Cosmetology |
Who Are Cosmetologists?Is This Program in My Area?What Do Cosmetologists Do? Cosmetologists, also known as hairstylists, beauticians or barbers, provide a wide range of beauty, grooming and personal appearance services to the public. A cosmetologist’s primary duty entails shampooing, cutting, trimming, coloring and styling hair in a fashion that makes their client look good and feel confident. Cosmetologists consult with their clients to determine their desired preferences on hair length, shape, color and style. Cosmetologists also give recommendations for hair care and style maintenance. Some cosmetologists provide additional specialized beauty care like skin care, facials or makeup analysis. Others are trained as nail technicians and provide manicures, pedicures, nail extensions and polishing. Cosmetology Training All states require cosmetologists to complete formal training at a state licensed beauty school or cosmetology college. Vocational schools, trade schools and community colleges generally offer cosmetology continuing education courses. There are also beauty schools that deal exclusively with cosmetology and personal appearance programs. Cosmetology schools offer programs in hairstyling, skin care, nail technician and other personal appearance services. Beauty school students begin training by performing simple tasks. Once they can demonstrate proficiency in basic skills they begin performing more complicated hair styles and procedures. It usually takes nine months to complete a full time program at a cosmetology college or beauty school. Cosmetologists are expected to continue their training at schools, trade shows and salons throughout their career to keep up with current styles, hair fashions and new techniques. Cosmetology Certification All states require hair stylists and beauticians to have a cosmetology license. To be eligible for a cosmetology license the hair stylist must be at least 16 years old, graduate from state licensed beauty school and pass a State licensing exam. Cosmetology schools are the best resource for preparing for the exam. The exam usually includes an oral test, written test and a demonstration of fundamental styling skills. It is recommended that hair stylists and beauticians complete cosmetology continuing education programs throughout their career to maintain their cosmetology license and sharpen their styling skills. Cosmetology Job Prospects Cosmetologists are able to find employment in nearly ever city and town. Most cosmetology college graduates begin their careers working for beauty salons or barber shops. Other cosmetologists are employed in nail salons, day spas, resort hotels, nursing and other residential care homes. Some cosmetologists will cross specialize as a nail technician and work as a manicurist or pedicurist in a nail salon. Cosmetology Job Security and Salary Skilled cosmetologists are always in demand. The Bureau of Labor projects a 14 percent increase over the next decade in the need for trained, skilled and talented cosmetologists. Cosmetology college graduates have excellent prospects for obtaining employment. Wages for cosmetologists varies based on skills and building a large client base. Good cosmetologists can expect to earn from $21,000 – $40,000 a year. As a cosmetologist’s experience develops opportunities for advance become available. Some cosmetologists will manage or open their own salons; others will lease booth space to be their own boss. Some cosmetologists will become salon product sales representatives, image or fashion consultants, teachers at cosmetology schools or examiners for State cosmetology license boards. |