The people who cut, style, and color hair, and sell specialty beauty products are barbers, hairdressers, and cosmetologists. They creatively enhance each client’s appearance, and keep up with hairstyle trends. Hairstylists and barbers listen carefully to clients’ preferences, and make sure they are satisfied with their results, while finishing in time for their next appointment. Barbers usually serve male clients for shampoos, haircuts, and shaves. Some fit hairpieces and perform facials. Hairdressers, or hairstylists, provide coloring, chemical hair treatments, and styling in addition to shampoos and cuts, and serve both female and male clients. Cosmetologists perform scalp and facial treatments and conduct make-up analysis. While some barbers, hairdressers, and cosmetologists work in spas or hotels, most work in barbershops and salons. Some lease chair space from a salon owner, others open their own shops after gaining experience. These workers are on their feet for most of their shift, and often wear gloves or aprons when giving chemical hair treatments. Many work full time, including nights and weekends, however part-time positions are also common. Salon owners work long hours and manage employees… inventory… ordering and bookkeeping. Barbers, hairdressers, and cosmetologists must complete a program in a state-licensed barber or cosmetology school and obtain licensure. Full-time programs in barbering and cosmetology usually last at least 9 months.
What they do:
Shampoo and rinse customers' hair.
On the job, you would:
Massage, shampoo, and condition patron's hair and scalp to clean them and remove excess oil.
Advise patrons with chronic or potentially contagious scalp conditions to seek medical treatment.
Treat scalp conditions and hair loss, using specialized lotions, shampoos, or equipment such as infrared lamps or vibrating equipment.
Business
customer service
sales and marketing
Arts and Humanities
English language
Basic Skills
talking to others
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Social
looking for ways to help people
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
communicate by speaking
Hand and Finger Use
keep your arm or hand steady
hold or move items with your hands
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Dependability
Self Control
Adaptability/Flexibility
Concern for Others
Stress Tolerance
Integrity
You might use software like this on the job:
Electronic mail software
Email software
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Data base user interface and query software
Data entry software
certificate after high school or high school diploma/GED usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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