Hairdressers & Cosmetologists are known by several different titles, but no matter what title you choose to go by, you will most likely provide a wide range of beauty services to your clients which will probably include hair cutting, styling, shampooing, conditioning, coloring, perming & highlighting. Some cosmetologists also offer manicures and pedicures.

Some cosmetologists and hairdressers choose to specialize in one primary aspect of the beauty industry. Barbers primarily cater to male clients while cosmetologists primarily cater to female clients. Shampooers work mostly in large salons and specialize in shampooing and conditioning hair. Manicurists and Pedicurists (also referred to as Nail Technicians) work on nails and provide their customers with manicures, pedicures, nail polishing, and nail extensions. Estheticians (also known as Skin Care Specialists) concentrate on skin care and facial treatments and body treatments.

Responsibilities

Hairdressers and cosmetologists are trained to analyze their customer's face shapes & features and then to select the most flattering hairstyles for that individual. They are licensed to perform hair cutting, styling, coloring, highlighting, shampooing, and conditioning and the application of hair extensions.

A typical day might consist of any the following duties...


Full-time hairdressers and cosmetologists normally work a 40-hour week which will most likely include some evening and weekend hours in their work week as these are the times when salons are usually busiest. Some salon workers, especially those who are self-employed, put in more than 40 hours in a typical week. The work environment is usually clean and pleasant, with good ventilation and good lighting.

Hairdressers and cosmetologists are on their feet most of the day and are consequently subject to physical stress and fatigue. They also face exposure to chemicals used for treating hair and nails and these chemicals can sometimes cause irritation. For this reason, salon workers often wear protective clothing such as plastic gloves or aprons.

In order to be successful, hairdressers and cosmetologists must be clean and neat, both in terms of personal appearance and also in terms of their work areas. Interpersonal skills are very important in this profession, as the ability to attract and retain a strong customer base is vital. An addition character trait for a successful salon worker is the ability to be an effective salesperson. Other good attributes to have include talent in the areas of fashion, art, and technical design.

Employment Outlook

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (USDL BLS), job growth for hairdressers and cosmetologists is projected to grow slightly faster than the average for all occupations throughout the upcoming decade. This forecast is based on factors such as an increasing population and a growing demand for personal appearance services, particularly in the realm of skin care. The fact that most salon workers now cut and style hair for both men and women will contribute to the strong employment projection.

In general, the stiffest competition for jobs is expected to occur at higher paying salons where applicants will be competing with a large pool of licensed and experienced cosmetologists. Job opportunities are expected to be best for those with previous experience in the field and for those who are licensed to provide a wide variety of cosmetology services.

Hairdresser and Cosmetologist Training, Certification, and Licensing

Every state requires hairdressers, cosmetologists, and most other personal appearance workers to be licensed. Qualifications for a license vary by state; however, in most cases an individual must be a graduate of a state-licensed cosmetology school. Some states also require a high school diploma or equivalent. In addition, applicants for a license are usually required to pass a written test and demonstrate an ability to perform basic cosmetology services. Some states have reciprocity agreements that allow hairdressers and cosmetologists who are already licensed in one state to apply for and obtain a license in a different state without additional formal training. It is important for anyone wishing to work in a particular state to carefully review the laws of that state before entering a training program.

Full-time cosmetology programs can last anywhere from 9 to 24 months, while an apprenticeship program can last from one to three years. Formal training programs typically include a mix of classroom study, demonstrations, and practical work. In addition to studying basic services such as haircutting, shaving, facial massaging, and hair and scalp treatments, students typically undertake supervised practice on customers in school-sponsored clinics. Most schools also include coursework covering unisex hairstyling, chemical styling, use and care of instruments, sanitation and hygiene, chemistry, physiology, anatomy, and how to recognize simple skin ailments. Additional instruction in communication, sales, and general business practices is usually provided as well.

Graduates of a training program are usually eligible to take the state licensing examination. This exam consists of a written test and in many states also includes a practical test of styling skills. A few states include an oral component to the exam, where the applicant is asked to explain the procedures he or she is following during the practical test. Many states require separate licensing examinations for those who intend to qualify as manicurists, pedicurists, and skin care specialists.

In the personal appearance field of work, continuing education can be very important. Changing hairstyles, as well as the steady introduction of new products into the marketplace, require hairdressers and cosmetologists to continually keep abreast of the latest fashions.