A cosmetologist is a profession that deals with the appearance of someone. They are responsible for makeup, hairstyling, and nail care services.
The word “cosmetology” was coined in 1840 by Alexandre Jean Baptiste Brutus Baudelocque, who was a French doctor and chemist. Cosmetologists use their expertise to help clients achieve an aesthetic they desire, such as beauty or glamour. Cosmetologists can work in hair salons, spas, barbershops, and luxury hotels, among others places. This article will give you information about what cosmetologist does and how they do it.
1. What Is Cosmetologist?
Cosmetologists are experts in makeup, hair care, and nails. They help their clients achieve an aesthetic they desire, such as beauty or glamour. A cosmetologist can provide services at a salon, barbershop, or spa, among other places. Cosmetologists work under the supervision of a licensed professional such as a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or esthetician.
Cosmetologists can work in barbershops, salons, and spas, among other places. They typically work in a salon’s spa department, which is a relaxing and comfortable environment.
Cosmetologists perform duties such as filling in brows, giving facials, waxing, giving manicures, and pedicures, among others.
2. Cosmetologist Education Requirements
There are three different paths that one can follow to become a cosmetologist. They are a one to the two-year cosmetology certificate program, an apprenticeship which is typically about two years long, or a four-year degree in Cosmetology.
The most common route to becoming a cosmetologist is by earning a certificate from a school that can be completed in one to two years.
To become an apprentice cosmetologist, one needs to have two years of previous education in Cosmetology. They must also complete nine months of training at a school that provides apprenticeship programs.
Certificate programs take one to two years and provide coursework in hair design, nail technology, chemical applications for hair and skincare, among other things. They prepare students for state licensing exams.
Apprenticeship programs last approximately two years and provide the student with hands-on experience. They are supervised by a professional cosmetologist who gives lectures to the student.
A four-year degree in Cosmetology takes an average of 4 years. It is recommended that future cosmetologists take courses in business management, computer science, and psychology.
3. Cosmetologist Salary/Rate
Cosmetologists are in high demand and can often find work with relative ease. The average cosmetologist salary, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, was $27,910 in 2016. However, there is a great deal of variation in this figure, as it depends on the location of employment, level of experience, and other factors. For example, a cosmetologist with five years of experience could earn an average of $35,550 a year, whereas an individual with four years of experience but no college degree could expect to make $25,640.
Cosmetology salaries vary greatly across the country, as there are regional differences in cost of living, population, etc. For those cosmetologists who have completed at least an associate’s degree program in cosmetology, the average pay is higher.
4. Cosmetologist Job Outlook
Cosmetologists work in a very large field. There were 159,300 employed cosmetologists as of May 2016, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that this number will grow at a rate of about 13 percent as fast as average for all professions through 2024. In other words, new jobs should continue to become available, but the market may be a little tight as far as cosmetologists are concerned. Some experts suggest that those interested in becoming a cosmetologist should consider searching for positions in cities and towns with large populations, as this ensures there will be enough demand for the work of cosmetologists to support many businesses.
5. Pros of Being a Cosmetologist
Some of the pros of being a cosmetologist include:
- Cosmetologists work in fashion, media, and other industries that are popular.
- You get to interact with people on a daily basis.
- The number of job opportunities is expected to be better than average for all professions between now and 2024.
- You can work in different environments, such as salons, spas, resorts, and schools.
- The work is interesting, as you can talk to people and style hair.
- There are high earning potentials for those with experience and a degree.
6. Cons of Being a Cosmetologist
Some of the cons of being a cosmetologist include:
- You will often work when others are off, such as evenings and weekends.
- Your availability is likely to be limited in some settings due to scheduling issues.
- Competition is stiff among cosmetologists, with many qualified job candidates chasing only a handful of jobs every year.
- As most cosmetologists are independent contractors, they may have to put in a great deal of effort for little pay.
- You should be prepared to work hard and long hours without much job security.
Considering the pros and cons of being a cosmetologist, it should be clear that this is not an ideal career choice for everyone. However, many people find satisfaction in helping others look and feel their best, which is often the primary motivation.
7. What Are the Skills Needed to Become a Cosmetologist?
Becoming a cosmetologist takes more than just having creative flair. It also requires skill and technique. Here are some of the skills you need to succeed in this field.
Creativity and a love of beauty: If you don’t enjoy playing around with different colors, shapes, textures, and styles, this might not be the right line of work for you. The best cosmetologists are those who truly appreciate fashion trends and like to keep up-to-date on new ways to style hair.
