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Balam Labs
ISCO-08 5141

Hairdressers

25.8%
ADI · 265th of 433 · 95% interval 16.0–38.2

An AI agent can at least partly carry out 25.8% of the task time of hairdressers, and finish 2.5% alone. Most of the rest requires physical presence.

ADI · partial or full25.8%

265th of 433 · interval 16.0–38.2

ADI3 · full delegation2.5%

111th of 433 · interval 0.0–6.5

ADIs · share of time25.5%

269th of 433 · interval 19.0–33.8

Evidence116

task statements rated by two models and weighted by importance and frequency. World employment: 10.4 million.

Task weight by level

How the tasks rate

47%
27%
23%
L0No meaningful role · 47.3%L1Augmentation · 26.9%L2Partial delegation · 23.3%L3Full delegation · 2.5%
Barriers

What stops the agent

Physical presence75%
Accountability28%
Trust and care60%
Access to systems38%

Share of task weight flagged by each barrier; a task can carry several.

116 task statements, heaviest first
Task statement (O*NET occupation)WeightLevelSonnet · HaikuShareHuman timeBarriers
Drape and pin protective cloths around customers' shoulders.Barbers4.9%L0L0L00%2 minPhysical presence, Trust and care
Cut and trim hair according to clients' instructions or current hairstyles, using clippers, combs, hand-held blow driers, and scissors.Barbers4.9%L0L0L03%32 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Clean and sterilize scissors, combs, clippers, and other instruments.Barbers4.9%L0L0L02%12 minPhysical presence, Accountability
Clean work stations and sweep floors.Barbers4.6%L0L0L00%15 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Question patrons regarding desired services and haircut styles.Barbers4.5%L1L1L235%5 minPhysical presence, Trust and care
Apply lather and shave beards or neck and temple hair contours, using razors.Barbers3.7%L0L0L00%18 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Record services provided on cashiers' tickets or receive payment from customers.Barbers3.7%L1L1L230%3 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Shape and trim beards and moustaches, using scissors.Barbers3.4%L0L0L01%18 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care
Perform clerical and administrative duties such as keeping records, paying bills, and hiring and supervising personnel.Barbers3.1%L2L2L255%1.8 hAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Suggest treatments to alleviate hair problems.Barbers2.4%L1L1L240%15 minPhysical presence, Trust and care
Stay informed of the latest styles and hair care techniques.Barbers2.3%L2L2L262%1.0 h–
Keep card files on clientele, recording notes of work done, products used and fees charged after each visit.Barbers · supplemental task2.1%L2L2L270%5 minAccess to systems
Recommend and sell lotions, tonics, or other cosmetic supplies.Barbers1.9%L1L1L225%6 minPhysical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems
Shampoo hair.Barbers1.9%L0L0L00%6 minPhysical presence, Trust and care
Provide skin care and nail treatments.Barbers · supplemental task1.8%L0L0L16%42 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Show the other 101 tasks
Task statement (O*NET occupation)WeightLevelSonnet · HaikuShareHuman timeBarriers
Keep work stations clean and sanitize tools, such as scissors and combs.Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists1.7%L0L0L02%15 minPhysical presence, Accountability
Schedule client appointments.Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists1.7%L3L3L388%5 minAccess to systems
Cut, trim and shape hair or hairpieces, based on customers' instructions, hair type, and facial features, using clippers, scissors, trimmers and razors.Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists1.6%L0L0L04%45 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Order supplies.Barbers1.6%L2L2L372%30 minAccess to systems
Operate cash registers to receive payments from patrons.Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists1.6%L1L1L228%4 minPhysical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems
Shampoo, rinse, condition, and dry hair and scalp or hairpieces with water, liquid soap, or other solutions.Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists1.5%L0L0L00%18 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Demonstrate and sell hair care products and cosmetics.Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists1.5%L1L1L225%22 minPhysical presence, Trust and care
Update and maintain customer information records, such as beauty services provided.Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists1.5%L2L2L265%5 minAccess to systems
Analyze patrons' hair and other physical features to determine and recommend beauty treatment or suggest hair styles.Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists1.5%L1L1L232%18 minPhysical presence, Trust and care
Bleach, dye, or tint hair, using applicator or brush.Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists1.4%L0L0L04%1.1 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care
Comb, brush, and spray hair or wigs to set style.Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists1.4%L0L0L02%18 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Massage and treat scalp for hygienic and remedial purposes, using hands, fingers, or vibrating equipment.Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists · supplemental task1.4%L0L0L02%18 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care
Apply water or setting, straightening or waving solutions to hair, and use curlers, rollers, hot combs and curling irons to press and curl hair.Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists1.3%L0L0L02%45 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Curl, color, or straighten hair, using special chemical solutions and equipment.Barbers · supplemental task1.2%L0L0L04%1.3 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care
Develop new styles and techniques.Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists1.2%L1L1L232%4.0 hPhysical presence
Provide face, neck, and scalp massages.Barbers · supplemental task1.1%L0L0L00%9 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care
Order, display, and maintain supplies.Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists1.1%L1L1L235%52 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Recommend and explain the use of cosmetics, lotions, and creams to soften and lubricate skin and enhance and restore natural appearance.Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists · supplemental task1.1%L2L2L258%15 minPhysical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems
Train or supervise other hairstylists, hairdressers, and assistants.Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists · supplemental task1.1%L1L1L228%1.8 hPhysical presence, Trust and care
Shape eyebrows and remove facial hair, using depilatory cream, tweezers, electrolysis or wax.Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists1.1%L0L0L02%20 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care
Clean, shape, and polish fingernails and toenails, using files and nail polish.Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists · supplemental task1.0%L0L0L02%38 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care
Shave, trim, and shape beards and moustaches.Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists0.9%L0L0L02%25 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care
