The job is not strenuous, but since Barbers stand for most of the day, with their arms at shoulder level, it may be physically tiring. They occasionally develop allergic reactions to hair processing chemicals. Routine use of protective rubber gloves generally prevents this problem. Barbers may belong to the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, AFL-CIO in Southern California or the Retail Clerks Union in the northern part of the State. Fewer than half of the shops in the State are covered by union contracts.
Stylists are responsible for their shampoo, solutions, and styling products.
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division. Employment indicators show that jobs are declining. However, most Barbers are self-employed, either in their own shops or in shops where they rent a chair from the owner, and are not counted in employment surveys. Barber schools report that employers' demand for trained Barbers far exceeds the supply of graduates despite full classes. There will be job openings as Barbers leave the labor market or take other kinds of jobs.