Build a career centered on helping others look and feel their best. The personal services industry includes hairstyling, barbering, skincare, fitness, and wellness professions—offering creative, client-focused work with flexible career paths. Explore training programs, certifications, and job opportunities that can help you turn your passion into a profession.
Many personal services professionals—like barbers, stylists, massage therapists, and fitness trainers—have the flexibility to be their own boss. In fact, more than 40% of workers in this field are self-employed, giving them the freedom to set their own schedules, choose their clients, and build a business around their passion!
Personal services careers offer clear pathways for growth, whether you start with a certificate program or on-the-job training. With experience and additional certifications, you can move into roles like salon owner, spa manager, or independent business operator. Many professionals also grow by specializing in advanced techniques, teaching, or launching their own brands.
Communication
Conflict Resolution
Research Skills
Time-Management Skills
Ethics
Organization
Barbers specialize in cutting, grooming, and styling men’s hair and facial hair. They offer services like haircuts, shaves, beard trims, and scalp treatments. In addition to technical skills, barbers build strong relationships with clients and often work in fast-paced, social environments. Many barbers eventually open their own shops or manage teams.
Cut and style hair, trim beards, shave clients, and maintain sanitation and tools.
Barbershops, salons, or self-owned studios.
Standing for long periods, one-on-one client interactions, and creativity with grooming styles.
Hair cutting and shaving techniques, customer service, attention to detail, time management.
State-licensed barbering program (usually 900–1,200 hours) and passing a licensure exam.
Shop owner, platform artist, instructor, or men’s grooming product representative.
Cosmetologists are trained in a wide range of beauty services including hair styling, makeup, skincare, and nails. They work closely with clients to enhance appearance and confidence. Cosmetology is a creative, people-focused field with options for specialization and entrepreneurship.
Style hair, apply makeup, perform facials and nail care, and advise clients on beauty routines.
Salons, spas, resorts, or freelance/independent settings.
Varied workdays, client consultations, and creativity in beauty trends and styles.
Hair and makeup techniques, product knowledge, people skills, sanitation standards.
Completion of a state-approved cosmetology program (typically 1,200+ hours) and licensure.
Salon owner, beauty educator, product ambassador, or TV/film makeup artist.
Estheticians focus on skincare health and aesthetics. They provide treatments like facials, waxing, chemical peels, and skin analysis. With the rise of wellness and self-care, demand for estheticians continues to grow in both spa and medical settings.
Perform skincare treatments, recommend products, manage client skincare routines.
Spas, dermatology offices, salons, or medical aesthetics clinics.
Client-focused care, knowledge of skin types and conditions, and use of advanced skincare tools.
Skin analysis, product knowledge, communication, attention to hygiene and detail.
Licensed esthetician program (usually 600+ hours) and state certification.
Medical esthetician, spa manager, brand trainer, or skincare product developer.
Fitness Trainers help individuals improve their health through personalized workout plans, coaching, and motivation. They may lead group fitness classes or offer one-on-one sessions, often focusing on strength, cardio, flexibility, or specific wellness goals.
Design and guide exercise routines, track client progress, provide health and fitness advice.
Gyms, fitness studios, corporate wellness programs, or freelance/self-employed.
Physically active work, client interaction, flexible hours including evenings and weekends.
Knowledge of anatomy, exercise techniques, communication, and motivation.
Certification from a nationally accredited program (ACE, NASM, etc.); CPR certification.
Group fitness instructor, wellness coach, gym manager, or athletic trainer.
Hair Stylists cut, color, and style hair to help clients look and feel their best. They stay on top of trends, use professional products, and provide recommendations based on hair type and goals. Stylists often specialize in certain techniques like color or bridal styling.
Cut, color, and style hair; consult with clients; recommend products and care routines.
Salons, spas, resorts, or freelance/booth rental settings.
Creative work, client interaction, standing for long periods, and staying current with trends.
Cutting and coloring techniques, creativity, customer service, precision.
Cosmetology license through a state-approved program.
Master stylist, salon owner, color specialist, or brand educator.
Manicurists and nail technicians provide hand and foot care, nail shaping, polishing, and design. They use tools and products to keep nails healthy and attractive while following strict hygiene standards.
Perform manicures, pedicures, nail art, and treatments; maintain sanitation and tools.
Nail salons, spas, or freelance/independent studios.
Close client contact, attention to detail, and creative work with color and design.
Nail care, artistry, customer service, hygiene practices.
Nail technology program and state licensure.
Nail salon owner, spa manager, product specialist, or nail art instructor.
Massage Therapists use touch and therapeutic techniques to relieve pain, reduce stress, and promote wellness. They may specialize in different methods like deep tissue, Swedish, sports massage, or medical massage.
Assess client needs, apply massage techniques, promote relaxation and healing.
Spas, wellness centers, chiropractic offices, or private practice.
Hands-on, physical work; client-focused sessions; flexible scheduling.
Anatomy knowledge, massage techniques, empathy, and communication.
Massage therapy program and state licensure.
Specialization in medical or sports massage, private practice, instructor, or spa director.
Nannies provide in-home care for children, often handling daily routines, play, meals, and light household duties. This career requires trust, patience, and a love for child development. Some nannies also support educational or developmental needs.
Care for children, plan activities, assist with routines, and ensure safety and well-being.
Private homes, sometimes with live-in options.
Flexible hours, close family relationships, and varied responsibilities depending on age of children.
Childcare knowledge, reliability, communication, CPR/first aid.
High school diploma; childcare experience; CPR/first aid certification recommended.
Early childhood educator, household manager, or child development specialist.
Nanny
Barber
Cosmetologist
Esthetician/Skin Care Specialist
Hair Stylist
Manicurist
Massage Therapist
Fitness Trainer
