Occupation Profile for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

opportunity | video

Provide beauty services, such as shampooing, cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May also apply makeup, dress wigs, perform hair removal, and provide nail and skin care services.

Signficant Points

  • A State license is required for barbers, cosmetologists, and most other personal appearance workers, although qualifications vary by State.
  • About 46 percent of workers are self employed; many also work flexible schedules.
 

Tasks

  • Core — Keep work stations clean and sanitize tools such as scissors and combs.
  • Core — Analyze patrons' hair and other physical features to determine and recommend beauty treatment or suggest hair styles.
  • Core — Bleach, dye, or tint hair, using applicator or brush.
  • Core — Update and maintain customer information records, such as beauty services provided.
  • Core — Cut, trim and shape hair or hairpieces, based on customers' instructions, hair type and facial features, using clippers, scissors, trimmers and razors.

Activities

  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
  • Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
  • Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.