Cosmetology Professionals

Is It You?

You may gravitate towards a career in the salon/spa industry if you have a desire to express yourself creatively and thrive in a fast-paced work environment. Those who have a natural inclination to care for people tend to excel in the field of cosmetology. Other traits that are important to a salon/spa professional are the capacity to multitask, a positive attitude, and the ability to be self motivated. Professionalism in appearance and client interaction is also imperative to a successful career in cosmetology.

Licensed cosmetologists provide a variety of personal services that help clients look and feel their best. These services primarily include the care and treatment of hair, nails, and skin. They can also involve consultations on health and wellness.
A license is necessary for pursuing a career as a hair stylist/designer/barber, nail technician, esthetician or makeup artist. Licensing requirements vary from state to state for each area of expertise.
The primary goal of a successful licensed professional is creating an experience for the client that he or she will enjoy and want to repeat. Cosmetologists keep pace with the fashion world and stand ready to meet the constantly changing skills, such as professionalism and good communication, vital to success.

Hair Stylist/Designer/Barber

Because hair comes in many different lengths and textures, a licensed cosmetologist must be able to “prescribe” the appropriate style and treatment for each individual client. The services most typically performed by hair stylists/designers/barbers include, but are not limited to, shampoo, hair treatment (condition/color/perm), haircut or trim, hairstyle, and finish. Effective hair stylists/designers/barbers must also be able to communicate well in order to establish, build, and maintain a trusting relationship with each client.

Esthetician

Estheticians comprise one of today’s fastest-growing segments of the salon and spa industry. They perform facials, hair removal, hydrotherapy services and other body treatments. Estheticians must be able to recognize abnormalities in the skin and recommend effective treatments to correct those abnormalities.

Nail Technician

Hand treatments include natural nail and nail enhancement manicures and typically involve treatment of the cuticles. Nail technicians must be adept at using a wide variety of products (e.g. nail enamel, polish remover, cuticle remover/cream, aromatherapy), and tools (manual or electric files, buffers, cuticle pushers and nippers).

Makeup Artist
Makeup artists perform artistic services in a variety of settings such as, but not limited to, salon/spa client makeup application and model makeup application for photo shoots and platform presentations.

Educational Commitment

Educational requirements vary both by state and among individual schools. In some states, one must be a high school graduate in order to apply for a cosmetology license. In others, a GED is acceptable. If you do not yet have a high school diploma or GED, it is possible that you can be accepted into cosmetology school as long as you are pursuing your diploma or GED at the same time. To be sure, find out the requirements from your local cosmetology school and/or your State Board of Cosmetology.

Cosmetology courses are offered in many public high schools, vocational and technical schools, community colleges, and private schools. Tuition fees vary widely as do the minimum hour requirements. A total requirement of 2,000 hours is not unusual and depending on whether you attend full or part-time, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete your education.

Be prepared to take classes in anatomy, physiology, hygiene, infection control, chemistry, and other technical and business-related courses. Other studies and training may include various hair-styling techniques, permanent waving, chemical relaxing, hair color, scalp treatments, esthetics, makeup application, manicuring and pedicuring, and the care and styling of wigs and hair extensions. Business-building classes could include professional ethics, retail techniques, and more.

Job Demand and Outlook

In 2003, there were 1,604,502 professionals employed in the nation’s 312,959 beauty salons, barbershops, skin care salons, and nail salons. The typical salon is a small full service salon with 5 stations, 3 full-time professionals and 2 part-time professionals. Salon owners reported and average of 155 clients per week.

The salon industry is a job-seekers market. In 2003, 56% of salon owners reported that they had job openings. Between 1999 and 2003, there was a 24% increase in salon professionals and a 5.9% increase in the number of salons nationwide. Approximately 3 out of every 4 salon owners reported difficulty in finding qualified professionals.

Licensure

All states require cosmetologists/barbers/nail technicians/estheticians to be licensed, and requirements vary from state to state. Typically, in addition to having a high school diploma, you must meet an age requirement and pass a medical exam. In addition, you will be required to complete a designated number of hours in instruction and practice at a licensed cosmetology school. You must take a State Board examination and pass both written and practical tests administered by a State Board of Examiners.

Frequently Ask Questions

Q. What is a typical day like?
The typical day for a salon professional is spent interacting with and servicing the clientele. One can expect a fast-paced environment where a high level of energy and creativity abounds. Spa professionals also require high energy, but they create more of a tranquil, relaxing experience for their clientele. Full-time employees can expect a nine-hour workday including a lunch break. Nationally, about 57% of salon employees work full time, 33% work part time (20 – 35 hours per week), and 10% are low time (less than 20 hours per week.)

Q. What other career opportunities are available?
Other career options include industry educators; institute instructors; consultants for the salon/spa industry; sales and educational directors for manufacturers; hair and make-up artists for film, fashion, and theater; owners and managers of salons, spas and wellness centers; health club therapists; paramedical estheticians; and members or inspectors of state licensing boards.

Q. What kind of money will I make?
The income of a salon professional, including tips, was about $30,000 – $50,000 a year in 2003. Several factors help to determine your income potential:

• The size and compensation structure of the salon.
• The experience level of the salon professional.
• The personal motivation level of the salon professional.
• The ability to successfully retain a clientele.

Editorial adapted from the NACCAS 2003 Job Demand Survey & provided by the Douglas J Aveda Institute.