Cosmetologist / Hairstylist

Massage therapists use touch to manipulate soft body tissues, relieving pain, reducing stress, rehabilitating injuries, and promoting general wellness. The work involves consulting with clients about symptoms and medical history, evaluating clients' conditions through observation and palpation, developing treatment plans, using various massage techniques (Swedish, deep tissue, sports, lymphatic), and advising clients on stretching, posture, and relaxation techniques. Massage therapists work in diverse settings including spas, chiropractic offices, sports medicine facilities, hospitals, private practices, and mobile services. Specializations include medical massage for injury rehabilitation, prenatal massage, oncology massage for cancer patients, and sports massage for athletes. The physical demands of the work require attention to body mechanics and self-care to prevent injury. Client relationships often develop over time as therapists learn individual patterns of tension and preferences.

Barbers cut, trim, and style hair, primarily for male clients, though many serve all genders. The work involves consulting with clients about desired styles, cutting hair with scissors, clippers, and razors, trimming and shaping beards, performing facial shaves with straight razors, recommending hair care products, and maintaining a clean, welcoming shop environment. Beyond technical cutting skills, successful barbers build relationships with clients who return regularly—often the same time each week or month for years. The barbershop tradition includes conversation, community connection, and an atmosphere distinct from generic hair salons. Modern barbers may specialize in particular styles—fades, textured cuts, beard sculpting—or serve specific communities. The profession requires licensure involving training in sanitation, skin conditions, and cutting techniques.

Pet groomers bathe, brush, clip, and style dogs and other animals, maintaining their appearance and hygiene. The work involves consulting with pet owners about desired styles, bathing and drying animals, brushing and detangling coats, clipping and scissoring according to breed standards or owner preferences, trimming nails, cleaning ears, and checking for skin conditions or parasites. Groomers must handle animals of varying temperaments—from calm lap dogs to anxious rescues—using techniques to keep animals comfortable and safe. Different breeds require different approaches; poodle clips differ from terrier hand-stripping which differs from double-coat breeds requiring undercoat removal. The work involves physical demands from lifting animals, standing for extended periods, and managing occasionally difficult animals. Many groomers develop specializations in particular breeds or styles.