hairstylist

IPA/ˈheəstaɪlɪst/
IPA/ˈherstaɪlɪst/

hairstylist — noun

  • hairstylistsingular
  • hairstylistsplural

1. Someone who cuts, styles, and treats clients' hair as their paid job, usually at

1.nounB1
Definition

Someone who cuts, styles, and treats clients' hair as their paid job, usually at a salon.

Example

Leila has worked as a hairstylist in a busy downtown salon for two years.

collocation: work as a + job title

Ravi asked his hairstylist for a simple cut that was quick to fix each morning.

pattern: someone + told + [job] + clause describing request

Common collocations
  • work as a hairstylist
  • see a hairstylist
  • ask a hairstylist for
  • visit a hairstylist
  • trained hairstylist
  • professional hairstylist
Synonyms
  • hairdresser

    more common in British English; focuses on washing, cutting, and drying hair

  • stylist

    shorter, informal form; can also refer to fashion or interior stylists

  • barber

    specializes in cutting men's hair and shaving; a different profession

Usage Note

In North American English, 'hairstylist' is the more common term. In British English, 'hairdresser' is used more often, though 'hairstylist' is also understood. Unlike 'barber', a hairstylist typically works on all hair types and lengths.

Common Mistakes

She works as a hair stylist at the mall.
She works as a hairstylist at the mall.
The one-word form 'hairstylist' is standard in modern dictionaries, though 'hair stylist' is also accepted.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

'Hairstylist' and 'hairdresser' are the closest in meaning: both cut, wash, and arrange hair. 'Hairstylist' is preferred in North America and emphasizes creative styling, while 'hairdresser' is the usual term in British English. 'Barber' is a more specialized role — barbers primarily cut and shave men's hair and beards, and the services are usually quicker and less focused on complex styling. 'Stylist' is a casual short form of 'hairstylist', but it can also refer to fashion or interior stylists, so context matters. 'Cosmetologist' is a broader licensed professional who can also do skin care, nails, and makeup in addition to hair. For example: 'Priya went to a hairstylist for her wedding updo, but her father visited the barber for a quick trim.'

hairdresser ↗barber ↗stylist ↗cosmetologist

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • work as a hairstylist
  • ask a hairstylist for
  • see a hairstylist
  • book a hairstylist

Prepositions

  • at a salon
  • by appointment

Etymology

Old EnglishLatinEnglish

Formed by combining 'hair' (from Old English 'hǣr') with 'stylist' (from 'style', which goes back to Latin 'stilus' — a pointed writing tool, later extended to mean 'a way of doing something'). The compound 'hairstylist' became common in the mid-1900s as a modern alternative to 'hairdresser', putting more emphasis on creative styling.