Are you that one person in your friend circle obsessed with beauty and makeup? Is your social media caught up with the latest beauty trends, be it hair or nails?
If your answer to the questions we stated above is yes, you have an instinct for cosmetology. We think nothing’s better than following your natural pursuits and making a living out of them. You can make a career by providing hair and skin care services to people instead of sitting on Instagram and posting reels about it.
Now, you might wonder, why pursue cosmetology to enter the beauty industry? Also, who are cosmetologists, and what is the nature of their work?
What is Cosmetology?
Cosmetology took birth with the advent of modern high-end beauty brands that we know today. It boomed when technology peaked, more brands emerged, and the craze to look like celebrities increased.
Today, the demand for people with expertise in beauty treatments which include hairstyling, skincare, cosmetics, manicures, and pedicures, is more than ever. Cosmetology teaches you the skills of this art.
Skin Care Services and More
You will see beauticians in various settings, but mostly in spas and salons. You might also find them providing their services in beauty product companies, product sales, and salon administration companies. They are pros when it comes to beautification, keeping the customer’s safety and comfort in consideration.
Roughly, the job description of a cosmetologist includes the following duties:
- Performing facial treatments, all kinds of makeup application, hair, eyebrows, and lash procedures.
- Analyzing hair and skin conditions and suggesting the appropriate treatments.
- Advice and demos related to products.
- Promoting, marketing, and selling cosmetics.
- Stock checking and maintenance.
- Anticipating and meeting the client’s needs and queries.
- Maintaining quality and hygiene standards at their workplace.
- Delivering technical knowledge by organizing educational workshops and seminars.
- Starting a blog or writing articles in beauty publications.
- Online beauty consultations and advice.
- Organizing and judging beauty pageants.
A Guide to Becoming a Cosmetology Consultant
Cosmetology has been playing its role in the fashion industry for years. It has given us some iconic statements with the amalgam of culture and beauty. Many new trends that you see today have the mind of a cosmetologist behind them.
This section briefly maps the basics of cosmetology and how to become a beautician.
Acquiring a License to Practice Cosmetology
Every state requires the completion of a state-approved cosmetology training program and a relevant diploma.
To acquire a license, one must demonstrate to the appropriate licensing body that they are ready to enter the field as an active professional. The demonstration is through the cosmetology state board exam, which you have to pass. You can test your skills on a free cosmetologist practice test online or polish them by enrolling in online courses.
Understanding the licensing process and what it requires from you is necessary. For that, conduct detailed research online, polish the skills you have, and work on your weak areas.
Scheme of Studies
You will study multiple subjects during your early year in school, including some courses in biology and chemistry. If you opt for an associate degree, you will take general education classes in liberal arts along with courses in sales and business.
During the final year, you will get hands-on experience as a beautician and capstone projects. These will help you implement what you have learned earlier and add to your practical experience. You will master the art of hairstyling, shampooing, highlighting, manicures, pedicures, and other skin care services.
All of us know the importance of practice and skill to land a job in the marketplace as competitive as today.
Time Required to Get a Diploma
One of the great things about a cosmetology diploma is the relatively short amount of time it takes to complete the training. The length of time you have to spend at a cosmetology school varies for a simple diploma and an associate degree in applied science from a technical college. A certificate takes a few months, whereas a degree might take up to two years.
Skills and Experience
Most cosmetologists want to establish themselves as a brand and work solo. But smart ones wait until they establish a reputation. Experience gives them an edge in the competitive industry.
Over time, you will also gain the trust of clients who will depend on you to make them look phenomenal. Moreover, word-of-mouth and recommendation from your regular clientele will help you get more work.
With experience and advanced skills, you will become a pro stylist and charge more bucks for trendy, upscale cuts and colors. Consequently, your name will become a brand in itself. Several renowned cosmetologists are their own bosses and enjoy the flexibility and independence of self-employment.
How Much Does a Beautician Earn?
The money one can make as a cosmetologist depends on the person. The number of hours one works in a day, week, or month sums up into a salary total.
If you are wondering about the work schedule that varies for everyone. It is common for beauticians to work on weekends and holidays. However, the ones working on contracts can have a 9 to 5 job.
In the US, the average salary of a cosmetologist is almost $30,000 per annum. It is higher for people with higher education, skills, certification, and experience to offer. Individuals with expertise in airbrush makeup are currently in the hottest demand.
Conclusion
Cosmetology is a growing industry with thousands of aspirants around the globe. Within the last decade, a lot of students have started their long-term careers in the field and continue to grow today.
If you like helping people look their best, you should get into the profession without a second thought. You can even start your own business as well if you have an entrepreneurial spirit and want to break new ground.
In addition to the wide variety of career paths and job opportunities, attending a beauty school will teach you a lot of things. However, focusing on one specific skill is better at the beginning of your career.
James Martin is a passionate writer and the founder of OnTimeMagazines & EastLifePro. He loves to write principally about technology trends. He loves to share his opinion on what’s happening in tech around the world.
