Hairstylists and Cosmetologists

Career summary

Cosmetologists and hairstylists may also be called beauticians, hairdressers, or stylists.

Hairstylist and cosmetologist jobs vary depending on the size and type of salon where they work. Some salons may only do hairstyles. Larger salons may hire manicurists to do nails only and leave the rest to cosmetologists. See the occupation description "Manicurists" in WOIS for more information.

Hairstylists and cosmetologists must keep their work areas clean. After each customer, they sweep the floor around the chair. They also wash the combs and any other tools used. They make appointments and keep records of the products their customers use. Some workers sell hair products or makeup supplies. Those who own or manage salons order supplies, pay bills, keep records, and hire employees.

Hairstylists and cosmetologists share many duties, but some duties vary.

Hairstylists

Hairstylists greet customers when they enter the shop. They talk to customers about the style of haircut they want. They drape a protective cloth around the customer's shoulders to catch the cut hair. They wash the customer's hair and may give scalp massages.

Stylists check the condition of the customer's hair and scalp. If they find a problem, stylists advise customers how to improve the health of their scalp. For contagious conditions, stylists advise customers to see a doctor.

Hairstylists cut customers' hair. They cut hair with:

• Combs
• Razors
• Scissors

They style customers' hair with:

• Clips
• Curling irons
• Flat irons
• Hair spray

Sometimes stylists braid hair. They also may color or perm a customer's hair. Depending on how customers want their hair colored, stylists apply the color solution to all their hair or just to select strands.

Hairstylists calculate the charges and accept payments from customers.

Cosmetologists

Cosmetologists provide all the services of hairstylists and more.

Cosmetologists analyze the hair and physical features of customers who want makeovers. They recommend makeup and skin treatments based on their analysis. They may rub on facial treatments to clean the skin. They use special tools to remove unwanted hair from the skin by applying small electrical currents. Once the customer's skin is clean they apply makeup and explain each step of the process. Some clean and style wigs and hair pieces.

Related careers

This career is part of the Human Services cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Barbers
• Embalmers
• Manicurists
• Professional Makeup Artists
• Skin Care Specialists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to hairstylists and cosmetologists.

• Question customers about services, length, and style of haircut desired.
• Drape and pin protective cloth around customers' shoulders.
• Massage scalp, using hands and fingers.
• Shampoo, rinse, and dry hair or hair pieces.
• Advise customers to seek medical treatment for chronic or contagious scalp conditions.
• Cut, trim, and shape hair or hair pieces, using scissors and razors.
• Bleach, dye, or tint hair.
• Apply setting or wave solution to hair and wind hair on rollers.
• Comb, brush, and spray hair or wigs to set style.
• Analyze customers' hair and other physical features and recommend makeup.
• Shape eyebrows and remove facial hair, using wax or electrolysis.
• Apply makeup and lotions to enhance appearance. Give facials.
• Sell lotions, conditioners, makeup, or other supplies. Educate customers about their use.
• Receive payment for services and products.
• Clean work area and tools.
• Order supplies, schedule work and appointments, and keep business records.
• Create new makeup styles or haircutting techniques.
• Update and maintain customer information records, such as hair color or permanent wave solution.
• May train or supervise other hairstylists, cosmetologists, or assistants.

Common work activities

Hairstylists and cosmetologists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Perform for or work with the public
• Convince others to buy goods or change their minds or actions
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Assist and care for others
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Think creatively
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Get information needed to do the job
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Teach others
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Document and record information
• Develop and build teams
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Schedule work and activities
• Handle and move objects
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Analyze data or information

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, hairstylists and cosmetologists:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of contact with customers and staff.
• Constantly communicate by telephone or in person.
• Sometimes deal with angry or unpleasant people. Customers are sometimes dissatisfied with hair or facial treatments.
• Often work in a group or as part of a team.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of their clients.

Physical work conditions

• Almost always work indoors.
• May occasionally be exposed to chemicals, such as perm solutions or hair removal creams.
• On occasion may suffer minor burns, stings, or cuts from items such as chemicals, curling irons, or scissors.
• Sometimes wear safety gear, such as latex gloves, when handling hair dye, chemical straighteners, or hair removal creams.
• Work very near others. They have to be physically close to clients' hair and faces.

Work performance

• Must be exact in their work. Errors could cause customers to get a bad haircut or hair color.
• Make decisions that affect clients and other workers on a daily basis. They rarely, if ever, consult a supervisor before deciding on a course of action.
• Usually are able to set all their tasks and goals for the day without consulting a supervisor. The needs of clients typically decide the necessary tasks.
• Are aware of moderate competitive pressures. They often rely on word-of-mouth and reputation to attract and keep clients.
• Abide by weekly deadlines.
• Repeat the same physical activities.

