More about Cosmetologists and Barbers

Beauty industry professionals

The urge to help people look and feel great is what drives students towards cosmetology schools. Some students know exactly what they want to do since they've been cutting their friends' and family's hair for years, while others might just have a feeling that they'd enjoy beautifying nails or skin.

A big draw for many students is the employment outlook for hairstylists. These professionals can often set their own hours or even work from home.

How long will it take?

A hairdresser or hair stylist can enroll in any number of training programs at community or career colleges or specialized beauty schools that finish in under a year. If courses are taken evenings or weekends a program can last up to two or three years.

Esthetics schools are somewhat shorter, with programs taking about eight months to just over a year to complete. The length of a cosmetology student's training can vary depending on what techniques they want to perform. Some courses offer only the basics, while others add instruction in certain advanced or specialized techniques. If a student wishes, they may also take a basic course and add certification in other techniques later on.

It's important for cosmetology students to enroll in the best programs so they'll be qualified to work wherever they choose.

Skills and requirements

A barber, hairstylist, nail technician or esthetician who doesn't perform to people's standards won't get a return visit.

• Nail techs should be manually dexterous, applying nail polish evenly and forming gel nails accurately.
• Hairstylists should know various cutting techniques and be adept at layering, straight cutting and applying highlights. They learn hair design, color and perm techniques as well as how to work on men, women and different types of hair.

Cleanliness is next to godliness, especially in this industry. Tidy work areas and sanitized instruments will help a worker avoid bacteria troubles. Aside from that, customers will notice a messy or dirty work space and may associate it with the worker's skill.

Communication skills are one of the most important traits a cosmetology student can possess. They deal with customers from open to close each day and should strive to make every one of them happy. Clients often describe what hairstyle they are looking for and expect the hairstylist to provide it. In other cases, communication may simply be necessary to keep the customer comfortable and relaxed while they go through a lengthy procedure.

Many cosmetology professionals work as their own bosses, so business knowledge is a definite asset. They may have to schedule appointments, supervise or hire other workers, keep records, make bills and order necessary supplies.

Typical jobs:

• Barbers - These hair-care experts offer services including cuts and trims, washes and scalp treatments. They sometimes bleach, highlight or color hair or give perms (permanent curls or waves). Face shaving, skin care and nail treatments are a few other services barbers can provide.
• Hairdressers and hairstylists - Both of these terms refer to professionals who are trained to shampoo and condition, cut, color and style hair. They can also give perms and offer advice on a range of advice from hair color and cut style to at-home styling techniques such as straightening or adding curl.

Cosmetologists

• Nail technicians - Whether performing manicures or pedicures or applying acrylic or gel fingernail extensions, these cosmetologists always focus their work on clients' hands and feet.
• Estheticians - Skin care specialists offer hair removal, facials and full-body treatments and head and neck massage. Many apply makeup and some offer eyelash and eyebrow tinting. They may give advice on beneficial skin care regimens and perform advanced skin treatments such as peels and microdermabrasion.

Estheticians generally limit themselves to hair removal techniques such as plucking or waxing, although some are trained in other methods that can include threading, electrolysis or laser hair removal. For estheticians it's all about making their client's skin look beautiful and feel great.