Rankings giant U.S. News & World Report has validated what many of you have known for years. For the first-time ever, it ranked “hairstylist/cosmetologist” as one of the “30 Best Careers for 2009.”

The magazine “plowed through hundreds of careers, looking for the jobs with the best outlook in this recessionary economy (and beyond), the highest rates of job satisfaction, the least difficult training necessary, the most prestige, and the highest pay. These careers have staying power: They're smart moves now, and they'll be smart moves for years to come,” the article says.

The magazine goes on to say, “Most men now get their hair cut by a stylist rather than a barber, and more and more men seek out related services such as facials and manicures. So, not surprisingly, the number of male hairstylists and cosmetologists is growing.”

The magazine notes that the upsides include: finding new friends in your clientele, living the fashionista’s dream, and little risk of the career being offshored. It noted downsides of low pay until you’ve developed a clientele, having to work evenings and weekends, working with unpleasant chemicals, and generally, no healthcare benefits.

What would you add to the positives? What would you add to the negatives? Does this ranking validate something you figured out years ago? Leave your thoughts in Feedback

—Sree