A day in the life of a cosmetologist

On a typical day a cosmetologist might perform some of the following duties, depending on his or her specialization:

• Cuts, trims and shapes hair or hair pieces
• Bleaches, dyes, or tints hair
• Combs, brushes, and sprays hair or wigs to set style
• Attaches wig or hairpiece to model head and dresses wigs and hairpieces
• Massages and treats scalp for hygienic and remedial purposes
• Administers therapeutic medication and advises patron to seek medical treatment for chronic or contagious scalp conditions
• Recommends and applies cosmetics, lotions, and creams to patron to soften and lubricate skin and enhance and restore natural appearance
• Shapes and colors eyebrows or eyelashes and removes facial hair
• Cleans, shapes, and polishes fingernails and toenails
• Updates and maintains customer information records, such as beauty services provided

About the growth of employment with cosmetology, and pay.

Overall employment of barbers, cosmetologists, and other personal appearance workers is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2018, but the amount of growth will vary by specialty. For example, job growth for skin care specialists is projected to be faster, through 2018, than it will be for other occupations requiring post-secondary training or an associate degree (The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). 

Cosmetologists earned a median annual salary of $23,330 ($11.21/hour) in 2009. Wages varied by actual job title.

Info about Cosmetology.

In order to work as a hairstylist or cosmetologist, one must attend a state-licensed barber or cosmetology school and be at least 16 years old. In some states one must earn a high school or equivalency diploma as well. Training programs in hair styling and cosmetology last approximately nine months and may result in earning an associate degree. Manicurist training programs are not as long.