Career: Barbers and Cosmetologists
Humans have always found ways to beautify themselves. Cleopatra wore eyeliner. And in ancient Asia and Greece, people used pumice to exfoliate (remove dead layers from) their skin. Some ideas about beauty change, or cross cultural boundaries. For example, tattooing, a recent fad among Westerners, is a long-held tradition in other parts of the world.
As a personal appearance worker, you'll keep an eye on changing trends, helping people keep up with the times and look their best.
Barbers and cosmetologists (also called hairdressers and hairstylists) cut, color, and style people's hair. Cosmetologists may also provide other services such as facial treatments.
“[Beauty school] taught me the basics, but I really learned to make an art of hairstyling through experience and through later study. ”
Ed, Hairstylist and Salon Owner
Are You Ready To...?
- Continue learning new techniques, styles, and skills
- Chat with customers
- Work evenings and weekends
- Work in a small business or for yourself
It Helps to Be...
Truly interested in helping people of all kinds improve their appearance. Good interpersonal skills are important -- if your customers enjoy talking with you, they're more likely to become repeat customers. You'll also need a strong interest in design and color. Finally, a good head for business will help you succeed.
Make High School Count
- Sign up for art and art history classes to learn about color and design.
- Take accounting and business classes. You could end up with your own salon someday.
- Study psychology to sharpen your understanding of human nature.
- Keep an eye on the latest fashion trends and tips.
Did You Know?
- Other personal appearance workers include manicurists and pedicurists, skin care specialists, and electrologists (hair-removal experts).
Outlook
Government economists expect jobs for cosmetologists to grow much faster than the average for all careers through 2018. Jobs for barbers will probably see average growth.
Expect plenty of competition for clients and jobs at the salons that pay the most. Cosmetologists licensed in a variety of services will land the best jobs.
Compensation
Like most career areas in which little formal education is required, personal appearance work pays modestly, especially at the entry level. However, workers with experience may earn considerably higher pay. Several factors, such as the location of the salon, and the worker’s ability to attract regular clients determine the total income. In addition to tips, employees may receive commissions based on the price of the service they sell. Although some salons offer benefits, many self-employed and part-time workers don’t receive them.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the following average yearly salaries for 2009:
- Barbers: $27,650
- Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists: $27,070
- Nail technicians: $22,150
- Skin care specialists: $31,990
