Cosmetology Schools, Training, And Jobs

About Hairdressers And Cosmetologists

Hairdressers and Cosmetologists provide a wide variety of beauty services to customers, much of which is focused on hair care. Among the services they offer are hair cutting, trimming, styling, shampooing, and advising customers how to care for their hair at home. In addition, cosmetologists are often trained in giving manicures and pedicures; providing skin and facial treatments; and applying makeup.

Some cosmetologists and hairdressers are specialists who focus on one primary aspect of personal care and grooming. Barbers are individuals who primarily cater to male clients and who focus on cutting hair, giving shaves, and trimming beards. Shampooers, who work mostly in large salons, specialize in shampooing and conditioning hair. Manicurists and Pedicurists (also referred to as Nail Technicians) work exclusively 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 treatment.

Hairdresser and Cosmetologist Responsibilities

Hairdressers and cosmetologists are trained to analyze a customer's facial structure and select hairstyles that flatter the individual. They are licensed to perform hair treatments on customers, including hair cutting, trimming, styling, coloring, dyeing, shampooing, and conditioning. In addition, they are trained in skin care and many of them perform duties which cleanse and beautify the skin such as facials and head and neck massages. Some of them also perform nail care and give manicures and pedicures, as well as nail polishing.

A typical day in the life of a hairdresser or cosmetologist might consist of the following duties, depending on his or her specialization:

• Cutting, trimming and shaping hair
• Combing, brushing, and shaping wigs and hair pieces
• Bleaching, coloring, or tinting hair
• Shampooing and conditioning hair
• Discussing treatments and hair styles with customers
• Keeping abreast of the latest styles and hair care techniques
• Recommending home treatments to customers
• Massaging and treating scalp for hygienic and remedial purposes
• Administering therapeutic scalp medication
• Advising customers when to seek medical treatment for chronic or contagious scalp conditions
• Applying cosmetics, lotions, and creams to soften and lubricate customers' skin
• Performing eyebrow or eyelash shaping or coloring
• Cleaning, shaping, and polishing fingernails and toenails
• Removing hair through waxing or with laser treatments
• Maintaining and updating customer information records
• Answering phones and booking appointments
• Organizing daily schedule to accommodate customer needs
• Maintaining equipment and work space in a neat and sanitary condition
• Keeping inventory of shop supplies and equipment

Full-time hairdressers and cosmetologists normally work a 40-hour week; however, most are required to 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 and beauty techniques. Training is regularly available at salons, cosmetology schools, and product shows. At these training sessions, industry representatives demonstrate the latest techniques and introduce hairdressers and cosmetologists to a wide array of new products and services.

Resources for Hairdressers and Cosmetologists

• National Cosmetology Association
• National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences
• National Beauty Culturists League (NBCL)
• National Interstate-Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC)
• The Salon Association (TSA)
• Cosmetology Advancement Foundation (CAF)

Major Employers of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists

Most hairdressers and cosmetologists are employed in beauty salons. However, they are also found in nail salons, day and resort spas, department stores, and residential or nursing homes. Other employers include hotels, resorts, and cruise ships. Nearly half of all hairdressers, cosmetologists, and other personal appearance workers are self-employed. Many of these workers own their own salon, although some lease a chair or work space from the salon owner. Approximately one of every three cosmetologists works part-time.

Schools for Hairdressers And Cosmetologists are listed in the column to the left.

The Top Cities tab shows employment statistics for Hairdressers And Cosmetologists by major metro area.

The Top Industries tab shows which industries have the most jobs for Hairdressers And Cosmetologists, along with salary data by industry.

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