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Cosmetologist Job Description, Career as a Cosmetologist, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job


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Education and Training: Vocational/technical school; license

Salary: Median—$19,800 per year

Employment Outlook: Good

Definition and Nature of the Work

Cosmetologists care for people's hair, skin, and nails. They are also called beauty operators, hairdressers, or beauticians. Most cosmetologists work in beauty salons, and many have their own businesses. Some work in unisex shops, barbershops, department stores, hospitals, spas, resorts, and hotels. Cosmetologists work with many types of beauty products and often sell them at their salons as well.

Many cosmetologists work chiefly with hair. They cut, shampoo, condition, style, color, permanent wave, or straighten it. They use a variety of chemical solutions, such as bleaches and dyes. They use equipment such as scissors, clippers, curlers, straightening irons, and dryers to give their customers fashionable hairstyles. Some cosmetologists care for wigs and hairpieces and in some cases sell them. Often cosmetologists specialize in one procedure, such as hair cutting or coloring.

Cosmetologists also care for the skin and nails. They give scalp treatments, massages, and facials. They use a variety of special creams and lotions. They also shape eyebrows and remove unwanted hair from the face. They give demonstrations and advice on the use of makeup. Cosmetologists who care for the nails, often called manicurists, soften and trim the cuticles. They shape the nails with files or emery boards and apply nail polish.

Cosmetologists must keep their work area and equipment clean. They may have other duties, such as answering the telephone or making appointments. They often recommend and sell a variety of grooming products, such as cosmetics or hairbrushes. Sometimes they take care of the day-to-day concerns involved in running a small business. For example, they may supervise other workers, order supplies, and keep records.

Cosmetologists who care for the nails are often called manicurists. They soften and trim the cuticles and then shape the nails with files or emery boards and apply nail polish. (© Martha Tabor/Working Images Photographs. Reproduced by permission.)

Education and Training Requirements

Prospective cosmetologists can get training in a public or private vocational school. A full-time course usually takes from six to twelve months to complete. Courses cover hygiene, bacteriology, cosmetic chemistry, psychology, and sales techniques. Evening courses are available, but the program takes longer to complete. Some vocational schools offer the subjects needed for a high school diploma in addition to training in cosmetology. These programs take two or three years to complete. Cosmetologists may also get their training in one-or two-year apprenticeship programs.

All states require cosmetologists to be licensed. However, requirements for a license vary from state to state. In most states candidates must be at least sixteen years old, in good health, and a graduate of an approved cosmetology school. They must also pass a state licensing examination. This test usually includes both a written part and a practical demonstration of skills. There may even be an oral exam in which candidates are asked to explain particular cosmetology procedures. The license must be renewed every year or every two years.

Getting the Job

Most schools of cosmetology help their students find jobs. Some of these schools offer a lifetime placement service so that graduates can return and receive assistance finding work or continuing their studies. The reputation of a school can greatly enhance a graduate's job opportunities. Professional associations, newspaper classifieds, and job banks on the Internet are also good sources of employment information.

Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook

Cosmetologists can advance by improving their skills and building up their clientele. They can specialize in one procedure, such as hair cutting or manicures, or they can become a manager or owner of a beauty salon. They need a small investment to start their own business. Loans are available and equipment can be rented. A few cosmetologists teach at schools of cosmetology or work as inspectors for state cosmetology boards. Others work for cosmetics manufacturers, demonstrating or selling their products.

The employment outlook is good through the year 2014 as a result of increased population, incomes, and demand for cosmetology services. There will also be openings to replace workers who leave the field. Cosmetologists who can provide a broad range of services will have the best opportunities.

Working Conditions

Beauty salons are usually well-lighted, cheerful places. In small salons a cosmetologist may do everything from shampooing and manicuring to answering the telephone and sweeping up. In large shops workers may specialize in one area, such as hair cutting or coloring.

Many cosmetologists work more than forty hours a week, including Saturdays and one or two evenings. Others work part time, usually during the end of the week when beauty salons are the busiest. Cosmetologists have to stand for many hours and sometimes use harsh chemicals. They can protect themselves by wearing rubber gloves. Cosmetologists must be able to work well with their hands and should have a good sense of style. They also need to keep up with the latest fashions in hairstyling and cosmetics and interact well with all kinds of customers. Some cosmetologists are union members.