Administer therapeutic medication and advise patron to seek medical treatment for chronic or contagious scalp conditions.Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists · supplemental task0.7%L0L0L112%30 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care
Assign work schedules, following work requirements, to ensure quality and timely delivery of service.First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers0.5%L2L2L265%1.3 hAccess to systems
Give facials to patrons, using special compounds, such as lotions and creams.Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists · supplemental task0.5%L0L0L04%1.0 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care
Schedule guest appointments.Spa Managers0.4%L3L3L385%10 minAccess to systems
Meet with managers or other supervisors to stay informed of changes affecting operations.First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers0.4%L1L1L125%52 minTrust and care, Access to systems
Respond to customer inquiries or complaints.Spa Managers0.4%L2L2L265%18 minTrust and care, Access to systems
Direct or coordinate the activities of workers, such as hotel staff or hair stylists.First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers0.4%L1L1L232%2.5 hPhysical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems
Coordinate facility schedules to maximize usage and efficiency.Spa Managers0.4%L2L2L262%1.8 hAccess to systems
Maintain client databases.Spa Managers0.4%L3L3L385%52 minAccess to systems
Inspect work areas or operating equipment to ensure conformance to established standards in areas such as cleanliness or maintenance.First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers0.4%L1L1L118%32 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Arrange worker breaks to ensure services are adequately staffed throughout each shift.First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers0.4%L2L2L268%35 minTrust and care, Access to systems
Observe and evaluate workers' appearance and performance to ensure quality service and compliance with specifications.First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers0.4%L1L1L225%52 minPhysical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems
Sell products, services, or memberships.Spa Managers0.3%L2L2L245%38 minPhysical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems
Investigate employee complaints and resolve problems following management rules and regulations.First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers0.3%L2L2L240%1.8 hAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Train workers in proper operational procedures and functions and explain company policies.First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers0.3%L2L2L240%1.5 hPhysical presence, Trust and care
Perform accounting duties, such as recording daily cash flow, preparing bank deposits, or generating financial statements.Spa Managers0.3%L2L2L262%1.3 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Plan or direct spa services and programs.Spa Managers0.3%L2L2L248%3.5 hPhysical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems
Resolve customer complaints regarding worker performance or services rendered.First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers0.3%L2L2L250%38 minTrust and care
Inform workers about interests or special needs of specific groups.First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers0.3%L2L2L258%30 minTrust and care
Requisition necessary supplies, equipment, or services.First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers0.3%L2L2L262%45 minAccess to systems
Analyze and record personnel or operational data and write related activity reports.First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services · supplemental task0.3%L2L2L270%1.3 hAccess to systems
Observe and evaluate workers' appearance and performance to ensure quality service and compliance with specifications.First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services · supplemental task0.3%L1L1L225%1.5 hPhysical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems
Collaborate with staff members to plan or develop programs of events or schedules of activities.First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services · supplemental task0.3%L2L2L258%2.0 hTrust and care, Access to systems
Direct or coordinate the activities of entertainment and recreation related workers.First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services · supplemental task0.3%L1L1L235%1.4 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Furnish customers with information on events or activities.First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services · supplemental task0.3%L2L2L375%10 minAccess to systems
Inform workers about interests or special needs of specific groups.First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services · supplemental task0.3%L2L2L260%38 minTrust and care, Access to systems
Inspect work areas or operating equipment to ensure conformance to established standards in areas such as cleanliness or maintenance.First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services · supplemental task0.3%L1L1L118%38 minPhysical presence, Access to systems
Meet with managers or other supervisors to stay informed of changes affecting workers or operations.First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services · supplemental task0.3%L1L1L232%45 minTrust and care, Access to systems
Participate in continuing education to stay abreast of industry trends and developments.First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services · supplemental task0.3%L1L1L245%3.0 h–
Apply customer feedback to service improvement efforts.First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services · supplemental task0.3%L2L2L255%1.8 hTrust and care, Access to systems
Plan, direct, or supervise recreational and entertainment activities led by staff, such as sports, aquatics, games, or performing arts.First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services · supplemental task0.3%L1L1L232%2.5 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Provide staff with assistance in performing difficult or complicated duties.First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services · supplemental task0.3%L1L1L230%30 minPhysical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems
Recruit and hire staff members.First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services · supplemental task0.3%L2L2L255%7.0 hAccountability, Trust and care
Requisition supplies and equipment necessary for workers to facilitate recreational or entertainment activities, such as safety harnesses, flash lights, or first aid kits.First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services · supplemental task0.3%L2L2L262%1.1 hPhysical presence, Access to systems
Resolve customer complaints regarding worker performance or services rendered.First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services · supplemental task0.3%L2L2L252%38 minTrust and care, Access to systems
Serve as a point of contact between managerial staff and leaders of recreational or entertainment activities.First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services · supplemental task0.3%L2L2L250%45 minTrust and care
Assign work schedules, following work requirements, to ensure quality and timely delivery of service.First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services · supplemental task0.3%L2L2L265%1.5 hAccess to systems
