Barbers and cosmetologists focus on providing hair care services to enhance the appearance of consumers. Other personal appearance workers, such as manicurists and pedicurists, shampooers, theatrical and performance makeup artists, and skin care specialists provide specialized beauty services that help clients look and feel their best.
Barbers cut, trim, shampoo, and style hair mostly for male clients. They also may fit hairpieces and offer scalp treatments and facial shaving. In many States, barbers are licensed to color, bleach, or highlight hair and to offer permanent-wave services. Barbers also may provide skin care and nail treatments.
Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists offer a wide range of beauty services, such as shampooing, cutting, coloring, and styling of hair. They may advise clients on how to care for their hair at home. In addition, cosmetologists may be trained to give manicures, pedicures, and scalp and facial treatments; provide makeup analysis; and clean and style wigs and hairpieces.
A number of workers offer specialized services. Manicurists and pedicurists, called nail technicians in some States, work exclusively on nails and provide manicures, pedicures, polishing, and nail extensions to clients. Another group of specialists is skin care specialists, or estheticians, who cleanse and beautify the skin by giving facials, full-body treatments, and head and neck massages as well as apply makeup. They also may remove hair through waxing or, if properly trained, laser treatments. Theatrical and performance makeup artists, apply makeup to enhance performing artists' appearance for movie, television, or stage performances. Finally, in larger salons, shampooers specialize in shampooing and conditioning hair.
In addition to working with clients, personal appearance workers may keep records of hair color or skin care regimens used by their regular clients. A growing number actively sell hair, skin, and nail care products. Barbers, cosmetologists, and other personal appearance workers who operate their own salons have managerial duties that may include hiring, supervising, and firing workers, as well as keeping business and inventory records, ordering supplies, and arranging for advertising.
Work environment. Most full-time barbers, cosmetologists, and other personal appearance workers put in a 40-hour week, but longer hours are common, especially among self-employed workers. Work schedules may include evenings and weekends, the times when beauty salons and barbershops are busiest. In 2006, about 31 percent of cosmetologists and 19 percent of barbers worked part time, and 16 percent of cosmetologists and 11 percent of barbers had variable schedules.
Barbers, cosmetologists, and other personal appearance workers usually work in clean, pleasant surroundings with good lighting and ventilation. Good health and stamina are important, because these workers are on their feet for most of their shift. Prolonged exposure to some hair and nail chemicals may cause irritation, so protective clothing, such as plastic gloves or aprons, may be worn.
| 1. | Clean and sterilize scissors, combs, clippers, and other instruments. |
| 2. | Cut and trim hair according to clients' instructions and/or current hairstyles, using clippers, combs, hand-held blow driers, and scissors. |
| 3. | Drape and pin protective cloths around customers' shoulders. |
| 4. | Question patrons regarding desired services and haircut styles. |
| 5. | Clean work stations and sweep floors. |
| 6. | Record services provided on cashiers' tickets or receive payment from customers. |
| 7. | Order supplies. |
| 8. | Shape and trim beards and moustaches, using scissors. |
| 9. | Stay informed of the latest styles and hair care techniques. |
| 10. | Suggest treatments to alleviate hair problems. |
| 11. | Shampoo hair. |
| 12. | Keep card files on clientele, recording notes of work done, products used and fees charged after each visit. |
| 13. | Perform clerical and administrative duties such as keeping records, paying bills, and hiring and supervising personnel. |
| 14. | Curl, color, or straighten hair, using special chemical solutions and equipment. |
| 15. | Apply lather; and shave beards, or neck and temple hair contours, using razors. |
| 16. | Measure, fit, and groom hairpieces. |
| 17. | Recommend and sell lotions, tonics, or other cosmetic supplies. |
| 18. | Provide face, neck, and scalp massages. |
| 19. | Provide skin care and nail treatments. |
| 20. | Identify hair problems, using microscopes and testing devices, or by sending clients' hair samples out to independent laboratories for analysis. |
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