Where to Go for More Information

American Association of Cosmetology Schools
15825 N. 71st St., Ste. 100
Scottsdale, AZ 85254-1521
(800) 831-1086
http://www.beautyschools.org

Association of Cosmetologists and Hairdressers
1811 Monroe St.
Dearborn, MI 48124-3013
(313) 563-0360

National Cosmetology Association
401 N. Michigan Ave., 22nd Fl.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 527-6765
http://www.salonprofessionals.org

Earnings and Benefits

Cosmetologists may receive wages or be paid a commission, which is a percentage of the fee charged for services rendered. They receive tips as well. Their earnings depend on where they work, their skill, and the tipping habits of their customers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median yearly income of cosmetologists is $19,800, including commission and tips. Self-employed cosmetologists and those who work for small beauty salons must provide their own benefits. Benefits for cosmetologists employed by large salons and department stores sometimes include paid vacations and health insurance.

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User Comments Add a comment…

3 days ago

hi my name is crystal and i attend a cosmetology class at my school in allendale everything is really free except the kits we have to purchase for a lil under three hundred dollars. we even get to take the state board test this year with our school paying for it. its not as easy as it look because alot of math science and history is being used in this field. if you take you time and do what you have to do and study very very hard you can do it. i go to take the state test this year because im a senior and pray that i pass it everyone. thanks for listening to me and good luck everyone with trying to persue your dreams bcause dreams really do come true

14 days ago

hey im in school for cosmetology but im also a senior in high school ive been goin for cosmetology ever since my jr yr. Im happy i went into this program i can practically do what i want if i can do it so can u. some cosmo schools dont even require a high school diploma. so go for it!

about 1 month ago

Hey Y'all! im 18 and a senior in highschool. im also a freshman at my beauty colege. im doing beauty colege through my highschool as an rop so, it is only $650, but since i started as a senior instead of a junior i have to pay an adittional $1,700 for the rest of my hours after i graduate college. since i am going to colege with no vacation time i will graduate in agaust,2010.(i began in sept.)My advice to girls who want to start. it's not easy its actualy realy hard. coloring hair is the hardest and doing nails is the easiest. also, see if your highschool offers it if your still in highschool. if not cosmo. classes tend to be about $7,000 or more so if your tight with money you might want to start looking into all the schools in your area and scholarships or financle aid way before you apply. Well good luck girls!

about 1 month ago

I'm going to be 16, and I am a sophmore. Unfortunately for me I have no choice but to drop out at the end of this year and get me GED. If I'm this young with my GED, will cos schools accept me? This is the only dream I have in my life- please email me and let me know asap.

3 months ago

I now attend a school for cosmetology and i am grateful for this opportunity. I have been braidn for about 11 years and im only 21, so i decided to go for it all instead of just for my braidn license. yay me!

6 months ago

what age do u have 2 B in order 2 b a cosmetologist. and how much $ do they get paid 4 doing it.

7 months ago

Hi, im 16 and i am in introducton to cosmetology it all fun and I am excited to do it next year but how much does it change from being in school and having it as a real job?

9 months ago

Hey im 17 and i have been wanting to become a cosmetologist and im very excited to go to cosmetology school could you tell me what is the closest school to Paris Missouri?

9 months ago

paid vacations are when you go out for vacations and your work will still pay you for the time that you were gone.

11 months ago

When I Grow Up I Want To Be A Famous Cosmetologist. I Absolutely Love Hair.I Hope I Get A ScholarShip To A Great School. I Want To Be Like Madam CJ Walker. Have My Own Hair Products. That Help African American Women. Alot Of Women Want Long Healthy Silky Hair And It Will Be My Pleasure To Help Them Get That.8th-Grader Miguel Juarez Middle School Waukegan.IL

11 months ago

im 18 years old and alwayz want to be a cosmetologists. and ave a message thing in my bussiness and also do nails if ai own my bussiness b/c i love to do these things!!!!!!!! and i hope some day it comes true!!!!!

11 months ago

hi i love doing hair. one of this days i hope i get may own shop.

11 months ago

cosmetology is sooo cool!

