Hair Stylist Intern

Great Clips Careers of ND & MN; McHenry (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Great Clips is seeking a Hair Stylist Intern for students in cosmetology or barbering programs. This opportunity allows you to gain real-world salon experience while you are in school and connect with a professional team.

Intern responsibilities vary by location and are designed to observe, assist, and learn under seasoned stylists, with state regulations guiding activities. Compensation, if offered, varies by salon organization.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a cosmetology or barber program.
• School accepts internship or job-shadowing hours.
• Eager to learn and gain hands-on salon experience.
• Professional, reliable, and friendly.

Skills

Cosmetology/barber student

Willingness to learn

Professional demeanor

Job description

McHenry Plaza 1778 N Richmond Rd McHenry, Illinois

Join a locally owned Great Clips® salon team and start building real-world salon experience while you're still in school. The Hair Stylist Intern role is designed for cosmetology and barber students who want to learn what salon life is really like, connect with a professional team, and prepare for a smooth transition into a licensed stylist role after graduation.

This opportunity is ideal for students who are curious, motivated, and excited to grow their skills in a supportive salon environment.

Hair Stylist Intern

Are you currently enrolled in cosmetology or barbering school? Great Clips is looking for motivated students interested in gaining real-world salon experience through internship or job-shadowing hours.

Requirements

• Currently attending cosmetology or barbering school
• School accepts internship/job-shadowing hours
• Eager to learn and gain hands-on salon experience
• Professional, reliable, and friendly

Come learn from experienced stylists and get a firsthand look at a career with Great Clips!

Why you'll love it here

Great Clips salons offer internship experiences that help students learn, grow, and feel confident stepping into the industry:

• Exposure to a successful, stable salon brand and professional salon environment
• The opportunity to build relationships with experienced stylists and salon leaders
• Hands‑on learning around salon operations, customer service, and teamwork
• Opportunities to observe and support haircutting and finishing techniques, as allowed by state regulations
• Experience using salon systems, tools, and technology
• A supportive setting to ask questions, learn expectations, and understand day‑to‑day salon life
• A pathway to future opportunities as a licensed stylist, where available

Program structure, scheduling, and responsibilities may vary by salon location, as internship programs are created and managed by individual Great Clips salon organizations.

What you bring to the team

To be considered for a Hair Stylist Intern opportunity, you'll need:

• Current enrollment in a cosmetology or barber program
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Strong communication skills and a professional mindset
• A desire to work as part of a team and support a great salon experience
• Reliability, curiosity, and openness to feedback

Who we are

As the world's largest salon brand, with over 4,400 locally owned and operated salons across the U.S. and Canada, Great Clips combines strong brand recognition, marketing, and support with a close-knit, team‑oriented culture. We're passionate about cutting hair and providing great value for the whole family. Talented teams of skilled professionals, along with convenient hours and a great haircut experience, set us apart in our communities.

FAQ

• Q: Is this a paid internship?
  A: Compensation, if offered, varies by salon organization. Details will be shared during the interview process.
• Q: Will I be cutting hair as an intern?
  A: Intern responsibilities vary by location and must follow state regulations. Most interns observe, assist, and learn rather than perform full services.
• Q: Does this role lead to a job after graduation?
  A: Employment is not guaranteed, but many salons use internship programs to connect with students who may be a good fit after licensure.
• Q: Are Hair Stylist Intern opportunities available at all Great Clips salons?
  A: No. Internship programs are completely optional and offered by select locally owned Great Clips salon organizations.

All Great Clips® salons are independently owned and operated by third‑party franchisees. Franchisees, not Great Clips, Inc., are responsible for all hiring and personnel matters at their individual salons.

"Great Clips® salons offer the training, and the customers are already there. It's a guaranteed way to start making money right away."

You've got talent. Make it work for you.

As a Great Clips® salon stylist, you'll be part of a team that feels like family. And with a built‑in customer base, you'll start helping others on day one. So, if connecting with people is your thing, it's time to connect with a Great Clips® salon.