Cosmetologists
Overview
Cosmetologists are beauty professionals who help people look and feel their best by cutting, styling, and treating hair, along with providing skincare and makeup services. They use modern tools like digital scheduling systems, advanced hair treatment products, and social media to showcase their creative work and build client relationships. This career combines artistic creativity with customer service skills, and you can get started through vocational school programs or apprenticeships. Many cosmetologists work in trendy salons, spas, or even start their own businesses, enjoying flexible schedules and the satisfaction of transforming how people feel about themselves.

Did you know?
All US states require hair stylists to obtain a cosmetology license through completing approved training programs and passing state examinations.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$36,169.41 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast Growing
Top Skill
Time Management
Key Responsibilities
- Develop new styles and techniques.
- 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.
- Train or supervise other hairstylists, hairdressers, and assistants.
- Shave, trim, and shape beards and moustaches.
- Update and maintain customer information records, such as beauty services provided.
- Recommend and explain the use of cosmetics, lotions, and creams to soften and lubricate skin and enhance and restore natural appearance.
- Bleach, dye, or tint hair, using applicator or brush.
- Comb, brush, and spray hair or wigs to set style.
- Massage and treat scalp for hygienic and remedial purposes, using hands, fingers, or vibrating equipment.
- Cut, trim and shape hair or hairpieces, based on customers' instructions, hair type, and facial features, using clippers, scissors, trimmers and razors.
- Attach wigs or hairpieces to model heads and dress wigs and hairpieces according to instructions, samples, sketches or photographs.
- Apply water or setting, straightening or waving solutions to hair, and use curlers, rollers, hot combs and curling irons to press and curl hair.
- Keep work stations clean and sanitize tools, such as scissors and combs.
- Clean, shape, and polish fingernails and toenails, using files and nail polish.
- Shape eyebrows and remove facial hair, using depilatory cream, tweezers, electrolysis or wax.
- Order, display, and maintain supplies.
- Schedule client appointments.
- Demonstrate and sell hair care products and cosmetics.
- Administer therapeutic medication and advise patron to seek medical treatment for chronic or contagious scalp conditions.
- Analyze patrons' hair and other physical features to determine and recommend beauty treatment or suggest hair styles.
- Give facials to patrons, using special compounds, such as lotions and creams.
Career Considerations
State Licensing Requirements
All US states require hair stylists to obtain a cosmetology license through completing approved training programs and passing state examinations.
Variable Income Structure
Hair stylist earnings in America fluctuate significantly based on location, clientele base, tips, and employment type (salon employee vs. independent contractor).
Physical Demands
The profession requires prolonged standing and repetitive hand movements, which can lead to back, foot, and wrist strain over time.