Explore a possible path

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

Provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services.

How does this connect to your interests? →

A look at the work

  • Keep work stations clean and sanitize tools, such as scissors and combs.
  • Schedule client appointments.
  • Bleach, dye, or tint hair, using applicator or brush.
  • Cut, trim and shape hair or hairpieces, based on customers' instructions, hair type, and facial features, using clippers, scissors, trimmers and razors.
  • Shampoo, rinse, condition, and dry hair and scalp or hairpieces with water, liquid soap, or other solutions.
  • Update and maintain customer information records, such as beauty services provided.
  • Analyze patrons' hair and other physical features to determine and recommend beauty treatment or suggest hair styles.
  • Massage and treat scalp for hygienic and remedial purposes, using hands, fingers, or vibrating equipment.

A selection of source-listed tasks; duties vary by role and employer.

Interests involved in this work

These source scores describe occupational work activities. They are separate from your personal test results.

Hands-on

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

5.4 / 7

Investigative

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

1.5 / 7

Creative

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

3.2 / 7

Helping people

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

3.7 / 7

Enterprising

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

3.3 / 7

Organizing

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

3.9 / 7

Skills to explore

Source-reported importance on a 1–5 scale. Try a course, project or conversation to learn what these skills involve.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

2016-07

3.9 / 5

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

2016-07

3.8 / 5

Service Orientation

Actively looking for ways to help people.

2016-07

3.6 / 5

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

2016-07

3.4 / 5

Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

2016-07

3.3 / 5

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

2016-07

3.3 / 5

Social Perceptiveness

Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

2016-07

3.1 / 5

Time Management

Managing one's own time and the time of others.

2016-07

3.0 / 5

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

2016-07

3.0 / 5

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

2016-07

3.0 / 5

Plan a small next step

Talk to someone doing this work, look for a supervised activity, and explore the subjects that interest you. Admission, licensing and current program requirements should be confirmed with the relevant institutions.

Source preparation category: Job Zone 3 of 5 · 2026-08. This category describes typical preparation, not your eligibility.

Related study fields

Source crosswalk connections are research leads, not required qualifications.

Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General →

Electrolysis/Electrology and Electrolysis Technician →

Make-Up Artist/Specialist →

Hair Styling/Stylist and Hair Design →

Permanent Cosmetics/Makeup and Tattooing →

Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager →

Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor →

Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Arts, Other →

Explore all related study fields →

Source & methodology

O*NET-SOC code 39-5012.00 · Database 31.0 · Retrieved Oct 14, 2026. Dates on individual observations describe their source periods.

How interest exploration matching works →

Data: O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Used under CC BY 4.0. StudyIndex normalizes the presentation and adds exploration features; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions.