Acquiring the right look has never been easy. It requires that perfect hairstyle, exquisite nails, a neatly trimmed beard, or the proper make-up to accent your coloring. As people increasingly demand styles that are better suited to their individual characteristics, they rely on barbers and cosmetologists more and more. Although tastes and fashions change from year to year, the basic job of barbers and cosmetologists remains the same to help people look their best.
Barbers cut, trim, shampoo, and style hair. Many people still go to a barber for just a haircut, but an increasing number seek more personalized hairstyling services. Barbers trained in these areas work in barber shops and styling salons, many of which are considered to be unisex because they serve both men and women. It is not uncommon for a barber to color or perm a customer's hair. In addition, barbers may fit hairpieces, provide hair and scalp treatments, shave male customers, or give facial massages. In most States, barbers are licensed to perform all the duties of cosmetologists except skin care and nail treatment.
Cosmetologists primarily shampoo, cut, and style hair. These workers, who are often called hairstylists, also may advise patrons on how to care for their hair. Frequently, they straighten or permanent wave a customer's hair to keep the style in shape. Cosmetologists may also lighten or darken hair color. In addition, most cosmetologists are trained to give manicures and scalp and facial treatments, provide makeup analysis for women, and clean and style wigs and hairpieces. Related workers include manicurists, who clean, shape, and polish customer's fingernails and toenails; makeup artists, who apply makeup; electrologists, who remove hair from skin by electrolysis; and estheticians, who cleanse and beautify the skin. Cosmetologists offer all of the services that barbers do except shaving men.
In addition to their work with customers, barbers and cosmetologists are expected to keep their work area clean and their hairdressing implements sanitized. They may make appointments and keep records of hair color and permanent wave formulas used by their regular patrons. Some sell hair products and other cosmetic supplies. Barbers and cosmetologists who operate their own salons also have managerial duties that include hiring, supervising, and firing workers, as well as keeping records and ordering supplies.
Barbers and cosmetologists generally work in clean, pleasant surroundings with good lighting and ventilation. Good health and stamina are important because these workers must stand a great deal. Prolonged exposure to some hair and nail chemicals may be hazardous and cause irritation, so special care must be taken when working with these chemicals. Full-time barbers and cosmetologists may work more than 40 hours a week. This often includes evenings and weekends, when beauty and barber shops and salons are busiest. Although weekends and lunch periods are generally very busy, barbers and cosmetologists may have some time off during slack periods.
Barbers and cosmetologists held about 746,000 jobs in 1992; 9 of every 10 were cosmetologists. Most worked in beauty salons, barber shops, or department stores, and a few were employed by hospitals, hotels, and prisons. About 4 out of every 5 barbers and about half of all cosmetologists are self employed.
Cosmetologists work in a variety of settings to help people look their best.
Almost all cities and towns have barbershops and hair salons, but employment is concentrated in the most populous cities and states. Hairstylists usually work in cities and suburbs, where the greatest demand for their services exists. Stylists who set fashion trends with their hairstyles usually work in New York City, Los Angeles, and other centers of fashion and the performing arts.
One of every 3 barbers and cosmetologists works part time. The abundance of part-time jobs attracts many persons who want to combine a job with family, school, or other responsibilities.
Although all States require barbers and cosmetologists to be licensed, the qualifications necessary to obtain a license vary. Generally, a person must have graduated from a State-licensed barber or cosmetology school, pass a physical examination, and be at least 16 years old. In addition, education requirements vary from State to State some require graduation from high school while others require as little as an eighth grade education. In a few States, completion of an apprenticeship can substitute for graduation from a school, but very few barbers or cosmetologists learn their skills in this way. Applicants for a license usually are required to pass a written test and demonstrate an ability to perform basic barbering or cosmetololgy services.
Some States have reciprocity agreements that allow licensed barbers and cosmetologists to practice in a different State without additional formal training. Other States do not recognize training or licenses obtained in another State; consequently, persons who wish to become a barber or a cosmetologist should review the laws of the State in which they want to work before entering a training program.
Public and private vocational schools offer daytime or evening classes in barbering and cosmetology. These programs usually last 6 to 12 months. An apprenticeship program can last from 1 to 2 years. Formal training programs include classroom study, demonstrations, and practical work. Students study the basic services haircutting, shaving, facial massaging, and hair and scalp treatments and, under supervision, practice on customers in school clinics. Most schools also teach unisex hairstyling and chemical styling. Students attend lectures on barber services, the use and care of instruments, sanitation and hygiene, and recognition of certain skin ailments. Instruction also is given in selling and general business practices. There are also advanced courses for experienced barbers in hairstyling, coloring, and the sale and service of hairpieces. Most schools teach hairstyling of men's as well as women's hair.
After graduating from a training program, students can take the State licensing examination. The examination consists of a written test and, in some cases, a practical test of cosmetology skills. A few States include an oral examination in which the applicant is asked to explain the procedures he or she is following while taking the practical test. In some States, a separate examination is given for persons who want only a manicurist license or a facial care license.
Persons who want to become barbers or cosmetologists must have finger dexterity and a sense of form and artistry. They should enjoy dealing with the public and be willing and able to follow patrons' instructions. Because hairstyles are constantly changing, barbers and cosmetologists must keep abreast of the latest fashions and beauty techniques. Business skills are important for those who plan to operate their own salons.
Many schools help their graduates find jobs. During their first months on the job, new workers are given relatively simple tasks, such as giving shampoos, or are assigned to perform the simpler hairstyling patterns. Once they have demonstrated their skills, they are gradually permitted to perform the more complicated tasks such as giving shaves, coloring hair, or applying a permanent.
Advancement usually is in the form of higher earnings as barbers and cosmetologists gain experience and build a steady clientele. Some barbers and cosmetologists manage large salons or open their own after several years of experience. Some teach in barber or cosmetology schools. Others become sales representatives for cosmetics firms, open businesses as beauty or fashion consultants, or work as examiners for State licensing boards.
Overall employment of barbers and cosmetologists is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. Population growth, rising incomes, and a growing demand for the services that they provide will stimulate the demand for these workers. Within this occupation, however, different employment trends are expected. Cosmetologists will account for virtually all of the employment growth, reflecting the continuing shifts in consumer preferences to more personalized services and in salons to full-service, unisex establishments. Demand for manicurists and for cosmetologists who are trained in nail care will be particularly strong. Employment of barbers is expected to decline slightly.
The annual number of job openings in cosmetology should be quite large due to the large size of the occupation and expected rapid employment growth. However, there appears to be a large reserve pool of licensed cosmetologists who move into and out of the occupation. Consequently, newly licensed jobseekers in this field are likely to compete for openings with an experienced pool of workers who choose to reenter the labor force.
Despite a projected employment decline, a significant number of active barbers should soon retire and need to be replaced. Those who receive training to perform a wide range of services, as most currently do, will improve their chances of finding employment in the growing number of full-service salons.
Opportunities for persons seeking part-time barbering and cosmetology positions should continue to be good.
Barbers and cosmetologists receive income either from commissions or wages and tips. According to limited information, most full-time barbers and cosmetologists earned between $20,000 and $30,000 in 1992, including tips. Earnings depend on the size and location of the shop, the number of hours worked, customers' tipping habits, competition from other barbershops and salons, and the barber's or cosmetologist's ability to attract and hold regular customers.
Other workers whose main activity consists of improving a patron's personal appearance include beauty consultants, make-up and wig specialists, and salon and health club managers. Other workers are employed in the cosmetology industry as instructors and beauty supply distributors.
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Reprinted with Permission of U. S. Department of Labor