Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
Human Advantage 73%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Low Risk
2.8 / 10
This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.
Provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services.
Also Known As: Beautician, Beauty Advisor, Beauty Operator, Beauty Specialist, Beauty Therapist, Colorist, Cosmetic Consultant, Cosmetician +34 more
Core Tasks
- Keep work stations clean and sanitize tools, such as scissors and combs.
- Bleach, dye, or tint hair, using applicator or brush.
- Cut, trim and shape hair or hairpieces, based on customers' instructions, hair type, and facial features, using clippers, scissors, trimmers and razors.
- Schedule client appointments.
- Update and maintain customer information records, such as beauty services provided.
- Demonstrate and sell hair care products and cosmetics.
- Analyze patrons' hair and other physical features to determine and recommend beauty treatment or suggest hair styles.
- 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.
- Order, display, and maintain supplies.
- Comb, brush, and spray hair or wigs to set style.
- Develop new styles and techniques.
- Apply water or setting, straightening or waving solutions to hair, and use curlers, rollers, hot combs and curling irons to press and curl hair.
- Shape eyebrows and remove facial hair, using depilatory cream, tweezers, electrolysis or wax.
- Shave, trim, and shape beards and moustaches.
Supplemental Tasks (7)
- Train or supervise other hairstylists, hairdressers, and assistants.
- Massage and treat scalp for hygienic and remedial purposes, using hands, fingers, or vibrating equipment.
- Administer therapeutic medication and advise patron to seek medical treatment for chronic or contagious scalp conditions.
- Recommend and explain the use of cosmetics, lotions, and creams to soften and lubricate skin and enhance and restore natural appearance.
- Clean, shape, and polish fingernails and toenails, using files and nail polish.
- Give facials to patrons, using special compounds, such as lotions and creams.
- Attach wigs or hairpieces to model heads and dress wigs and hairpieces according to instructions, samples, sketches or photographs.
Education & Training
Job Zone 3 Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (10)
Tools & Equipment (37)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Personal Care Services Hospitality, Events, & Tourism
Zone 3
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists You are here
Zone 5
Speech-Language Pathologists 75% match
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