Beijing Paradise BBS Backup/PARADISE.ISO/software/BBSDOORW/JOB4.ZIP/OOHB0183.HBK

Text File | 1995-10-24 | 11.4 KB | 231 lines

231
Barbers and Cosmetologists

(D.O.T.  330; 331; 332; 333; 339.361, .371)

Nature of the Work

Acquiring the right look has never been easy.  It requires that
perfect hairstyle, exquisite nails, a neatly trimmed beard, or the
proper make-up to accent your coloring.  As people increasingly
demand styles that are better suited to their individual
characteristics, they rely on barbers and cosmetologists more and
more.  Although tastes and fashions change from year to year, the
basic job of barbers and cosmetologists remains the same to help
people look their best.

   Barbers cut, trim, shampoo, and style hair.  Many people still go to
a barber for just a haircut, but an increasing number seek more
personalized hairstyling services.  Barbers trained in these areas
work in barber shops and styling salons, many of which are
considered to be unisex because they serve both men and women.  It
is not uncommon for a barber to color or perm a customer's hair.  In
addition, barbers may fit hairpieces, provide hair and scalp
treatments, shave male customers, or give facial massages.  In most
States, barbers are licensed to perform all the duties of
cosmetologists except skin care and nail treatment.

   Cosmetologists primarily shampoo, cut, and style hair.  These
workers, who are often called hairstylists, also may advise patrons
on how to care for their hair.  Frequently, they straighten or
permanent wave a customer's hair to keep the style in shape.
Cosmetologists may also lighten or darken hair color.  In addition,
most cosmetologists are trained to give manicures and scalp and
facial treatments, provide makeup analysis for women, and clean and
style wigs and hairpieces.  Related workers include manicurists, who
clean, shape, and polish customer's fingernails and toenails; makeup
artists, who apply makeup; electrologists, who remove hair from skin
by electrolysis; and estheticians, who cleanse and beautify the
skin.  Cosmetologists offer all of the services that barbers do
except shaving men.

   In addition to their work with customers, barbers and cosmetologists
are expected to keep their work area clean and their hairdressing
implements sanitized.  They may make appointments and keep records
of hair color and permanent wave formulas used by their regular
patrons.  Some sell hair products and other cosmetic supplies.
Barbers and cosmetologists who operate their own salons also have
managerial duties that include hiring, supervising, and firing
workers, as well as keeping records and ordering supplies.


Working Conditions

Barbers and cosmetologists generally work in clean, pleasant
surroundings with good lighting and ventilation.  Good health and
stamina are important because these workers must stand a great deal.
Prolonged exposure to some hair and nail chemicals may be hazardous
and cause irritation, so special care must be taken when working
with these chemicals.  Full-time barbers and cosmetologists may work
more than 40 hours a week.  This often includes evenings and
weekends, when beauty and barber shops and salons are busiest.
Although weekends and lunch periods are generally very busy, barbers
and cosmetologists may have some time off during slack periods.

Employment

Barbers and cosmetologists held about 746,000 jobs in 1992; 9 of
every 10 were cosmetologists.  Most worked in beauty salons, barber
shops, or department stores, and a few were employed by hospitals,
hotels, and prisons.  About 4 out of every 5 barbers and about half
of all cosmetologists are self employed.

   Cosmetologists work in a variety of settings to help people look
their best.

   Almost all cities and towns have barbershops and hair salons, but
employment is concentrated in the most populous cities and states.
Hairstylists usually work in cities and suburbs, where the greatest
demand for their services exists.  Stylists who set fashion trends
with their hairstyles usually work in New York City, Los Angeles,
and other centers of fashion and the performing arts.

   One of every 3 barbers and cosmetologists works part time.  The
abundance of part-time jobs attracts many persons who want to
combine a job with family, school, or other responsibilities.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

Although all States require barbers and cosmetologists to be
licensed, the qualifications necessary to obtain a license vary.
Generally, a person must have graduated from a State-licensed barber
or cosmetology school, pass a physical examination, and be at least
16 years old.  In addition, education requirements vary from State
to State some require graduation from high school while others
require as little as an eighth grade education.  In a few States,
completion of an apprenticeship can substitute for graduation from a
school, but very few barbers or cosmetologists learn their skills in
this way.  Applicants for a license usually are required to pass a
written test and demonstrate an ability to perform basic barbering
or cosmetololgy services.

   Some States have reciprocity agreements that allow licensed barbers
and cosmetologists to practice in a different State without
additional formal training.  Other States do not recognize training
or licenses obtained in another State; consequently, persons who
wish to become a barber or a cosmetologist should review the laws of
the State in which they want to work before entering a training
program.

