9781422276686

Is This Job Right for You? Answer the following questions to see whether a career as a barber or hairstylist is right for you. Yes No 1. Are you fascinated by hairstyles? Yes No 2. Do you like to meet different people every day? Yes No 3. Can you work on your feet for hours? Yes No 4. Do you like to work with your hands? Yes No 5. Do you enjoy studying magazine fashion and hair trends? Yes No 6. Can you work well with other people? Yes No 7. Are you good at handling complaints and criticism? Yes No 8. Can you keep your work area neat and your tools sterile? Yes No 9. Are you good at listening to and following directions? Yes No 10 . Do you feel comfortable working weekends and evenings? If you answered “Yes” to most of these questions, you may have what it take to be a hairstylist or barber. To find out more about these professions, read on. What’s the Work Like? Barbers and hairstylists do basically the same work, but barbers tend to be male and serve a male clientele in basic surroundings. Hairstylists (either male or female) serve men and women and often create more elaborate cuts. Either way, you’ll start by discussing the cut a client wants, perhaps looking at photos he or she has selected from magazines. You’ll also evaluate the shape of your client’s face and the texture of his or her hair so you can use the proper cutting techniques. In some salons, you may shampoo and con- dition your client’s hair. In others, a shampooer or assistant will do it. Once the client is in your chair, wearing a salon robe or drape, you’ll carefully trim or cut his or her hair using precise techniques as well as your own creative talents to give your client the look he or she wants. TALKING MONEY The average wage for hairstyl- ists and cosmetologists is $11.66 per hour, according to 2016 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Barbers' wages were slightly higher—about $12.38 per hour on av- erage. Some high-end hairstylists earn more; the top 10 percent of hairstylists earned more than $25 per hour.

• Fitness, Personal Care Services & Education

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