Cosmetologist
A cosmetologist is a professional in the beauty industry who provides a variety of personal grooming services, including hair care, facial treatments, nail care, and makeup application. They typically work in settings such as salons, spas, or even on film sets, where they cater to both new and returning clients. Cosmetologists can specialize in specific areas, such as hairstyling or nail technology, allowing them to develop expertise in their chosen field.
The work environment for cosmetologists is usually clean, well-lit, and designed for client comfort, requiring them to engage in physical tasks throughout the day. They often enjoy flexible hours, with many appointments scheduled during evenings and weekends to accommodate client preferences. Education typically involves attending a postsecondary vocational program, which may lead to certification or an associate's degree, and licensure is necessary to practice.
Individuals pursuing this career should possess strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and a passion for current beauty trends. As the industry evolves, cosmetologists often engage in ongoing education to stay abreast of new techniques and products, further enhancing their skills and career opportunities.
Cosmetologist
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s):Human Services
Interests: Fashion, design, beauty care, current fashion trends, communicating with others
Earnings (Yearly Median): $35,080 per year, or $16.87 per hour (2023)
Employment & Outlook: 8% (Faster than average)
Entry-Level Education: Postsecondary nondegree award; training program and licensing exam
Related Work Experience: None
On-the-Job Training: None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Cosmetologists work in the beauty industry and provide customers with a wide variety of services, including hair care and maintenance, facial care and grooming, nail care, removal of unwanted body hair, and fitting of wigs. A cosmetologist usually works out of a salon or beauty shop, spa, resort, or on a film set and caters to regular clients or first-time customers. While cosmetologists should be knowledgeable about a wide array of personal grooming services, some cosmetologists have enough clients and work to be able to specialize in a certain area of expertise, such as styling hair or providing manicures and pedicures.
Work Environment. Cosmetologists usually operate independently out of clean, well-lit, owner-run salons. Some cosmetologists choose to rent their own booths within salons, work independently, and keep all of their earnings. In this scenario, the cosmetologist must pay a rental fee to the salon owner for the use of the work space. Cosmetologists may also travel to clients’ homes to provide beauty care. Some cosmetologists may work out of their homes. They usually work a forty-hour week that often includes weekends and evenings, since many customers prefer to schedule appointments at those times. Sometimes, cosmetologists are required to work additional hours during holiday seasons or before special events such as weddings.
Occupation Interest. People looking to pursue a career in cosmetology must be able to grasp complex concepts related to hair and the body. They must be able to understand and translate theoretical ideas into practical hair, skin, or nail designs, while offering advice to clients. Cosmetologists must enjoy working with and listening to people. They should be innately creative and passionate about fashion, design, and beauty care, and should follow current beauty trends. Cosmetologists who possess excellent people skills and listening skills generally attract a more loyal clientele and can expect more stable and successful careers.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Most cosmetologists work in a comfortable, well-ventilated salon or beauty shop. They spend the majority of the day on their feet, working with their hands and arms at shoulder- or waist-level. Cosmetologists cut and style hair, provide manicures, pedicures, and skin care treatments, or offer other beauty services.
Hair stylists receive multiple clients per day. They must analyze, wash, cut, style, straighten, wave, weave, extend, and dye hair according to customer instructions. They typically also engage in discussions with the client to confirm the appropriateness of the desired hair color or style.
Nail technicians are cosmetologists who usually work exclusively with clients’ hands, feet, and nails. Nail technicians cut, style, polish, and treat nails.
Estheticians are cosmetologists who normally care for the skin. Estheticians provide customers with facials, body treatments, makeup application, upper-body massages, and hair removal.
Cosmetologists clean their workspaces after each appointment. They must keep work tools, such as scissors, combs, or needles, clean and sanitary at all times. Hair stylists also sweep their work space floor between appointments.
Many cosmetologists who are also small business owners must perform administrative and managerial tasks as well. These activities may include opening and closing the shop, ordering supplies, keeping detailed records, scheduling client appointments, receiving incoming calls, handling financial transactions, and hiring, supervising, or firing other workers.
Electrologists (339.371-010). Electrologists remove hair from the skin by using a round-tipped needle.
Manicurists (331.674-010). Manicurists clean, shape, and polish customers’ fingernails and toenails. They may apply false nails, wrap nails, and provide other beauty services.
Makeup Artists (333.071-010). Makeup artists apply makeup.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Cosmetologists usually operate within a clean, air-conditioned, and well-lit salon, shop, or spa. They work at designated booths or tables where clients sit while receiving treatments. They clean the workspace after each appointment as needed.
Cosmetologists must possess the energy and endurance to withstand long hours of sustained movement, which may make them vulnerable to repetitive strain injuries. They are also frequently exposed to chemical formulas, creams, nail polishes, and other treatments that may irritate the skin or nose, so they should limit exposure to and protect against harmful toxins.
Human Environment. Cosmetologists’ jobs involve a high level of customer service and interaction with others. Cosmetologists work with fellow employees, salon managers or owners, and new and existing clients. Cosmetologists must possess patience and empathy as they speak to others throughout their workday.
Technological Environment. Cosmetologists use a wide range of equipment and treatments in their daily activities. Hair stylists practice complex techniques with hair accessories like combs, brushes, pins, scissors, clips and clippers, curling irons, straighteners, and hair dryers. They also must learn to use infrared or ultraviolet lamps; to apply bleaches, tints, and highlighting foils; and to appropriately use shampoos, conditioners, and other chemical treatments, such as a permanent wave. Cosmetologists who provide skin care and nail services use makeup, electric needles, lotions, oils, creams, and nail polish. Some cosmetologists are trained to provide electrolysis or laser treatments, which use needles or lasers to remove hair. Cosmetologists must be internet and social media savvy, using that technology to research trends and post images of their work online for prospective clients to see.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students looking to become cosmetologists should study business, communications, science, technology, fashion, and economics. Interested students should also experiment at home with beauty products and accessories to familiarize themselves with the various processes involved in hair, skin, and nail maintenance. They can also learn about secondary vocational education programs in cosmetology by speaking to their high school guidance or career counselors.
Postsecondary. After high school, potential cosmetologists usually attend a public or private postsecondary vocational school in cosmetology. Some programs lead to a certificate or to an associate’s degree in cosmetology. Cosmetologists planning to specialize in a specific area may be able to complete their programs in less time. Full-time programs in cosmetology teach students about the various aspects of the beauty industry, including anatomy and physiology, hairstyling, electrology, wiggery, hair coloring, manicures, facials, salon management, and cosmetology law. Trends in cosmetology are constantly shifting, and as a result, many professional cosmetologists take advanced courses in their specialized fields. Obtaining state licensure is required for an aspiring cosmetologist to practice.
Related Occupations
− Barber
Bibliography
"Barbers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/barbers-hairstylists-and-cosmetologists.htm. Accessed 7 Aug. 2024.
Garabrandt, Kristi. "Career Exploration Series—I Want to Be: A Cosmetologist." The Daily Jefferson, 6 Oct. 2019, www.daily-jeff.com/story/news/2019/10/07/career-exploration-series-i-want/2598023007/. Accessed 7 Aug. 2024.
"Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists." O*Net Online, www.onetonline.org/link/summary/39-5012.00. Accessed 7 Aug. 2024.