Barbers cut, trim, shampoo and style hair. Many people still go to a barber just for a haircut, but an increasing number seek more personalized hairstyling services. They cut and style hair to suit each client and also may fit hairpieces and provide hair and scalp treatments, shaves and facial massages.
Cosmetologists perform many similar tasks.
All states require barbers to be licensed, and those qualifications vary from state to state. Generally, a person must have graduated from a state-licensed barber or cosmetology school, pass a physical exam and be at least 16 years old. In a few states, completion of an apprenticeship may substitute graduation from a school. Graduation from a state-licensed school requires passing a written test and demonstrating an ability to perform general skills. Overall employment for barbers and cosmetologists is expected to grow about as fast as average for all occupations through the year 2005.