Occupation AtlasHairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
O*NET · 39-5012.00
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
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 called Beautician · Beauty Advisor · Beauty Operator · Beauty Specialist · Beauty Therapist · Colorist · Cosmetic Consultant · Cosmetician
30 more
Cosmetologist · Event Stylist · Funeral Home Makeup Artist · Hair Artist · Hair Colorist · Hair Cutter · Hair Designer · Hair Dresser · Hair Specialist · Hair Stylist · Hairdresser · Hairpiece Stylist · Hairstylist · Hypertrichologist · Lash Tech · Lash Technician (Lash Tech) · Licensed Cosmetologist · Licensed Hair Stylist · Makeup Designer · Mens Custom Hair Piece Consultant · Mortuary Beautician · Salon Designer · Salon Hair Stylist · Salon Stylist · Stylist · Trichologist · Wax Specialist · Wedding Makeup Artist · Wig Dresser · Wig Stylist
Compare with another occupationCompare with Skincare Specialists
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed
Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
RCSRealistic · Conventional · Social — the three strongest interests, in order
- R Realistic5.40
- C Conventional3.92
- S Social3.72
- E Enterprising3.25
- A Artistic3.24
- I Investigative1.54
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- None (58%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (22%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (25%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
- Service OrientationImportance 3.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.3Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- InstructingImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
Show the other 23
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- WritingbasicImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
- PersuasionImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- CoordinationImportance 2.9Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- NegotiationImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.5Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
- Technology DesignImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- SciencebasicImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.5Level 0.8
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- ProgrammingImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
14 core · 6 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Keep work stations clean and sanitize tools, such as scissors and combs.Importance 4.8
- Schedule client appointments.Importance 4.6
- Bleach, dye, or tint hair, using applicator or brush.Importance 4.6
- Cut, trim and shape hair or hairpieces, based on customers' instructions, hair type, and facial features, using clippers, scissors, trimmers and razors.Importance 4.5
- Update and maintain customer information records, such as beauty services provided.Importance 4.5
- Shampoo, rinse, condition, and dry hair and scalp or hairpieces with water, liquid soap, or other solutions.Importance 4.5
- Analyze patrons' hair and other physical features to determine and recommend beauty treatment or suggest hair styles.Importance 4.4
- Apply water or setting, straightening or waving solutions to hair, and use curlers, rollers, hot combs and curling irons to press and curl hair.Importance 4.3
- Massage and treat scalp for hygienic and remedial purposes, using hands, fingers, or vibrating equipment.Importance 4.3
- Shave, trim, and shape beards and moustaches.Importance 4.3
- Comb, brush, and spray hair or wigs to set style.Importance 4.2
- Develop new styles and techniques.Importance 4.1
Show the other 8
- Demonstrate and sell hair care products and cosmetics.Importance 4.0
- Order, display, and maintain supplies.Importance 3.8
- Operate cash registers to receive payments from patrons.Importance 4.2
- Shape eyebrows and remove facial hair, using depilatory cream, tweezers, electrolysis or wax.Importance 4.0
- Administer therapeutic medication and advise patron to seek medical treatment for chronic or contagious scalp conditions.Importance 4.0
- Recommend and explain the use of cosmetics, lotions, and creams to soften and lubricate skin and enhance and restore natural appearance.Importance 3.9
- Train or supervise other hairstylists, hairdressers, and assistants.Importance 3.7
- Attach wigs or hairpieces to model heads and dress wigs and hairpieces according to instructions, samples, sketches or photographs.Importance 2.9
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.7Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Sales and MarketingImportance 4.2Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
- English LanguageImportance 3.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.3Level 2.9
- Education and TrainingImportance 3.2Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 3.0Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 3.0Level 2.6
- AdministrativeImportance 2.9Level 2.9
Show all 33
- ChemistryImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.6Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- DesignImportance 2.4Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.3Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
- PsychologyImportance 2.3Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 2.2Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- MathematicsImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.9Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- BiologyImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
- Law and GovernmentImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- MechanicalImportance 1.7Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.7Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.7Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.6Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.4Level —
- GeographyImportance 1.2Level —
- TransportationImportance 1.2Level —
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.1Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.1Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.1Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.0Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Near VisionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
- Finger DexterityImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
- Manual DexterityImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- OriginalityImportance 3.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
Show all 52
- VisualizationImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Information OrderingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
- Control PrecisionImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- Time SharingImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Written ExpressionImportance 2.9Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Far VisionImportance 2.4Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.4Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 2.3Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
- Number FacilityImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
- StaminaImportance 2.1Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- MemorizationImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Static StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.8
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.1Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 4.3Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.0Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 3.9Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.9Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.8Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
Show all 41
- Getting InformationImportance 3.6Level 2.8
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.6Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.6Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.5Level 2.8
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 3.5Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.5Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.4Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.2Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 3.2Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.2Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.2Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.0Level 2.9
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.0Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Working with ComputersImportance 3.0Level 2.6
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Review forms for completeness
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.7Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.7Level 2.7
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
- Processing InformationImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Calculate the costs for shipping packages
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.5Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 2.4Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 2.2Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 2.1Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
10 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
Hot (6)
- Apple iOS
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Word
Other tools (4)
- Appointment scheduling software
- Customer information databases
- Sale processing software
- YouTube
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Skincare Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control +0.6, Management of Personnel Resources −0.5
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers
Average difference 0.2 points · Service Orientation −0.7, Instructing −0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Financial Resources +1.4, Management of Material Resources +0.9
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −1.0, Reading Comprehension +0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Photographers
Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control +0.9, Quality Control Analysis +0.9
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Customer Service Representatives
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −0.9, Equipment Selection −0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Athletes and Sports Competitors
Average difference 0.2 points · Equipment Selection −0.8, Coordination +0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Material Resources −0.9, Service Orientation −0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.