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Job Report Cosmetologist and Related Workers
Nature of the Work
Hair has been a center of attention since people first began to care about their
appearance. Throughout history, a great deal of effort has gone into acquiring a
fashionable hairstyle or a perfectly trimmed beard. Although styles change from year to
year, the cosmetologist's task remains the same--to help people look attractive.
Cosmetologists, also called beauty operators, hairstylists, or beauticians, shampoo,
cut and style hair, and advise patrons on how to care for their hair. Frequently they
straighten or permanent wave a patron's hair to keep the style in shape. Cosmetologists
may also lighten or darken the color of the hair. Cosmetologists may give manicures and
scalp and facial treatments; provide makeup analysis for women; and clean and style wigs
and hairpieces. Related workers include makeup artists, who apply makeup to performers;
electrologists, who remove hair from skin by electrolysis; and estheticians, who cleanse and
beautify the skin.
Most cosmetologists make appointments and keep records of hair color and
permanent wave formulas used by their regular patrons. They also keep their work area
clean and sanitize their hairdressing implements. Those who operate their own salons also
have managerial duties which include hiring and supervising workers, keeping records, and
ordering supplies.
Working Conditions
Cosmetologists generally work in clean, pleasant surroundings, with good lighting
and comfortable temperatures. Their work can be arduous and physically demanding
because they must be on their feet for hours at a time and work with their hands at shoulder
level. Many full-time cosmetologists work more than 40 hours a week, including evenings
and weekends, when beauty salons are busiest.
Employment
Cosmetologists held about 653,000 jobs in 1990. The overwhelming majority of
cosmetologists were hairstylists; other specialists including manicurists and shampooers.
Most worked in beauty salons, barber shops, or department stores, and a few were
employed by hospitals and hotels. About one-half of all cosmetologists operate their
businesses.
About two-fifths of all cosmetologists work part-time. The abundance of part-time
jobs attracts many persons who want to combine a job with family, school, or other
responsibilities.
All cities and towns have beauty salons, but employment is concentrated in the most
populous cities and States. Those cosmetologists who set fashion trends with their
hairstyles usually work in New York City, Los Angeles, and other centers of fashion and the
performing arts.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
Although all States require cosmetologists to be licensed, the qualifications
necessary to obtain a license vary. Generally, a person must have graduated from a State-
licensed cosmetology school, pass a physical examination, and be at least 16 years old.
In addition, education requirements vary from State to State--some require graduation from
high school while others have no requirement at all. In a few States, completion of an
apprentice training program can substitute for graduation from a cosmetology school, but
very few cosmetologists learn their skills in this way.
Cosmetology instruction is offered in both public and private vocational schools, in
either daytime or evening classes. A daytime course usually takes 6 months to 1 year to
complete; an evening course takes longer. Many public school programs include the
academic subjects needed for a high school diploma and last 2 to 3 years. An
apprenticeship program usually lasts 1 to 2 years.
Both public and private programs include classroom study, demonstrations, and
practical work. Most schools provide students with the necessary hairdressing implements,
such as manicure implements, combs, scissors, razors, and hair rollers, and include their
cost in the tuition fee. Sometimes students must purchase their own. A good set of
implements costs between $85 and $130. Beginning students work on mannequins or on
each other. Once they have gained some experience, students practice on patrons in
school "clinics." Most schools now teach unisex hairstyling as part of their regular
curriculums.
After graduating from a cosmetology program, students take the State licensing
examination. The examination consists of a written test and a practical test in which
applicants demonstrate their ability to perform the required services. In some States, an
oral examination is included, and the applicant is asked to explain the procedures he or she
is following while taking the practical test. In some States, a separate examination is given
for persons who want only a manicurist's license or a skin care license. Some States have
reciprocity agreements that allow a cosmetologist licensed in one State to work in another
without reexamination.
For many people, cosmetology serves as an entry point to the world of work. The
field is also characterized by a pattern of movement from family responsibilities into the
labor force--when employment and earnings opportunities are attractive enough--and back
to the home again. In fact, most entrants to this occupation come from outside the labor
force; relatively few transfer from other occupations.
Persons who want to become cosmetologists must have a finger dexterity and a
sense of form and artistry. They should enjoy dealing with the public and be willing and
able to follow patrons' instructions. Because hairstyles are constantly changing,
cosmetologists must keep abreast of the latest fashions and beauty techniques. Business
skills are important for those who plan to operate their own salons.
Many schools help their students find jobs. During their first months on the job, new
cosmetologists are given relatively simple tasks, such as giving manicures or shampoos,
or are assigned to perform the simpler hairstyling patterns. Once they have demonstrated
their skills, they are gradually permitted to perform the more complicated tasks such as hair
coloring and permanent waving.
Advancement usually is in the form of higher earnings as cosmetologists gain
experience and build a steady clientele, but many manage large salons or open their own
after several years of experience. Some teach in cosmetology schools or use their
knowledge and skill to demonstrate cosmetics in department stores. Others become sales
representatives for cosmetics firms, or open businesses as beauty or fashion consultants.
Some cosmetologists work as examiners for State cosmetology boards.
Job Outlook
Job openings for cosmetologists are expected to be plentiful through the mid-1990's.
Most openings will result from the need to replace the large number of workers who leave
the occupation each year--primarily to devote full time to household responsibilities.
Employment of cosmetologists is expected to grow faster than the average for all
occupations through the mid-1990's in response to population growth, particularly among
middle-aged persons, who are the primary users of cosmetology services, and the rising
number of working women. Hairstyling for men also contributes to the demand for
cosmetologists because many men go to unisex shops or beauty salons for styling services.
Opportunities for part-time work will continue to be very good.
Most people regard spending on grooming care as discretionary. During hard
economic times, they tend to visit cosmetologists less frequently, which reduces
cosmetologists' earnings. Rarely, however, are cosmetologists laid off solely because of
economic downturns.
Earnings
Cosmetologists receive income from commissions or wages, and from tips. Those
who are not salon owners receive a percentage of the money they take in, about 50
percent; a few are paid straight salaries.
Median weekly earnings of wage and salary cosmetologists who usually worked full
time were about $245 in 1989; the middle 50 percent earned between $185 and $335 per
week. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $140, and the top 10 percent earned more
than $435. These earnings generally consist of a base salary, commissions, and tips.
Earnings also depend on the size and location of the salon, patrons' tipping habits,
competition form other beauty salons, and the individual cosmetologist's ability to attract
and hold regular patrons.
Large salons and department stores offer group life and health insurance and other
benefit plans. Nearly all employers provide annual paid vacations of at least 1 week after
a year's service.
The principal union which organizes cosmetologists--both employees and salon
owners--is the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union. The principal
trade association which represents and organizes salon owners, managers, and employees
is the National Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association, Inc. Other organizations
include the Associated Master Barbers and Beauticians of America; the National
Association of Cosmetology Schools, Inc., which represents school owners and teachers;
and the National Beauty Culturists' League, representing black cosmetologists, teachers,
managers and salon owners.
Related Occupations
Other workers whose main activity consists of helping patrons improve their personal
appearance include barbers, makeup artists, and health club managers.
Sources of Additional Information
A list of licensed training schools and licensing requirements can be obtained from
State boards of cosmetology or from:
National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and sciences, 1990
M St. NW., Suite 650, Washington, D.C. 20036.
Additional information about careers in cosmetology and State licensing
requirements is available from:
National Beauty Career Center, 3839 White Plains Rd., Bronx, N.Y. 10467.
National Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association, 3510 Olive St., St.
Louis, Mo. 63103.
For general information about the occupation, Contact:
Associated Master Barbers and Beauticians of America, 219 Greenwich Rd.,
P.O. Box 220782, Charlotte, N.C. 28222.
National Association of Cosmetology Schools, 1990 M St. NW., Suite 660,
Washington, D.C. 20036.
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