There are remarkable careers in Cosmetology that go far beyond hair styling and makeup. Licensed cosmetologists, from hair specialists to estheticians to educators, are open to their opportunities. The cosmetology world has four pillars—hair, skin, nails, and makeup—and they’re just the beginning of careers in cosmetology.
While each pillar offers specialty opportunities, there are plenty of opportunities for those who want to avoid working in a spa or salon. These great careers are focused on helping people look and feel their best. As you begin searching for careers in cosmetology, you must know what kinds of jobs are available.
As such, you can find one that suits your life and goals. In this article, we discuss cosmetology and 15 careers in the cosmetology industry.
What is Cosmetology?
Cosmetology is the science and art of beautification. People who study cosmetology apply various cosmetic treatments to nails, skin, and hair. These careers help people feel confident about their appearance, and they consider each client’s aesthetic goals and self-esteem.
There are many different branches of cosmetology, so you can focus on the area of expertise you feel most comfortable with. For example, cosmetologists may focus on:
- Skincare
- Hair styling
- Hair and skin cleaning
- Manicures and pedicures
- Makeup
- Hair removal
Careers in cosmetology
1. Hairstylist
Hairstylists cut, style, treat, and color hair for clients. They work in spas, salons, and homes to provide clients with new hair colors and treatments. They usually offer regular haircuts but fix hair in unique styles before significant events, including weddings and school dances.
To become a hairstylist, complete an accredited cosmetology program, pass state board exams, and obtain state licensure. Many cosmetology programs allow you to specialize in a specific area to focus on hair during your education. Once you achieve state licensure, you can legally work in your state as a salon employee or even work for yourself.
2. Shampoo Assistant
Shampoo assistants assist hairstylists with their tasks. They perform shampoo services, sanitize the area, apply conditioner, prepare shampoos and other products, and blow-dry hair. They may also clean the salon area and work at the reception desk. Often, people work in this position while pursuing a license in a cosmetology field.
3. Beauty Consultant
Beauty consultants have insight and knowledge about the beauty industry they share with others. They provide businesses with information that helps them make decisions to become more successful. They also advise shoppers in retail settings to help them choose beauty products to purchase. Consultants may work on a freelance basis or in beauty and makeup shops.
4. Artistic Director
An artistic director in cosmetology oversees the creative aspects of salons and beauty companies. A significant part of their job is staying updated with the latest trends and techniques in hair and makeup and communicating this knowledge to their team. They also train and mentor cosmetologists to provide them with the skills and knowledge they’ll use to create the best experiences for their clients.
Artistic directors in cosmetology need a strong background in the beauty industry and several years of experience working as stylists or makeup artists. They should also have strong leadership skills and the ability to manage a team and collaborate with other professionals in the industry.
5. Skin Specialist
Skin specialists beautify and cleanse their clients’ faces and bodies to improve their appearance. They perform facial treatments, sterilize equipment, exfoliate clients’ skin, and remove makeup. If the specialist notices serious skin issues, they can also recommend an appointment with a dermatologist.
6. Nail Technician
Nail technicians give manicures and pedicures and may create complex designs for their clients’ nails. They stay current on nail trends and follow health and safety protocols to ensure clients are happy with their nails. Technicians must also learn artistic techniques to impress clients who visit their salons and spas.
To become a nail technician, you must complete a training program through a cosmetology school and obtain a state license. A nail technician training program covers nail anatomy, product knowledge, safety and sanitation, and business practices.
7. Cosmetologist
Cosmetologists perform various beauty services, from hair styling and manicures to scalp massages and hair coloring. They listen to client requests and provide the necessary services to help them achieve their beauty goals, whether they want to change the color and texture of their hair or enhance the health of their nails. These professionals work in salons and spas.
8. Loctician
A loctician creates, maintains, and styles dreadlocks. Locticians have extensive training and experience in the techniques that create and care for locks. To become a loctician, you must learn and demonstrate the following skills:
- Starting dreadlocks
- Dreadlocks maintenance
- Dreadlocks repairing
- Styling
- Coloring techniques
Similar to a braiding specialist, licensing requirements vary by state. While some states may require a braiding license or a full cosmetology certification, a few do not need a special license to practice. Even in states where professional licensure isn’t required, it’s still wise to take classes or earn a certification to demonstrate mastery of the above skills.
9. Cosmetology Instructor
A cosmetology instructor is a licensed cosmetologist who trains and educates students in hair styling, coloring, cutting, makeup application, skincare, nail care, and more. Their primary responsibilities include developing and implementing lesson plans covering their specialty’s theory and practical application.
Cosmetology instructors use lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on activities to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed. They are also responsible for evaluating student performance and providing constructive feedback to help them improve their skills. Cosmetology instructors are licensed educators in their respective fields with additional education, experience, and licensing.
10. Hair Color Specialist
A professional hairstylist, a color specialist who focuses on coloring hair using complex techniques. They use their experience to apply permanent and semi-permanent dyes to hair. They also provide highlights and low lights to help clients find a style they like.
Color specialists work in salons or as independent stylists and must know about color theory and how certain hair types lift or take color.
These are the skills and techniques that all color specialists should possess:
- Overall hair coloring
- Bleaching and toning
- Highlights and lowlights
- Balayage and ombre effects
- Corrective color
- Color maintenance
- Vibrant colors
11. Esthetician
Estheticians are one of the well-paying careers in cosmetology. They are state-licensed skin care professionals who promote skin beauty and health. These professionals may provide services like eyebrow waxing, facial peels, and microdermabrasion. They work in salons and spas to offer skin care for clients with varying needs and aesthetic goals.
12. Product Representative
Product representatives are responsible for marketing hair care and beauty supply products to different companies, including spas and salons. They encourage businesses to sell these products to their customers. Representatives may work in an office, from home, or while traveling. They should have strong communication and sales skills.
13. Makeup Artist
If you love expressing yourself through makeup and art, a job as a makeup artist is a fulfilling and exciting career for many. Makeup artists apply makeup to clients to create a desired look. They must be able to create various makeup styles, from natural and subtle to bold and dramatic, depending on the occasion and the client’s preferences.
Makeup artists may work in various places, from spas and salons to behind-the-scenes of major movie, stage, or T.V. productions. Many makeup artists work freelance by offering their services for special events like weddings, fashion shows, proms, and more. In addition, they provide product recommendations and teach their clientele how to apply makeup for everyday looks properly.
To become a makeup artist, you must graduate from a makeup artistry or cosmetology program and meet all the requirements to obtain state licensure. You may need to seek an apprenticeship in performance makeup art to work in the entertainment industry.
14. Writer
Have you worked in the beauty industry for a while but want to switch things up? You could use your skills and knowledge of the beauty industry to become a magazine writer! As a beauty writer/editor, you will review beauty products, discuss cosmetics in magazines, and market products for beauty companies.
Writers who focus on the beauty industry may work for marketing agencies, fashion magazines, and makeup brands, often on a freelance basis. They must have strong cosmetology knowledge and experience with professional writing.
15. Barber
Barbers are known to style, color, cut, and groom men’s hair, including beards and mustaches. They shave their clients and fulfill their appearance-related goals, like treating irritation caused by shaving. Barbers are generally licensed by the state and work in barbershops and salons. Though they typically focus on men’s hair care and styling, some barbers may also provide hair styling for women.
Conclusion
Now that you have a better idea of some of the great careers in cosmetology, you can start planning your end goal. Working in the beauty industry means the potential to create, perfect your skills, work with brilliant artists, and travel!