What Barbers, Hairdressers, and Cosmetologists Do

Barbers, hairdressers, and cosmetologists provide hair styling and beauty services.

Duties

Barbers, hairdressers, and cosmetologists typically do the following:

• Inspect hair, face, and scalp, to recommend treatment
• Discuss hairstyle options
• Wash, color, and condition hair
• Cut or trim, dry, and style hair
• Receive payments from clients
• Clean and sanitize all tools and work areas

Barbers, hairdressers, and cosmetologists focus on providing hair and beauty services to enhance clients’ appearance. Those who operate their own barbershops or salons have managerial duties that may include hiring, supervising, and firing workers, as well as keeping business and inventory records, ordering supplies, and arranging for advertising.

Barbers cut, trim, shampoo, and style hair, mostly for male clients. They also may fit hairpieces and offer facial shaving. In every state, barbers are licensed to color, bleach, and highlight hair and to offer permanent-wave services. Common tools include combs, scissors, and clippers. 

Hairdressers, or hairstylists, offer a wide range of hair services, such as shampooing, cutting, coloring, and styling. They often advise clients, both male and female, on how to care for their hair at home. They also keep records of products and services provided to clients, such as hair color, shampoo, conditioner, and hair treatment used. Tools include hairbrushes, scissors, blow dryers, and curling irons.

Cosmetologists provide scalp and facial treatments and makeup analysis. Some also clean and style wigs and hairpieces. A growing number actively sell skin care products.

Shampooers wash and rinse customers’ hair so a hairstylist can cut and style it.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition