in when the salon is busy, Level 3 stylists are often relied upon to resolve challenges quickly and effectively

Pricing and Value

Because of their Level 3 expertise, clients expect to be charged higher rates. These services are time-consuming and complex, requiring many years of training, practice, and expertise. Most clients understand and are willing to pay the price for services where precision and artistry are vital. 

Career Path Beyond Level 3

For many, reaching Level 3 feels like the pinnacle of salon life. But the journey doesn’t have to stop there. Some Level 3 stylists go on to:

• Become Level 4 or Master Stylists, taking on even greater leadership roles.
• Transition into salon management or ownership.
• Specialise further, perhaps moving into editorial hairstyling, education, or product development.

This shows that Level 3 isn’t the end of the journey but rather a launching pad for even greater opportunities.

The Importance of Level 3  

Understanding the value of a Level 3 stylist matters for both clients and stylists.  

• For clients: Level 3 means you are getting a highly skilled and experienced stylist. If you are looking for a transformation, correction, or a highly personalised style, this is the level you want.  
• For stylists: Level 3 is a testament to your hard work, the mastery of your craft, and your ability to teach and mentor. It is a point of pride, a standing within their profession and a milestone.  

Level 2 Stylist vs. Level 3 Stylist  

What is the difference between a Level 2 stylist and a Level 3 stylist? The differences on paper are subtle: both are able to cut, style, and colour hair. In practice, the Level 3 has greater experience, is more confident and has more responsibility. There is a significant difference.

Experience and Training

• Level 2: Generally a stylist with a few years of experience working in a salon. They progress from the basics and have learned some consistency and technique, but are still working on others.  
• Level 3: This is a senior stylist position where one has had years of additional practice. They have a wide range of learned and trusted techniques that handle elaborate and high-stakes services.  

Services Offered 

• Level 2: Handles a good range of cuts, colours, and styles but still may have to refer complex corrective colour and advanced procedures to senior staff.   
• Level 3: Master’s in precision and complexity, like advanced balayage and correcting colour that has been poorly colored at home.  

Client Base    

• Level 2: Building a loyal clientele and repeat bookings is still in progress.   
• Level 3: Strong, loyal clientele base gained over the years. Numerous clients specifically schedule appointments with them.    

Pricing 

• Level 2: Charges mid-tier prices that are affordable, but still reflect improving skill.  
• Level 3: Charges higher prices that correspond with skill, demand, and advanced booking of their time.  

Leadership

• Level 2: Focus on their work and the growing autonomy.
• Level 3: Leading the salon team, mentoring younger stylists and fostering professionalism in the team.

Simply put, Level 2 is the stepping stone, while Level 3 is the destination of mastery.

An understanding of the classifications for the Hair and Beauty Award is essential.

The Hair and Beauty Award is a formal classification offered nationally in the Hair and Beauty industry. It enables salon owners to recognise the competency and skills of hairstylists. It standardises the various levels for hairstylists and awards recognition that is not confined to a single salon.

Do You Have a Proper Understanding of the Classifications for the Hair & Beauty Award?

Beyond salon-specific levels, there are also formal classifications and awards within the hair and beauty industry. These help standardise what different levels mean and ensure that recognition isn’t just internal to one salon.

What Are These Classifications?

Professional classifications such as the Hair & Beauty Award levels (used in many training frameworks and professional organisations) serve to:

• Set benchmarks for what stylists should be able to do at each stage of their career.
• Provide recognised qualifications that stylists can take with them if they move salons.
• Assure clients that the stylist’s skills have been formally assessed, not just informally recognised.

For example, Level 3 qualifications in hairdressing often cover:

• Advanced colouring and cutting techniques.
• Consultation and client care at a senior level.
• Salon management principles.
• Health and safety in more complex procedures.

Why These Awards Matter

• For Stylists: They act as career milestones. Achieving a Level 3 qualification or award can boost employability, open doors to senior positions, and justify higher pricing.
• For Clients: They provide reassurance that the stylist’s skill level has been independently verified, not just claimed by the salon.
• For Salons: They allow salons to advertise qualified staff, enhancing credibility and attracting clients.

By understanding both salon-level classifications (like Level 1, 2, and 3) and formal awards, clients and stylists alike gain a clearer picture of professionalism and progression in the industry

Conclusion

The hairdressing profession is structured with levels for a reason. Clarity, fairness, and progression throughout the industry benefit clients and stylists alike. 

• Level 1 stylists are beginners and are fresh out of training. They are eager to gain experience and provide services at lower rates. 
• Level 2 stylists are at the middle stage. They have growing confidence and autonomy, and balance affordability with skill. 
• Level 3 stylists are the seasoned professionals. Highly skilled and confident, they are often mentors. These stylists command higher prices and provide advanced services.

Knowing these differences is important. For clients, it helps you work with the right stylist for your needs and your budget, whether it’s a quick trim, a stylish colour, or a more complex transformation. For stylists, it’s important because it shows you the career path available for you and proves how growth, learning, and dedication will help you move from entry-level to a trusted senior professional. 

The Hair & Beauty awards classifications further support these different career levels and offer legitimate proof, which helps advance career and trust with clients. 

So, keep in mind whether it is your first day as a stylist or you are taking the next step in your career, each level is an achievement, and it’s important to realise that the Level 3 rank is not just a title. It’s proof of the stylist’s experience, exceptional skills, and commitment to the profession.