Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

What the job really is

Provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services.

At a glance

• Sector: Personal Care & Service
• O*NET-SOC code: 39-5012
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Keep work stations clean and sanitize tools, such as scissors and combs.
• Bleach, dye, or tint hair, using applicator or brush.
• Cut, trim and shape hair or hairpieces, based on customers' instructions, hair type, and facial features, using clippers, scissors, trimmers and razors.
• Schedule client appointments.
• Update and maintain customer information records, such as beauty services provided.
• Demonstrate and sell hair care products and cosmetics.
• Analyze patrons' hair and other physical features to determine and recommend beauty treatment or suggest hair styles.
• Shampoo, rinse, condition, and dry hair and scalp or hairpieces with water, liquid soap, or other solutions.
• Operate cash registers to receive payments from patrons.
• Order, display, and maintain supplies.
• Comb, brush, and spray hair or wigs to set style.
• Develop new styles and techniques.

Tools and technology

Apple iOS, Facebook, Intuit QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Word, Appointment scheduling software, Butterfly hair clamps, Color application combs, Curling irons, Customer information databases, Cuticle nippers

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Barbers
• Skincare Specialists
• Shampooers
• Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
• Manicurists and Pedicurists
• Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers
• Sewers, Hand
• Retail Salespersons

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.