Take disciplinary action to address performance problems.First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services · supplemental task0.3%L2L2L240%1.5 hAccountability, Trust and care
Train workers in proper operational procedures and functions and explain company policies.First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services · supplemental task0.3%L1L1L240%1.5 hPhysical presence, Trust and care
Attach wigs or hairpieces to model heads and dress wigs and hairpieces according to instructions, samples, sketches or photographs.Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists · supplemental task0.3%L0L0L19%1.1 hPhysical presence
Inform management about problems, such as employee disputes.First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers0.3%L2L2L252%30 minTrust and care, Access to systems
Monitor operations to ensure compliance with applicable health, safety, or hygiene standards.Spa Managers0.3%L1L1L230%1.3 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Take disciplinary action to address performance problems.First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers0.3%L2L2L240%1.5 hAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Recruit and hire staff members.First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers0.3%L2L2L258%6.5 hAccountability, Trust and care
Apply customer feedback to service improvement efforts.First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers0.3%L2L2L252%1.3 hTrust and care, Access to systems
Schedule staff or supervise scheduling.Spa Managers0.3%L2L2L272%1.8 hAccess to systems
Inform staff of job responsibilities, performance expectations, client service standards, or corporate policies and guidelines.Spa Managers0.3%L2L2L258%1.3 hTrust and care, Access to systems
Inventory products and order new supplies.Spa Managers0.2%L2L2L255%1.5 hPhysical presence, Access to systems
Participate in continuing education to stay abreast of industry trends and developments.First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers0.2%L1L1L240%3.5 hAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Direct facility maintenance or repair.Spa Managers0.2%L2L2L240%1.8 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Assess employee performance and suggest ways to improve work.Spa Managers0.2%L2L2L252%1.5 hTrust and care
Develop or implement marketing strategies.Spa Managers0.2%L2L2L260%6.0 hAccess to systems
Check spa equipment to ensure proper functioning.Spa Managers0.2%L1L1L222%45 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Train staff in the use or sale of products, programs, or activities.Spa Managers0.2%L1L1L235%2.3 hPhysical presence, Trust and care
Develop staff service or retail goals and guide staff in goal achievement.Spa Managers0.2%L2L2L248%2.5 hTrust and care, Access to systems
Establish spa budgets and financial goals.Spa Managers0.2%L2L2L260%6.0 hAccess to systems
Recruit, interview, or hire employees.Spa Managers0.1%L2L2L258%4.5 hPhysical presence, Trust and care
Direct marketing, advertising, or other customer recruitment efforts.First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers · supplemental task0.1%L2L2L262%3.5 hAccess to systems
Inform workers about interests or special needs of specific groups.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task0.1%L2L2L260%30 minTrust and care, Access to systems
Inspect work areas or operating equipment to ensure conformance to established standards in areas such as cleanliness or maintenance.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task0.1%L1L1L115%35 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Take disciplinary action to address performance problems.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task0.1%L1L1L238%1.5 hAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Resolve customer complaints regarding worker performance or services rendered.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task0.1%L2L2L252%35 minAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Requisition necessary supplies, equipment, or services.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task0.1%L2L2L262%38 minAccess to systems
Recruit and hire staff members.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task0.1%L2L2L258%6.0 hAccountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Recommend and implement measures to improve worker motivation, work methods, or customer services.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task0.1%L1L1L242%3.5 hTrust and care, Access to systems
Participate in continuing education to stay abreast of industry trends and developments.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task0.1%L1L1L250%1.8 h–
Observe and evaluate workers' appearance and performance to ensure quality service and compliance with specifications.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task0.1%L1L1L122%1.0 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Meet with managers or other supervisors to stay informed of changes affecting operations.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task0.1%L1L1L228%52 minPhysical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems
Train workers in proper operational procedures and functions and explain company policies.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task0.1%L1L1L242%1.5 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care
Inspect materials, stock, vehicles, equipment, or facilities to ensure that they are safe, free of defects, and consistent with specifications.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task0.1%L1L1L120%45 minPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems
Explain and demonstrate work tasks to new workers or assign training tasks to experienced workers.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task0.1%L1L1L232%1.0 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care
Enforce safety rules and regulations.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task0.1%L1L1L230%1.0 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Direct or coordinate the activities of workers, such as flight or car attendants.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task0.1%L1L1L230%4.5 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems
Confer with customers, supervisors, contractors, or other personnel to exchange information or to resolve problems.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task0.1%L2L2L242%25 minPhysical presence, Trust and care, Access to systems
Compute or estimate cash, payroll, transportation, or personnel requirements.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task0.1%L2L2L268%1.0 hAccess to systems
Apply customer feedback to service improvement efforts.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task0.1%L2L2L258%2.0 hTrust and care, Access to systems
Analyze and record personnel or operational data and write related activity reports.First-Line Supervisors of Passenger Attendants · supplemental task0.1%L2L2L270%1.5 hAccess to systems
Verify staff credentials, such as educational and certification requirements.Spa Managers0.1%L2L2L265%45 minAccountability, Access to systems
Participate in continuing education classes to maintain current knowledge of industry.Spa Managers0.1%L1L1L232%3.5 hPhysical presence, Accountability, Access to systems