   Public and private vocational schools offer daytime or evening
classes in barbering and cosmetology.  These programs usually last 6
to 12 months.  An apprenticeship program can last from 1 to 2 years.
Formal training programs include classroom study, demonstrations,
and practical work.  Students study the basic services haircutting,
shaving, facial massaging, and hair and scalp treatments and, under
supervision, practice on customers in school clinics.  Most schools
also teach unisex hairstyling and chemical styling.  Students attend
lectures on barber services, the use and care of instruments,
sanitation and hygiene, and recognition of certain skin ailments.
Instruction also is given in selling and general business practices.
There are also advanced courses for experienced barbers in
hairstyling, coloring, and the sale and service of hairpieces.  Most
schools teach hairstyling of men's as well as women's hair.

   After graduating from a training program, students can take the
State licensing examination.  The examination consists of a written
test and, in some cases, a practical test of cosmetology skills.  A
few States include an oral examination in which the applicant is
asked to explain the procedures he or she is following while taking
the practical test.  In some States, a separate examination is given
for persons who want only a manicurist license or a facial care
license.

   Persons who want to become barbers or cosmetologists must have
finger dexterity and a sense of form and artistry.  They should
enjoy dealing with the public and be willing and able to follow
patrons' instructions.  Because hairstyles are constantly changing,
barbers and cosmetologists must keep abreast of the latest fashions
and beauty techniques.  Business skills are important for those who
plan to operate their own salons.

   Many schools help their graduates find jobs.  During their first
months on the job, new workers are given relatively simple tasks,
such as giving shampoos, or are assigned to perform the simpler
hairstyling patterns.  Once they have demonstrated their skills,
they are gradually permitted to perform the more complicated tasks
such as giving shaves, coloring hair, or applying a permanent.

   Advancement usually is in the form of higher earnings as barbers and
cosmetologists gain experience and build a steady clientele.  Some
barbers and cosmetologists manage large salons or open their own
after several years of experience.  Some teach in barber or
cosmetology schools.  Others become sales representatives for
cosmetics firms, open businesses as beauty or fashion consultants,
or work as examiners for State licensing boards.

Job Outlook

Overall employment of barbers and cosmetologists is expected to grow
faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005.
Population growth, rising incomes, and a growing demand for the
services that they provide will stimulate the demand for these
workers.  Within this occupation, however, different employment
trends are expected.  Cosmetologists will account for virtually all
of the employment growth, reflecting the continuing shifts in
consumer preferences to more personalized services and in salons to
full-service, unisex establishments.  Demand for manicurists and for
cosmetologists who are trained in nail care will be particularly
strong.  Employment of barbers is expected to decline slightly.

   The annual number of job openings in cosmetology should be quite
large due to the large size of the occupation and expected rapid
employment growth.  However, there appears to be a large reserve
pool of licensed cosmetologists who move into and out of the
occupation.  Consequently, newly licensed jobseekers in this field
are likely to compete for openings with an experienced pool of
workers who choose to reenter the labor force.

   Despite a projected employment decline, a significant number of
active barbers should soon retire and need to be replaced.  Those
who receive training to perform a wide range of services, as most
currently do, will improve their chances of finding employment in
the growing number of full-service salons.

   Opportunities for persons seeking part-time barbering and
cosmetology positions should continue to be good.

Earnings

Barbers and cosmetologists receive income either from commissions or
wages and tips.  According to limited information, most full-time
barbers and cosmetologists earned between $20,000 and $30,000 in
1992, including tips.  Earnings depend on the size and location of
the shop, the number of hours worked, customers' tipping habits,
competition from other barbershops and salons, and the barber's or
cosmetologist's ability to attract and hold regular customers.

Related Occupations

Other workers whose main activity consists of improving a patron's
personal appearance include beauty consultants, make-up and wig
specialists, and salon and health club managers.  Other workers are
employed in the cosmetology industry as instructors and beauty
supply distributors.

Sources of Additional Information

   Lists of barber schools, by State, are available from:

   National Association of Barber Schools, Inc., 304 South 11th St.,
Lincoln, NE 68502.

   A list of licensed training schools and licensing requirements for
cosmetologists can be obtained from:

   National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences,
901 North Stuart St., Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22203.

   Association of Accredited Cosmetology Schools, Inc., 5201 Leesburg
Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041.

   Information about barber and cosmetology schools also is available
from:

   Accrediting Commission of Career Schools/Colleges of Technology, 750
1st St.  NE., Suite 905, Washington, DC 20002.

   For details on State licensing requirements and approved barber or
cosmetology schools, contact the State board of barber examiners or
the State board of cosmetology in your State capital.