Patience: Your clients will likely have a lot of questions for you, and your job is to answer their questions politely while being as helpful as possible. A good cosmetologist must be patient, even when a client asks for a hairstyle that’s difficult or impractical.
Flexibility: As a cosmetologist, you’ll have to be flexible in the ways you approach your work. There are a lot of different hair types, and it can take a lot of time to find out the best way to style each one. Once you discover your clients’ preferred styling methods, don’t be afraid to try something new with them as their needs change over time.
Hairstyling skills: You must be confident in your ability to style hair. In order to feel confident, you need to have the skills and the equipment needed to do a good job styling hair.
Customer service: Your client’s happiness is important, so you should treat them with care and respect throughout their entire appointment. If they’re unhappy, it can reflect poorly on your work, so be careful to avoid conflicts with clients when you can.
Math skills: Cosmetologists are in charge of the money they make. You’ll need to handle all transactions correctly in order to ensure that your business is profitable. This means keeping track of expenses and revenues, so knowing how to use a spreadsheet program can be helpful.
An artistic eye: As a cosmetologist, you’ll need to be able to envision hairstyles before you get started styling. Make sure you know how to see your finished work in your head before putting the first brush stroke on someone’s hair!
Creative flair: You can’t make it as a cosmetologist if you aren’t creative. Although hairstyles don’t necessarily need to be unique, a cosmetologist should know how to personalize a client’s look and make them feel beautiful in their own skin.
Good communication skills: You’ll spend a lot of time talking with clients during your workday, so it helps to have good communication skills. Be friendly and welcoming to all of your clients, even if you don’t personally like them. It’s important that they enjoy their experience at your salon, so do what you can to ensure this happens!
Physical strength: You might not think physical strength is a big deal in cosmetology, but there are some aspects of the job that require bulging muscles. For example, sometimes you’ll need to carry heavy equipment up and down stairs if your salon doesn’t have an elevator. If you don’t want to take the time to learn which products are right for particular hairstyles, consider weight training so it will be easier for you to lift supplies when needed.
8. Is Being a Cosmetologist a Good Career?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best career for someone depends on their individual skills and interests. However, many people find great satisfaction in careers that allow them to help others look and feel their best. Cosmetology is one such field.
People who choose a career in cosmetology often do so because they have a passion for fashion and beauty. If this is the case, then they probably already know that the opportunities in this field are plentiful. However, if they were hoping to get rich immediately after graduating from cosmetology school, they would likely be disappointed. A career as a cosmetologist can be quite lucrative, but it usually requires an apprenticeship or many years of practice first.
9. Why Is It Important to Obtain a Cosmetologist License?
A cosmetologist is someone who specializes in beauty treatments, such as hair styling and coloring, makeup application, manicures, and pedicures. If you are thinking about becoming a cosmetologist, then you will have to attend hours of training at an accredited cosmetology school before being eligible to obtain a license. Once you have your cosmetology license, the sky is the limit. You can work at a salon, but also as a makeup artist or personal stylist for one of many fashion magazines.
A cosmetology license or certificate is mandatory for all professionals working as cosmetologists. Licensing requirements vary from one state to another, but they usually include the completion of a beauty school program accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences or a licensing examination.
10. Top Recruiting Companies for a Cosmetologist
There are many great recruiting companies for cosmetologists. Some of the best include Elite Salon Staffing, Beauty Placement Services, and The Creative Group. These companies can help connect you with some of the top salons in the country. They often have a wide variety of job opportunities available, and they can provide you with all the resources you need to make a successful transition into the cosmetology field. So if you’re looking for your next great opportunity, be sure to check out these top recruiting companies!

11. Best Colleges to Study Cosmetology
A career in cosmetology can be extremely rewarding. It’s a chance to help people feel more confident and beautiful. If you’re interested in studying cosmetology, you should consider one of these colleges:
1. The Aveda Institute: This school is known for its high-quality education and its focus on sustainability.
2. The Paul Mitchell School: This school is known for its emphasis on creativity and innovation.
3. The Empire Beauty School: This school is known for its affordable tuition rates and its rigorous curriculum.
4. La’ James International College: This school is known for its industry-leading training programs.
5. The Hair Academy: This school is known for its experienced faculty and its wide variety of program offerings.
6. The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design: This school is known for its emphasis on creativity and hands-on training.
7. Pennsylvania Academy of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences: This school is known for its expert faculty, cutting-edge curriculum, and strong mentorship programs.

Conclusion
So, if you’re looking for an interesting and ever-changing career path with plenty of opportunities for growth, a cosmetologist career may be just what you’re looking for. With the right training and dedication to your craft, you could soon be on your way to a successful and satisfying career in cosmetology.