Level: consensus of the two models (the lower level when they disagree). Share: part of the task’s working time an agent could take over. Human time: minutes a competent person needs for one instance, as estimated by the models.

Against other measures

Exposure is not delegation

MeasureValuePercentile
ADI (this index)25.8%39
Eloundou et al. (2024), GPT exposure β0.17330
Felten et al. (2021), AI occupational exposure-0.50240
Webb (2020), AI patent exposure12.6226
Eisfeldt et al. (2026), generative AI exposure0.12542
Anthropic Economic Index, observed use0.0248

Earlier indices measure whether AI can touch a task; ADI measures how much of it an agent can carry out from a goal. – : the source does not cover this occupation.

Same sub-major group (51)

Neighbouring occupations

Dashed line: hairdressers (25.8%).

Cite this record
Text

Espinal Maya, Cristian, and Santiago Jiménez Londoño. 2026. ADI v2026.1: Agent Delegability Index data, code and MCP server. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23552918. Record: Hairdressers (ISCO-08 5141), https://balamlabs.org/adi/occupations/5141

BibTeX
@misc{espinal2026adidata,
  title     = {{ADI} v2026.1: Agent Delegability Index data, code and {MCP} server},
  author    = {Espinal Maya, Cristian and Jim{\'e}nez Londo{\~n}o, Santiago},
  year      = {2026},
  publisher = {Zenodo},
  version   = {v2026.1},
  doi       = {10.5281/zenodo.23552918},
  url       = {https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23552918},
  note      = {Record: Hairdressers (ISCO-08 5141)}
}
Machine-readable

The same record as static JSON, with its citation: /adi/v2026.1/isco/5141.json.