Hairdresser / Cosmetologist
O*NET-SOC: 39-5012.00
Provides hair care services including cutting, coloring, styling, and chemical treatments, and may also offer skin care and nail services, consulting with clients on styles that suit their features and preferences.
About this Role
Hairdressers and cosmetologists help clients look and feel their best by cutting, colouring, and styling hair, and sometimes offering additional services like manicures, facials, or makeup. A typical day begins with setting up a clean workstation, mixing colour formulas, and reviewing the appointment book, then moves into a steady stream of clients. Each appointment starts with a consultation - asking what the client wants, assessing hair type and condition, and recommending a realistic approach - before moving to the actual cut, colour, or styling work.
A Day in the Life
9:00 AM
Station setup and prep
Sanitise tools, wipe down the chair and mirror, mix colour formulas for the first appointments, and review the day's schedule.
9:30 AM
First client consultation and cut
Discuss what the client wants, assess their hair type, then section and cut to the agreed style before blow-drying and finishing.
11:00 AM
Colour appointment
Apply highlights or all-over colour, set a processing timer, and check in periodically until the colour has developed to the right shade.
1:00 PM
Lunch and quick tidy
Take a break, eat, then rinse out a client's colour, apply a toner if needed, and style the finished look.
2:00 PM
Styling or chemical service
Work on a perm, straightening treatment, or detailed updo, adjusting technique based on the client's hair texture and desired result.
4:00 PM
Product recommendations and booking
Suggest take-home products suited to the client's hair, ring up sales, and book their next appointment.
5:30 PM
Final appointments
Finish the last scheduled cuts or blow-dry styles of the day, making sure each client is happy before they leave.
7:30 PM
Cleanup and close
Sweep the floor, sanitise all tools, restock supplies, and confirm the next day's bookings before locking up.
Tools & Technologies
Operating Systems
- iOS
Web & Social Media
Accounting
- QuickBooks
Spreadsheets
- Microsoft Excel
Office Suites
- Microsoft Office
Word Processing
- Microsoft Word
Salary Details
Salary Distribution
Most professionals earn between $29K and $48K
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $25K |
| 25th | $29K |
| 50th (Median) | $35K |
| 75th | $48K |
| 90th | $70K |
Certifications, Training & Memberships
Essential
Cosmetology License
State Board of Cosmetology
Requires 1,500 hours training plus exams on safety, cutting, coloring; mandatory for practice.
Helpful
Nail Technician Certification
State Board
Adds manicure/pedicure services to cosmetology scope.
Professional Memberships
Professional Beauty Association Membership
Professional Beauty Association
Offers business tools, education for salon pros.
Work Environment
- Remote Work
- On-site Only
- Work Setting
- Traditional office / indoor
- Physical Activity
- Physically active — significant time on your feet
- Social Interaction
- Highly collaborative — frequent team interaction
- Schedule
- Extended hours common
Your Skills & Attributes
Skills & Competencies Matches (41)
- Learning StrategiesModerate Match
- PersuasionModerate Match
- InstructingModerate Match
- NegotiationPartial Match
- Operations AnalysisPartial Match
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hairdresser / Cosmetologist a good career?
Hairdresser / Cosmetologist can be a rewarding career choice. Based on current data, the median salary is $35K and job outlook is growing (8% projected growth). Whether it's a good fit depends on your skills, interests, and values — take our quiz to find out how well you match.
What degree do you need to become a Hairdresser / Cosmetologist?
The typical education requirement for a Hairdresser / Cosmetologist is a High School Diploma. However, requirements can vary by employer and specialization. Some professionals enter the field with alternative credentials or relevant work experience.
How long does it take to become a Hairdresser / Cosmetologist?
Becoming a Hairdresser / Cosmetologist typically requires about 4 years of high school education. Additional time may be needed for certifications, internships, or on-the-job training depending on the specific role and employer requirements.
What is the work-life balance like for a Hairdresser / Cosmetologist?
The work-life balance for a Hairdresser / Cosmetologist is moderate, with some periods requiring extended hours or flexibility. Individual experiences vary based on employer, specialization, seniority level, and geographic location.
What is the job outlook for Hairdresser / Cosmetologist?
The job outlook for Hairdresser / Cosmetologist is growing. Employment is projected to grow by 8% over the coming decade. Labor market conditions can vary by region and specialization.
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