A private hair stylist is a personal hairdresser who works for one client or family. They travel to the home, yacht, hotel, or event instead of working from a salon.
The role covers cutting, coloring, blow drying, and styling. Work includes daily routines, public appearances, and special occasions.
It’s a niche role, but our recruiters see steady demand from public figures, business families, and households running more than one property.
What does a private hair stylist do?
A private hair stylist provides hair care and styling for one client or family, in the client’s home or wherever the client travels. Co-founder of Morgan & Mallet Laurine Mallet says there are two sides to the work. A lot of it is everyday upkeep like regular cuts, color touch-ups, and blow dries. On top of that, the stylist prepares the client for events, travel, and long days in front of cameras.
The treatments cover most of what you get in a high-end salon. Cuts and shaping, color work, scalp treatments, damage repair, and wigs or extensions when they’re needed.
A day can start with a 7am blow dry in a Manhattan bedroom, then move on to packing a travel kit for a private jet later. The stylist has to build their own mobile kit and work in spaces that weren’t set up for a hair session.
Our recruiters know that clients with homes in Aspen, Miami, and the South of France want someone who has done this work before. They want a stylist who can pack fast, move with the family, and handle last-minute changes without making a fuss.
Morgan Richez, co-founder of Morgan & Mallet, says, “Our clients are international, but our candidates are too. You have a lot of travelling butlers, travelling nannies. They can work in France and next time it will be on a yacht based in the Bahamas.”
The workplace changes every week. It might be a private home one week, then a hotel suite, a yacht, or an event green room. For clients with several homes, the stylist either travels with them or gets there ahead to set up.
What skills does a private hair stylist need?
Technical skills for sure, that goes without saying. What separates a private stylist from a salon stylist is discretion. A hair stylist is often with the principal in their own home for hours at a time, in a bedroom or dressing room, before an important event. You overhear phone calls, see what’s on the desk, meet the family. All of that stays with you. That’s the job.
From his time working as a chauffeur for a high-fashion designer, Morgan Richez understood the boundary between him and his employer. He did not ask too many questions or act like a friend. The designer was the boss, and Morgan respected that.
It’s the same for a stylist with 90 minutes alone with the principal before a red carpet. Warmth and conversation are fine. Curiosity needs to stay in check.
Our New York recruiters also flag patience and calm under pressure. The client’s plans change at 4pm and suddenly the stylist needs to redo the whole look for a different venue. In a private role, the stylist has to hold it together on the day.
What qualifications do you need to become a private hair stylist?
Most private hair stylists start with a cosmetology or hairdressing license from an accredited school. Rules vary by state and country, but the skills are the same everywhere. You need to cut, color, handle chemical services, and style different hair types.
Well-known programs include the Aveda Institute, Vidal Sassoon Academy, and Paul Mitchell Schools in the US. In the UK, the Vidal Sassoon Academy in London and Toni and Guy training programs carry weight. In France, the CAP Coiffure is the standard entry-level route. The Professional Beauty Association lists accredited programs in the US.
Salon experience comes next. Most candidates we place have at least five years in a high-end salon or with a celebrity styling team. A strong portfolio shows range across hair types, color work, and event styling. Social media helps, but salon hours matter more.
How much does a private hair stylist earn?
Pay for private hair stylists working with high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) families depends on the market, the amount of travel, and how exclusive the role is.
In the US, full-time private household roles start around $50,000 and run to $120,000+ for travel-heavy or celebrity-facing placements. Top celebrity stylists earn well into six figures through a mix of retainer, appearance fees, and travel days.
In London and Paris, strong private placements are usually structured as annual packages rather than base salary alone. Total compensation is in the £50,000 to £100,000 range for experienced stylists supporting private families and public figures. In Dubai, base salary is lower, but housing, flights, and travel days lift the package significantly.
The same things push the package up here as in any other specialist role. Travel and a second language both add to it. NDAs add another 15 to 20% to base pay, according to Morgan & Mallet’s 2025/26 Household Staff Salaries Annual Report. For stylists working with public figures, NDAs are standard.
Private hair stylist job description example
Our Los Angeles office sees requests along these lines:
Role: Private hair stylist for a public-facing UHNW principal in Los Angeles. Travel across the US and Europe required.
Duties:
- Daily hair styling and maintenance at the principal’s Beverly Hills home
- Press, event, and red carpet styling
- Travel with the principal on private jet and yacht trips
- Working alongside the makeup artist and personal shopper
- Care of wigs, extensions, and hair treatments
Requirements:
- Ten or more years of high-end salon or celebrity styling experience
- Valid passport and willing to travel at short notice
- Fluent English, second language preferred
- Signed NDA before the first working day
- Own travel kit and preferred product list
Package: Base salary from $100,000 plus travel days, accommodation on trips, and paid health insurance.
Hire a private hair stylist
If you’re looking to hire a private hair stylist for your household, Morgan & Mallet places candidates with private families and public figures across the US, Europe, and the Middle East.
Call us on +1 (646) 965-2308 (US) and speak to one of our recruiters for a free consultation.
Apply for a private hair stylist role
We work with stylists who have private and celebrity experience, so please include a portfolio and a list of the principals or productions you have styled for when you apply. If you are a private hair stylist looking for a role with a private household, you can search for open roles through our job board.