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What is a Cosmetologist and What do They Do?
When someone needs a haircut or a manicure and they don’t want to do it themselves, where do they go? They head to the salon. Whether it’s a hair salon, beauty salon, or nail salon, some people prefer to leave these things to the professionals. And when it comes to complicated colorings or hard-to-do-yourself nail extensions, most people simply don’t have the expertise to do it themselves.
Cosmetologists are trained in the care of hair, nails, makeup, and other areas in the health and beauty realms. If you messed up a home bleach job or want to get rid of that unflattering orange in your hair, these specialists are there to help you out. If you have an interest in this type of work, are into hair styles and fashion, and would like to be part of the team that makes people look and feel better about themselves, then pursing an education in cosmetology could be a good career path for you.
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Steps to Becoming a Cosmetologist
Cosmetologists are trained professionals in the beauty industry, including hair stylists, nail technicians, makeup artists, and estheticians. They help clients enhance their appearance by offering services like haircuts, styling, dyeing, nail techniques, skin treatments, and makeup. While no prior experience is required to start training, a desire to work with the public is essential. Cosmetologists must complete formal training and continue their education throughout their careers. Most states require licensure, and they must perform services in a safe, clean manner.
Becoming a cosmetologist requires education, practice, and natural skill, along with a genuine interest in the field. If you aren't interested in hairstyles or makeup, this career may not be the best fit. Education requirements vary by state, but all states require classroom study, clinical work, an internship, and an exam for licensure. The steps outlined below are general; check with your state for specific requirements.
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Step 1: Education Requirements
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Step 2: Internship or Apprentice
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Step 3: Licensing & Certifications
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Step 4: Continuing Education and License Maintenance
Step 1: Education Requirements
Formal training is required to become a licensed cosmetologist. Some states offer this training to high school students at vocational and technical high schools, while other states offer the training at specialized cosmetology schools or as part of the community college or technical college curriculum. Most cosmetology school programs require two years to complete and consist of classroom training as well as hands on training.
Step 2: Internship or Apprentice
Some states require students to complete an internship outside of the cosmetology school program. If this is required in your state, students may, usually in their second year of training, be sent to work in a local salon where other trained professionals already working in the cosmetology industry and can supervise the student’s work, offer tips for improvement, and work as an additional assessor of the student’s abilities. Schools that do not require an external internship often have working salons on the premises that allow instructors to evaluation a student’s progress within a semi-formal classroom environment. People from the community may come into the salon for greatly reduced prices on hair styling or coloring, among other services that the students are learning about.
Step 3: Licensing & Certifications
To become a cosmetologist, you must meet licensing requirements, but certifications may also be required for specific specializations, such as hair styling, nail technology, or esthetics, depending on the state. To earn certification, students must study at a cosmetology school, demonstrate proficiency, and pass an exam. While certification in a specialty can be earned without a cosmetology license, some states may require both. For those interested in managing or owning a salon, a manager's license is also needed, which requires a certain number of working hours and passing an exam. These requirements, along with business licenses and fees, vary by state.
Step 4: Continuing Education and License Maintenance
Licensed cosmetologists must complete a set number of continuing education hours, typically between 80 to 120 hours, depending on the state. For states requiring license renewal every two years, this means 40 to 60 hours per year. These hours can be earned through attending cosmetology events, watching webinars on new techniques, or even volunteering. Each state provides a list of approved activities to fulfill the education requirements.
Cosmetologists licensed in one state may need to obtain a new license to work in another state, as each state has different requirements. In most cases, your license won’t transfer, and you'll need to take the licensing exam again. Some states may require additional classes. However, you can hold licenses in multiple states, allowing you to work across state lines, which is useful if you live near a border and want to work at salons in different locations.
Why Work in This Field?
If you are someone who likes working with people and have an interest in hair and beauty, this could be an amazing career choice for you. Cosmetologists are just about always in demand, though there are many more options in urban areas where the number of people who can reach you will be higher. Regardless of the economy, people will often find the funds for a haircut or manicure. As a cosmetologist, you can work anywhere you choose since they are needed everywhere. Depending on your work environment, you can often set your own hours and choose your clients. And the salaries of a cosmetologists can be quite competitive, especially if you work in an environment that pays an hourly rate plus tips and bonuses for upselling products to your clients.
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Professional Organizations
Cosmetologists who would like to connect with others working in the profession can seek out organizations that cater to this need. Here are three organizations that a cosmetologist could find helpful.
- Professional Beauty Association
The PBA is an international association for people working in the beauty industry. They offer classes, seminars and hold an annual convention in locations across the United States. - International SalonSpa Business Network
ISBN is an organization for salon and spa owners. They offer training and networking opportunities and hold an annual convention. - Associated Hair Professionals
This organization is for self-employed cosmetologists. They offer insurance, continuing education opportunities, networking options, and marketing tools.
Cosmetologist Career, Salary and Outlook
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average hourly rate for barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is $16.87, and the average annual wage is around $35,000. However, cosmetologists who are well into their careers and have built up a loyal clientele list can earn on average $30 an hour and over $63,000 a year. The overall outlook for jobs in the cosmetology field is good, though it is anticipated that some specializations will be more in demand than others in coming years, as fashions and styles continue to shift. But, for those with cosmetology licenses, this should not be a barrier to finding employment in their chosen field.
Where Might You Work?
Cosmetologists often work in salons and beauty parlors, but also in other settings like movie sets, funeral homes, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. Wedding planners may contract stylists for brides, and some cosmetologists run their own salon or spa. While many stylists work weekends to accommodate clients, weekdays and evenings are also common. Those with business skills may even own and operate their own businesses.
Cosmetologists in salons typically fall into two categories: employees and booth renters. Employees work for the salon, receive a salary and tips, and use the salon’s supplies, but have less flexibility with scheduling and product choices. Booth renters pay rent for a chair and provide their own supplies, allowing more control over their schedule, services, pricing, and product sales, though they bear higher overhead costs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a high school diploma to attend cosmetology school?
Some states do not require a high school diploma, but you may have to take an additional test to be admitted into a cosmetology program.Â
What careers are available after completing cosmetology school?
There are a wide variety of professional careers you can pursue after earning a degree from a cosmetology school. These include nail technicians, makeup artists, licensed cosmetologists, beauty professionals, and skin care specialists. You could also be a salon manager or a cosmetology instructor.
How much can I expect to make in this profession?
According to the United States Department of Labor, salon professionals can average up to $50,000 per year including tips. Some of the factors that determine the income of a cosmetologist include the size and location of the salon, how many hours they work, and how much the clients tip. A professional cosmetologist will also need to recruit and maintain regular clients in order to earn a consistent salary.Â
What is the work schedule in this field?
Licensed cosmetologists usually work full time, but part-time positions are also common. The busiest times for cosmetologists to work are usually evenings and weekends. Most cosmetologists do not work holidays but the days and weeks leading up to holidays may be busy times. Cosmetologists who choose to run their own salon generally create their own schedules but could have long hours.
How long will it take to become licensed?
The three factors that will determine how long it takes to become a licensed cosmetologist include: full-time or part-time enrollment, the specific program taken, and specific state hour requirements. Most cosmetology programs will require 1,400 to 1,600 hours of study.