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Cosmetologists

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

California Department of Consumer Affairs
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
http://www.dca.ca.gov

California Cosmetologists Association, Inc. 
280 North Benson Avenue, Suite 6 
Upland, CA 91786
(909) 981-7146
Fax: (909) 981-2689


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