Hours/travel

• May work part time or full time. Most work full time.
• May work more than 40 hours per week if they own their shops.
• May work evenings and weekends, when salons and beauty shops are the busiest. They may, however, be able to determine the days they work.
• May work during lunch periods, but take breaks at other times during the day.

Physical demands

Hairstylists and cosmetologists frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Bend or twist their body.

It is important for hairstylists and cosmetologists to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for hairstylists and cosmetologists to be able to:

• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.

Skills and abilities

Hairstylists and cosmetologists need to:

Communicate

• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand written information.

Reason and problem solve

• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Look for ways to help people.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Cosmetology and Hair Design

Other programs of study to consider

• Apprenticeship Programs
• Barbering
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations

Training

To work as a hairstylist or cosmetologist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• complete a cosmetology or hair styling program;
• be at least 16 years old; and
• pass a licensing exam.

Education after high school

Most hairstylists and cosmetologists complete a formal training program. Professional-technical schools and two-year colleges offer cosmetology and hairstyling programs. As a student you get both classroom and hands-on training. During training, hairstylists learn to shampoo, cut, and style hair. Cosmetologists learn electrolysis, skin care, and makeup application. You also study sterilization techniques, chemistry, and skin problems.

It takes nine to 24 months to complete a program.

On-the-job training

At first, you practice on other students in your training program. Later, you work with customers in a salon that offers discounted services for work done by trainees. After school, you may receive up to a month of on-the-job training at your work site.

#Hairstylists and cosmetologists can receive their training through an apprenticeship program approved by the Washington State Department of Licensing Cosmetology Section. For more information on apprenticeships, call 360.664.2550.

#Deleted specific apprenticeship requirements and contact info for State cosmetology apprenticeship training coordinator as no longer finding that on DOL website. 4/20/16 cj. Decided to delete reference to apprenticeships here as could no longer find any contact info/# on DOL site & no current apprenticeships listed on L&I site, 4/3/18 cj.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Cosmetology
• Safety and First Aid

Many hairstylists and cosmetologists are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers require hairstylists and cosmetologists to be licensed. Some states may require applicants to pass physical exams.

Employers look for hairstylists and cosmetologists who have an understanding of fashion, art, and technical design. They look for employees who enjoy working with people. They also want stylists who are willing and able to follow customers' instructions. Some salon owners look for employees with a certain image and attitude to fit the culture of their business. In addition, some salons require applicants to have some direct work experience.

Some salons prefer to hire cosmetologists who have an established clientele they will bring to the salon.

Costs to workers

Most workers are required to purchase their own tools. Many cosmetologists rent a chair from a shop for a certain amount per week or pay a percentage of their monthly earnings to the shop owner or manager.

#Updated cost of tools range per cost cited on apprenticeship info page 4/4/12 cj. Decided to remove references to actual $ amounts for tools & chair rental, 4/20/16 cj.

Licensing/certification

Cosmetologists must be licensed by the State of Washington. All training must occur at state licensed schools. Credit will be given for out-of-state credentials but the written examination is still required. Licensing requirements for cosmetologists include:

• being age 17 or older;
• completion of a 1,600-hour cosmetology course or a state approved apprenticeship training program (minimum 2,000 hours); and
• passing national written and practical examinations.

Applicants receive the appropriate forms to apply for licensure and their written and practical exams from the cosmetology school they attended.

For more information, contact:

Washington State Department of Licensing
Cosmetology Licensing Program 
PO Box 9026
Olympia, WA 98507-9026
360.664.6626

#1/28/20

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Pay varies by the hairstylist's experience and the range of services they provide. The number of customers they attract and hold also affects wages. In addition, pay varies by how much customers tip. Some hairstylists and cosmetologists receive a portion of money from the products they sell. In some salons, employees are paid bonuses for bringing in new clients.

Some salons offer benefits for full-time employees. These may include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. However, many hairstylists and cosmetologists are self-employed or work part time. These workers must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 44% of hairstylists and cosmetologists are self-employed. Some own their own salon. Many others lease a booth or chair from the salon's owner.

Nearly every city has beauty salons. However, most salons are in big cities or suburbs, where there is a high demand for their services.

Major employers:

• Beauty salons

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will grow as trends in hairstyling, coloring, and other treatments remain popular. Competition will be strong for jobs in higher-paying salons where turnover is low. Job openings in most salons will occur as people retire or leave the occupation for other reasons.

Other resources

Behind the Chair 

Careers in Beauty 

Professional Beauty Association 
7755 East Grey Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
800.468.2274
480.281.0424

References

Career cluster

• Human Services

Career path

• Artistic

O*Net  occupation

• Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists (39-5012.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Cosmetologist (332.271-010) 
• Cosmetologist Apprentice (332.271-014) 
• Hair Stylist (332.271-018) 
• Mortuary Beautician (339.361-010) 
• Wig Dresser (332.361-010) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Cosmetologist

Holland occupational cluster

• Artistic/Enterprising/Social

COPSystem

• Service Skilled