COSMETOLOGISTS California Occupational Guide Number 58 Interest Area 9 I998
THE JOB
COSMETOLOGISTS, also known as beauticians, beauty operators, or hair- stylists, provide hair styling services for their customers to help them look attractive. Most of their time is spent styling hair according to their customers' directions and to their customers' hair type and facial features. Knowledge of the latest hair styles and cutting techniques is essential. They shampoo, cut, set, and comb hair. They may also color or straighten hair and give it a permanent wave.
Cosmetologists use tools such as combs, scissors, razors, and clippers to cut hair. They set hair using rollers and clips, setting lotions and gels. Styling hair calls for the use of dryers, combs, brushes, and blow- dryers. They may also use hot combs and curling irons to press and curl hair. Cosmetologists may apply rinses or conditioners after shampooing to treat dry or damaged hair. Cosmetologists may also provide face, neck, arm, and hand massages and scalp treatments. Additional duties include scheduling appointments, using the cash register, cleaning the work area and equipment, and keeping records of hair color formulas and permanent waves used by regular patrons. Self-employed Cosmetologists have a managerial role in addition to their work as operators. Cosmetologists can also specialize in giving facials and applying cosmetics, in manicuring nails, or in styling wigs and hair pieces.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Cosmetologists generally work in attractively decorated, well-lighted, clean, air-conditioned salons. In most salons, operators have their own separate areas. The work of the Cosmetologist requires a great deal of standing, stooping, and reaching throughout the workday. Normal or corrected vision and good eye-hand coordination are also required. Exposure to chemicals may cause allergic skin and lung reactions in some individuals.
Personal tools are usually furnished by the Cosmetologist. Salon owners may provide most of the other equipment. The occupation is unionized in only a few communities throughout the State; the union that usually represents Cosmetologists is the United Food & Commercial Workers International Union. Some Cosmetologists belong to the California Cosmetologists Association.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Employment Development Department, Labor Market Information Division. The figures represent the different job classifications in the broad occupational group of Hair Dressers, Hair Stylists which includes Cosmetologists.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 27,960 Estimated number of workers in 2005 31,010 Projected Growth 1993-2005 11% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 8,410
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
Job growth in the occupation is much slower than average (the average growth for all occupations is 27%), and competition for jobs is very keen. Approximately 180,000 Cosmetologists hold an active California license. Factors that contribute to a demand for cosmetology services include a growing population with higher incomes, more styling services for men, the increasing number of working women, and a general expansion of the beauty salon industry. About two-fifths of all Cosmetologists work part-time. Many also operate their own businesses.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Beginners in cosmetology earn from the minimum wage to $9.50 per hour. Those with some experience earn from the minimum wage to $12.50 per hour while those with at least three years experience can earn minimum wage to $16.00. Most Cosmetologists receive a commission according to the type of service performed, and earn from $200 to $500 weekly. Some make $1,000 a week, or more, especially those with an established following, in metropolitan areas. Earnings from tips are included in the wage ranges.
Salaried Cosmetologists usually get paid vacation and medical and dental benefits. For those not covered by employer-paid benefits, some unions and other organizations offer health benefits for an additional fee.
Most beauty salons are open six days per week, and some are open seven. Many are open at least one evening per week. Cosmetologists usually work five days per week and must be prepared to work weekends and some evenings to 9:00 p.m. The occupation offers excellent opportunities for part-time work.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
To become a licensed Cosmetologist, a person must pass an examination given by the California Board of Cosmetology. Both a written examination and a practical demonstration of the candidate's ability are required. To qualify for the examination, a candidate must have at least a 10th grade education, 1600 hours of approved cosmetology instruction, and be at least 17 years of age. Training and/or experience gained outside the State may be substituted for most of the 1600 hours requirement. Another, less common, method of qualifying for the State Board examination is working as an apprentice for two years in a beauty salon under the supervision of a licensed Cosmetologist. Three hundred and fifty hours of classroom instruction are also required.
Besides the legal requirements, certain personal qualifications are essential to succeed in this occupation. Cosmetologists must be able to listen and be willing to follow their patrons' instructions. A pleasant, friendly manner and a clean, neat appearance are essential. Cosmetologists must have good communication skills to suggest, advise, and explain beauty treatments to their customers.
A person must be at least 16 years old to enroll in an approved cosmetology course at a private beauty school. Tuition ranges from $2,500 to $8,000 for the complete course of 1600 hours of instruction, which normally takes 10 to 12 months to complete. Attendance on a part-time schedule for a longer period can usually be arranged, with some schools offering evening programs. At community colleges, additional courses may be taken so that the student can earn an AA degree. Many community colleges offer cosmetology courses and some school districts offer adult education courses in cosmetology. Various grants and loans covering tuition may be available through the California Department of Education.
ADVANCEMENT
Advancement is usually in the form of higher earnings, that result as a Cosmetologist gains experience and builds up a steady clientele or becomes a skilled specialist in one or more phases of the work, such as hair styling, straightening, or coloring. Managerial positions may be available in large beauty shops. More commonly, operators advance by opening their own shops. Occasionally Cosmetologists become teachers in beauty colleges, sales representatives for cosmetics firms, beauty editors for newspapers or magazines, or examiners for State cosmetology boards. To a large degree, advancement is based not only on ability, but on the Cosmetologist's willingness to continue training to keep up with changing hair styles and beauty techniques.
FINDING THE JOB
Jobs are most frequently obtained by applying directly to salons or by answering newspaper advertisements. Schools usually assist their graduates in finding jobs, and many salons list their openings with the Employment Development Department. Some beauty supply houses maintain bulletin boards with job listings.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Examiners 400 R Street, Suite 4080 P.O. Box 944226 Sacramento, CA 94244-2260 (916) 445-0359 (800) 952-5210
California Cosmetologists Association, Inc. 526 Mission Street South Pasadena, CA 91030 (626) 441-4228
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Barbers No. 78
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991) Cosmetologist 332.271-010 Hair Stylist 332.271-018
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Hair Dressers, Hairstylists & Cosmetologists 680050
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162
Home 
Job Key 
Wages 
Demand