Career in Cosmetology
Is It a Good Fit for Me?
Creative expression, the opportunity to help other people and the flexibility to create one's own career path are just some of the reasons why careers in the hair, beauty and wellness industry are continuing to grow. Indicators that a career in hair, beauty and wellness may be a good career fit for an individual include:
- An interest in creative subjects in high school such as graphic design and arts classes
- Enjoyment in helping others be their best and feel better about themselves
- Sociability and an enjoyment in being around/working with others
- Entrepreneurial attitude; having the desire to be one's own boss and set one's own career destiny
Following is information on the types of careers available, work environments, course of study and projected outlook for careers in the hair, beauty and wellness industry.
Career Path Choices
The hair, beauty and wellness industry offers a breadth of career choices and the opportunity to specialize in select niches. In addition to hairstyling and nail care, cosmetology school students also learn about the latest trends in skin care science. The field of esthetics, which includes traditional services such as facials as well as innovative new services like microdermabrasion, chemical peels and laser resurfacing, is an area that continues to grow rapidly. Technologies such as high definition (HD) television have created new opportunities for makeup artists and skin specialists who can meet these technologies' demanding requirements. The growth in "non-invasive" skin technologies is also creating demand for skincare specialists with the knowledge and skills to apply these treatments. Many professionals begin their careers as generalists working in a spa or salon, and then choose an area of specialization based on their interests.
Work Environments
Careers in hair, beauty and wellness are among the most diverse in terms of location. Work environments may range from a multi-acre resort to a corporate campus to an independent salon. Some of the venues cosmetology students may work in following their licensure include:
- Salons
- Spas and day spas
- Resorts and cruise lines
- Health care and assisted living facilities
- Broadcast television
- Film industry
- Fashion industry
- Beauty/fashion publishing
- Image consulting and personal coaching
- Health and fitness centers
- Cosmetics and personal care companies
- Home-based salon
Preparing for a Career in Hair, Beauty and Wellness
Hair, beauty and wellness professionals generally begin their study with a comprehensive but general cosmetology program. Each state sets a minimum number of hours that students must complete in order to earn their license. Most cosmetology schools offer full-time and part-time schedules. Depending upon the area of study and schedule selected, program completion can usually be completed in about one year.
Once enrolled in cosmetology school, students will spend time engaged in classroom instruction, hands-on application working with mannequins, and eventually have the opportunity to provide client services under an instructor's supervision. Students are sometimes surprised to find that a cosmetology curriculum also includes instruction in areas such as chemistry, electricity, and anatomy/physiology. Yet a general understanding of each of these areas is necessary in order to properly treat and service individuals' hair and skin types.
Many cosmetology schools will also include instruction on business development and marketing. Students learn the basics of customer service, sales techniques and customer retention. Solid business development skills are especially important in cosmetology, due to the personal, relationship-driven nature of the profession.
Future Prospects
Careers in the hair, beauty and wellness industry are projected to grow more rapidly than in many other industries. According to the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences, employment of cosmetologists and skin care specialists is projected to grow between 10 and 20 percent through 2010. Demand for nail techs is projected to grow between 21 and 35 percent. As new technologies emerge and interest in anti-aging procedures remains strong, it is likely that new opportunities and areas of focus within the beauty and wellness industry will continue to emerge.
Long-term, the beauty and wellness industry will certainly continue to require professionals with the skills and education to meet demand. Despite advances in technology, it is impossible to get a haircut on-line or a facial from a call center. The personal nature of beauty and wellness services ensures that knowledge will be needed in communities everywhere, and not be subject to off-shoring.
Careers in beauty tend to be recession-resistant. Even in slow economic times, people still want to look their best. For example, the 2009 American Express Spending and Saving Tracker national online poll indicated that Americans placed a higher value on salon styling services in 2009 than they did just one year earlier; despite the dismal economy.
Resources to Learn More
Individuals interested in a career in hair, beauty and wellness should invest time in learning more about the career field. It's also a good idea to spend time job shadowing a beauty professional working in a particular setting of interest. Finally, a local cosmetology school can provide insight into the training, preparation and career assistance services it offers.
Editorial is provided by Jim Cox, Executive Director of the American Association of
Cosmetology Schools.