11 months ago

...This is just for a school project...but i do think being a cosmotologist would be awesome fun! lol

12 months ago

i love to do peoples hair and makeup

12 months ago

hi i am 16 and i love doin hair and in the future i hope i will grow up and have my salon.

about 1 year ago

i also to do hair and make up and my nails i hope some day i will be the most known cosmo in the world yeah!

about 1 year ago

i'm 16 years old and i love to do hair and make-up. right now i go to tombstone high school and i'm wanting to go to night school in sierra vista at there beauty schools. so i was wondering would that be a good idea?

about 1 year ago

how much do cosmetologist get paid monthly and also iz it hard to get your own business started?

about 1 year ago

You still love putting makeup on people even though it only pays 20,000 a year?

about 1 year ago

This is a good website. I got alot of useful information that i needed. Thank You.

about 1 year ago

THiS WAS GREAT =]

about 1 year ago

does any one know were to find out if you pass the hand on test for cosmetology in Arizona

about 1 year ago

i love comz! ill start class on july 14th and iam oh-so excited=]]]

about 1 year ago

hey my name is alexanderand I wanted to know if u get people rite out of high school.

about 1 year ago

how old do you have to be to become a cosmetologist

about 1 year ago

i am currently enrolled in cosmetology school, and it is the bomb. everyone should enroll. DURH! =]

about 1 year ago

Go Cosmo's we better than Emo's We da best bytchesz

about 1 year ago

cosmo rocks, and i love to do nails and hair . altogether it rocks my socks. *baby gurl*

about 1 year ago

hey everybody i love this. this is cool and ima a so excited to leand about cosmetology

about 1 year ago

How do i get my hair to stay straight

about 1 year ago

cosm iz da best i was going to do this but i am going in for human services to amke a difference in peoples lyfe like they did mine

about 1 year ago

I love the work of being a cosmetologist that has been my dream.

about 1 year ago

I've been doin hair from since i was like nine and i'm 17 now. I must say i'm really good. i'm from the St.Thomas and i Kno how to hook you up.!!!!!!!!!!

about 1 year ago

i love my husband cosmo... nd yeaa i think this is great !! i want to b3 a cosmetoligsttttttt

about 1 year ago

i will finish cosmo in Jan 2009. where can i find places that need stylist? like i want to help out in the funeral homes but,also want other side job to go to.

about 1 year ago

I Luv Da Work Of Doin Hair

about 1 year ago

This is a pretty good page. It really helps if you have cosmetology as your major tankyou for providing this page.

about 1 year ago

if this is something you really want, then you have to put your mind to it, and dont slack off, only you hold the key to your destiny, fight for what you believe in....be all you can

about 1 year ago

i lov3 cosmo!!!! thats wat i wnt 2 b!!!

about 1 year ago

Thanx for the inf it was very helpful for my presentetion

about 1 year ago

i really like this job and hope 2 be one soon so thanks for the information yew gave me!!!!!!!

about 1 year ago

ME ENCANTA COSMOTOLOGIA!!! l0lS.

about 1 year ago

COSMO ROCKS!

about 1 year ago

haha I LOVE COSMETOLOGY!

about 1 year ago

I want to study at aveda and i have someone that is going to help me out, but what is the age limit in greenville, south carolina to become a hair stylist?

about 1 year ago

To become a hairstylist or cosmetologist, you must be at least 16 years old. Some states require graduation from high school while others require as little as an eight grade education but i was wondering if i could strt now because im only 14 is that possible

about 1 year ago

aye i was wondering like what would it be like to be a cosmetologist because im 14 and i like to do nail s and hair so if i start early how much would my imcome be love aaliyah wilson from toledo ohio

about 1 year ago

How old can you be to start learning about cosmetology?

about 1 year ago

Can you tell me how much the salary of an averge cosmetologists

over 2 years ago

temika u should check if ur school has a cosmetology program. my school does and i have been in it for 4yrs hopefully by april i will be done with the requirements and will be eligable to take my tests to get liscened if your school doesnt have a program then check out differetn beauty schools in your area.

over 2 years ago

To become a hairstylist or cosmetologist, you must be at least 16 years old. Some states require graduation from high school while others require as little as an eight grade education.

over 2 years ago

how old do u have to be

over 2 years ago

hey i love to do hair im 16 how old do u have to be lol

over 2 years ago

I was wondering wat r the benifits that a cosmetologist gets answer me ASAP please!!! Thankz!!!

over 2 years ago

hey i was wondering what the advancements possibilities were if i was to get into this feild

over 2 years ago

What are the paid vacations?

over 2 years ago

What are some of the paid vacations?