A beauty salon is
an establishment dealing
with cosmetic treatments
for men and women.Other
variations of this type
of business include hair
salons and spas.
There is a distinction
between a beauty salon
and a hair salon and
although many small
businesses do offer both
sets of treatments;
beauty salons provide
more generalized
services related to skin
health, facial
aesthetic, foot care,
aromatherapy, even
meditation, oxygen
therapy, mud baths, and
innumerable other
services.
Hairdressers,
hairstylists, and
cosmetologists offer a
wide range of beauty
services, such as
shampooing, cutting,
coloring, and styling of
hair. They may advise
clients on how to care
for their hair at home.
In addition,
cosmetologists may be
trained to give
manicures, pedicures,
and scalp and facial
treatments; provide
makeup analysis; and
clean and style wigs and
hairpieces.
Occupational Title
Bls.gov
Projected
Employment, 2018
Change,
2008-18
Number
Percent
Barbers,
cosmetologists, and other personal appearance
workers
987,400
165,500
20
Barbers
and cosmetologists
817,400
133,200
19
Barbers
59,700
6,200
12
Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists
757,700
127,000
20
Manicurists and pedicurists
90,200
14,300
19
Shampooers
26,300
3,400
15
Skin
care specialists
53,500
14,700
38
Overall employment of
barbers, cosmetologists, and other personal appearance
workers is projected to grow much faster than average for
all occupations. Opportunities for entry-level workers
should be favorable, while job candidates at high-end
establishments will face keen competition.
Hairdressing is expected to grow faster than
the average for all other occupations. A state license is
required for hairdressers to practice, with qualifications
varying from state to state. Generally a person interested
in hairdressing must have a High School diploma or GED, be
16 years of age, and have graduated from a state-licensed
barber or cosmetology school. Full-time programs often last
9 months or more, leading to an Associate Degree. After
students graduate from a program, they take a state
licensing exam, which often consists of a written test, and
a practical test of styling or an oral exam. Hairdressers
must pay for licenses, and occasionally licenses must be
renewed. Some states allow hairdressers to work without
obtaining a new license, while others require a new license.
About 44% of hairdressers are self-employed, often putting
in 40-hour work weeks, and even longer among the
self-employed.