Full-time barbers and cosmetologists may work more than 40 hours a week. This often includes evenings and weekends, when beauty and barber shops and salons are busiest. Although weekends and lunch periods are generally very busy, barbers and cosmetologists may have some time off during slack periods. Most worked in beauty salons, barber shops, or department stores, and a few were employed by hospitals, hotels, and prisons. About 4 out of every 5 barbers and about half of all cosmetologists are self employed.
Cosmetologists work in a variety of settings to help people look their best.
Almost all cities and towns have barbershops and hair salons, but employment is concentrated in the most populous cities and states. Hairstylists usually work in cities and suburbs, where the greatest demand for their services exists. Stylists who set fashion trends with their hairstyles usually work in New York City, Los Angeles, and other centers of fashion and the performing arts. One of every 3 barbers and cosmetologists works part time. The abundance of part-time jobs attracts many persons who want to combine a job with family, school, or other responsibilities.