A 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 cosmetology degree and 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.

Services Performed

The primary goal of a successful licensed cosmetologist 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 vital to success.

Hair Stylist/Designer/Barber

Because hair comes in many different lengths and textures (kinky, curly, wavy or straight), 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.

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).

Esthetician

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

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.

Career Options

A cosmetology license can open the door to an extensive variety of career options. For hairstylists/designers, the typical career path begins with an entry-level salon/spa position where you may begin by shampooing and gradually, service by service, work your way up the levels.

Your cosmetology license can take you in any direction, depending on the depth of your passion for your career and craft and how much you are willing to invest in continuing education. You can build a loyal clientele, help your team succeed, help the owner grow the business, and become involved in competitions, photo shoots, trade show and industry platform presentations, educational presentations, and more. Should you desire, you can become affiliated with a distribution or manufacturing firm and assist them with education, product training, marketing, sales and more. Also, you could own your own salon/spa. Plus, no one is stopping you from trying to build a career in the entertainment industry—television programs, music videos and movies could not be made without the skills of hairdressers, nail technicians, and makeup artists. As with any career, in order to be successful, one must have ambitions and pursue goals in a methodical and ethical manner.

Education and Training

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 form 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, sales techniques, and more.

Licensure

All states require cosmetologists 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.

Demand and Earnings

In January 1999, there were 1,286,000 professionals employed in the nation's 296,563 beauty salons, barber shops, and skin care and nail salons. The typical salon is a small full service salon with five stations, two or three full-time professionals, and one part-time professional. Salon owners report an average of 174 clients per week.

Adapted from the American Assn of Cosmetology Schools, Scottsdale, AZ & provided by the European Academy of Cosmetology.