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39-5012.00 · Task explorer

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists: reported tasks and exploration worksheet

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.

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This source lists 20 tasks, including 14 marked Core and 6 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.

Task source dates: 08/2026.

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20 tasks shown

Core · Task 635 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Keep work stations clean and sanitize tools, such as scissors and combs.

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Core · Task 638 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Schedule client appointments.

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Core · Task 639 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Bleach, dye, or tint hair, using applicator or brush.

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Core · Task 636 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Cut, trim and shape hair or hairpieces, based on customers' instructions, hair type, and facial features, using clippers, scissors, trimmers and razors.

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Core · Task 641 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Shampoo, rinse, condition, and dry hair and scalp or hairpieces with water, liquid soap, or other solutions.

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Core · Task 640 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Update and maintain customer information records, such as beauty services provided.

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Core · Task 637 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Analyze patrons' hair and other physical features to determine and recommend beauty treatment or suggest hair styles.

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Core · Task 649 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Massage and treat scalp for hygienic and remedial purposes, using hands, fingers, or vibrating equipment.

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Core · Task 645 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Apply water or setting, straightening or waving solutions to hair, and use curlers, rollers, hot combs and curling irons to press and curl hair.

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Core · Task 650 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Shave, trim, and shape beards and moustaches.

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Core · Task 646 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Comb, brush, and spray hair or wigs to set style.

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Core · Task 644 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Develop new styles and techniques.

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Core · Task 643 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Demonstrate and sell hair care products and cosmetics.

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Core · Task 20899 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Order, display, and maintain supplies.

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Supplemental · Task 642 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Operate cash registers to receive payments from patrons.

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Supplemental · Task 647 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Shape eyebrows and remove facial hair, using depilatory cream, tweezers, electrolysis or wax.

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Supplemental · Task 648 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Administer therapeutic medication and advise patron to seek medical treatment for chronic or contagious scalp conditions.

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Supplemental · Task 652 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Recommend and explain the use of cosmetics, lotions, and creams to soften and lubricate skin and enhance and restore natural appearance.

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Supplemental · Task 651 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Train or supervise other hairstylists, hairdressers, and assistants.

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Supplemental · Task 656 · 08/2026 · Incumbent

Attach wigs or hairpieces to model heads and dress wigs and hairpieces according to instructions, samples, sketches or photographs.

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Make the shortlist useful

Choose one to three activities that tell you something different about the work. Avoid selecting several ways of describing the same interest.
For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
Keep source task IDs with your notes so you can return to the same description. Do not include private employer or customer information.

The exported worksheet distinguishes the reported task from your own notes. It supports exploration, not a hiring decision or a validated assessment.

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Download before leaving this page. Unsaved writing remains only in the page and is cleared on refresh. Notes and learning actions are not sent to a server. This guide describes an occupation and supports study planning; it does not provide clinical, legal or equipment-operating procedures.

Source and practice material

Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.

Skill Workbench selected and adapted the occupational information and added its own fictional cases, calculations, guidance and worksheets. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.