Description
Teach cosmetology theory and hands-on skills to high school students, covering hair, skin, and nail services; sanitation and safety; salon operations and customer service; and preparation for state board licensure through classroom, lab, clinic, and work-based learning.
- • Assign and grade classwork, lab logs, and portfolio artifacts.
- • Set up the cosmetology lab, tools, products, and mannequins for daily lessons and clinic services.
- • Maintain accurate student records, including attendance, grades, clock hours, competencies, and safety trainings per policy and state board rules.
- • Teach theory and demonstrate hair, skin, and nail techniques; coach students in individual and group practice.
- • Establish and enforce salon-lab safety, infection control, and professional conduct standards.
- • Observe and evaluate technical performance, sanitation compliance, client service, and workplace behaviors.
- • Train and supervise safe use, cleaning, and storage of implements, electrical equipment, and chemicals.
- • Plan a balanced program of theory, demonstrations, and supervised practice on mannequins and approved clients.
- • Prepare, administer, and grade written tests and practical assessments aligned to licensure standards.
- • Enforce school policies and state cosmetology regulations in the classroom, lab, and clinic.
- • Deliver occupation-specific instruction for salon and spa careers using lectures, demos, videos, and lab/clinic studies.
- • Post clear objectives, procedures, and success criteria for each lesson, unit, and service.
- • Use digital learning tools, audiovisual aids, and POS/front-desk simulations to enhance instruction.
- • Coordinate and supervise work-based learning, job shadows, and clinic days with local salons and the school lab.
- • Prepare students for advanced training and state board exams; encourage persistence with complex techniques.
- • Confer with parents/guardians, counselors, and administrators about student progress and career readiness.
- • Develop course outlines and pacing guides aligned to state curriculum and licensure requirements.
- • Advise students on career pathways, certifications, portfolios, and professionalism.
- • Select, order, inventory, and issue chemicals, implements, PPE, and salon supplies; manage student kits.
- • Stay current on trends, products, tools, and regulations; update lessons accordingly.
- • Collaborate with support staff to address individual learning needs and ensure safe participation.
- • Provide remediation, tutoring, and additional practice for students requiring extra help.
- • Prepare required reports on student progress, clinic revenues, safety drills, and sanitation logs.
- • Meet with families to review grades, hours, employability skills, and resource needs.
- • Organize guest artists, product representatives, field trips to salons or trade shows, and reflective learning.
- • Attend cosmetology and CTE professional development to maintain and improve credentials.
- • Sponsor cosmetology clubs, SkillsUSA or similar competitions, and community service events.
- • Collaborate on CTE program improvement, advisory board feedback, and articulation or dual-credit agreements.
- • Assist students with internships, apprenticeships, and job placement through industry partners.
- • Coordinate lab schedules, clinic operations, and cross-curricular projects with school staff.
- • Attend staff meetings and serve on school or program committees as required.
- • Perform assigned school duties, such as hall or cafeteria supervision and event coverage.
- • Ensure accessibility and provide accommodations and assistive technology for students with disabilities.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
