Five Reasons Why Cosmetology is a Profession Worth Pursuing

Cosmetology is an industry that encompasses nearly two million professionals across the country who wake up every day loving what they do. Most of them would say that this is one profession that offers a wealth of unique advantages and perks far more numerous than the handful we are about to explore. Here are five central, fundamental benefits that make this profession so worthy of serious consideration.

1) Cosmetology is a growth industry.

Thanks to increasing demand for personal appearance services combined with population growth, the cosmetology industry constantly needs highly trained cosmetology professionals. According to the latest figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists should increase by 12 percent because many now cut and style both men’s and women’s
hair and because the demand for hair treatment by teens and aging baby boomers is expected to remain steady or grow.

This may explain why even as unemployment figures have continued their rise, cosmetology has proven to be so resilient. The fact is salon treatments can’t be outsourced, and even though people may cut back on expenses, they still get their hair and nails done. That’s good news for cosmetologists who can enjoy the security that comes with a healthy job outlook combined with employment competition that is strictly limited to individuals who, like them, have obtained a state license.

2) Not only is the industry growing, but also the career possibilities.

A cosmetologist can easily move into any number of jobs such as esthetician, movie stylist, product sales representative, salon owner, teacher and many, many more. Whether it’s opening your own salon, becoming a spa director at a resort, or doing makeup for runways, photo shoots, or local brides, there are so many paths to choose within the field of cosmetology; the only thing many have in common is that they do not involve sitting behind a desk all day!

3) Cosmetology provides very real opportunities to start your own business.

One great thing about cosmetology is that for those with an entrepreneurial spirit setting up a professional salon out of a home or elsewhere is a very realistic goal.

In fact a whopping 46% of those working in the industry are self-employed, according to US Department of Labor estimates. What greater freedom is there than to be your own boss?

4) Job flexibility is a big advantage to this career.

Owning a business is not for everyone, but most people would appreciate the possibility of having as much freedom as possible when it comes to their work schedule. Finding the right work/ life balance is a matter of great concern for most of today’s generation, who are working, but who also have families, or who one day will want to start a family. One of the greatest advantages of cosmetology is the flexibility it can provide. Many stylists enjoy the benefit of creating their own work schedules, something that goes a long way in the quest for a professional/ personal life balance.

5) Cosmetology is a creative profession.

Now we’re really getting to the heart of why so many in the industry really love what they do, day in and day out. Many jobs in the field provide the opportunity to tap into creative energy and inspiration and to discover and even set new trends. And of course there are some glamorous specialties that lie at the cross-section of beauty, fashion and even pop culture. Cosmetologists also get to help their clients express their individuality, and feel good about themselves-- something many cite as extremely rewarding. The profession is very social and creates opportunities to connect with other people and nurture new friendships, providing even more inspiration for creative energy down the line.

Think you’d like to be a cosmetologist?

The best way to pursue such a career, whether as a hairstylist, colorist, esthetician, nail technician or makeup artist, is to go to an accredited beauty school. More good news: it’s a great time for students, thanks to increased funding for post-secondary education that was made available as a part of the economic stimulus package. This includes increased Pell grants and work study opportunities. The stimulus also increased the HOPE tax credit to $2,500 per year, which families earning less than $160,000 annually may now claim for four years, rather than two.

Editorial is provided by Kyle Schoeneman, Director of New Media and Markets, Empire Beauty Schools.