Hairstylist/Cosmetologist

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Work Tasks

HAIRSTYLISTS/COSMETOLOGISTS provide beauty services, such as shampooing, trimming, cutting, coloring, and styling hair. They straighten or permanent wave hair, lighten or darken hair color, and advise customers on how to care for their hair. They may also give manicures, pedicures, and scalp and facial treatments; provide makeup analysis; and clean and style wigs and hairpieces. They keep their work areas clean and their hairdressing tools sanitized. They make appointments and keep records of hair color and permanent wave formulas used by their regular customers.

Salary, Size & Growth

Entry Requirements

All states require HAIRSTYLISTS/COSMETOLOGISTS to be licensed by the state in which they work. To obtain a license, they must be at least 16 years of age (18 in some states), a graduate from high school (in some states), a graduate from a state-licensed cosmetology school, and pass a state examination. Public and private vocational schools offer classes in cosmetology. Formal programs include classroom study, demonstrations, and practical work. Students study haircutting, facial massaging, and hair and scalp treatments.