A cosmetologist or beautician is anyone performing manicures, hair cutting, styling, shampooing, makeup or other cosmetology services.

Hairstylist/Hairdresser, Manicurist/Pedicurist, and Shampooer are job titles that all fall under the umbrella of cosmetology although licensing and training requirements are different for each.

In order to work as a hairstylist or cosmetologist, one must be licensed by the state in which he or she wants to work. In order to become licensed one must have graduated from a state-licensed barber or cosmetology school and be at least 16 years old. Some states require graduation from high school while others require as little as an eighth grade education.

On a typical day a cosmetologist might perform some of the following duties, depending on his or her specialization:

• Cuts, trims and shapes hair or hair pieces;



• Bleaches, dyes, or tints hair;



• Combs, brushes, and sprays hair or wigs to set style;



• Attaches wig or hairpiece to model head and dresses wigs and hairpieces;



• Massages and treats scalp for hygienic and remedial purposes;



• Administers therapeutic medication and advises patron to seek medical treatment for chronic or contagious scalp conditions;



• Recommends and applies cosmetics, lotions, and creams to patron to soften and lubricate skin and enhance and restore natural appearance;



• Shapes and colors eyebrows or eyelashes and removes facial hair;



• Cleans, shapes, and polishes fingernails and toenails;



• Updates and maintains customer information records, such as beauty services provided