Customers visit any one of these businesses for hairstyling or beauty services. This includes hair, face, and scalp treatments. Hair care can range from washing, coloring, cutting, drying, to styling. These positions also entail handling monetary transactions and up-keeping tools. Barbers typically provide service to male customers, additionally offering facial shaving. Hairdressers serve both female and male clients. Oftentimes they make home care recommendations, including promoting products. Cosmetologists provide scalp and facial treatments as well as makeup advice. They may also handle wigs and hairpieces or sell skin care products.
How much would you earn in this position?
In 2012, the median hourly wage was $10.95 for these careers, with a range from $8.11 to $20.39. In 2013, the median hourly wage for hairdressers was $11.12, which demonstrates growth in the profession. The best-paid earned approximately $44,220 annually. The highest paid areas in 2013 were San Francisco and Seattle, while the highest paid sector was the performing arts. Tips are common in this profession.
Requirements:
Some skills that will help you to succeed in this career include creativity, customer-service, listening, and time-management. If you are the owner of the business, other duties include hiring, supervising, and letting employees go. General business tasks must be completed as well, such as maintaining inventory records, ordering supplies, advertising, and more.
Licenses are required for all three jobs, which means one must attend and graduate from a cosmetology program in a post-secondary vocational school. This program might yield an associate’s degree as well. After graduation, an exam must be passed, which typically involves both a written portion and a practical application portion. High school diplomas are typically required too.
Work Conditions:
Other than working in barbershops or salons, these type of positions could be available in spas, hotels, and resorts. Considerations include being on your feet for long periods of time as well as exposure to chemicals, which is why protective clothing is common. Your hours will depend on if you are self-employed or not. This is often a part-time job unless you are the owner. Evenings and weekends are typical.
-Samantha Phillips
What interests you about this career? What other information would you like to know about it?
Sources:
Occupational Outlook Handbook: Barbers, Hairdressers, and Cosmetologists
Money - U.S. News: Best Social Services Jobs