Cosmetology Schools & Career Guide

Cosmetologist 101

A woman gets a facial
treatment from a
cosmetologist in a salon.

If you're passionate about helping people look and feel fabulous, cosmetology might be a fulfilling career choice for you. You'll learn all about the care and treatment of hair and skin.

Cosmetology careers also offer flexibility – you can work as a generalist in a salon, open your own salon or focus on a specific specialty. Cosmetology specialists include hair stylists, barbers, nail technicians, estheticians and make-up artists.

Becoming a cosmetologist is a commitment. It takes time to find your niche in the beauty industry. You will need to develop advanced skills, earn a cosmetology license and build a clientele to establish yourself in the industry.

Since the field of cosmetology is constantly evolving, passion and persistence are also key ingredients – you will need to continue learning and developing new skills throughout your career.

In order to be successful as a cosmetologist, you will also need to be able to do the following:

• Communicate well with clients to understand exactly what they want
• Develop and apply a wide range of hair, nail and skin care skills
• Work effectively with all kinds of people and personalities
• Keep up with trends in fashion and personal grooming
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, health and safety
• Keep your own appearance professional and well-groomed

Your Cosmetologist Education

What You’ll Study

To become a cosmetologist, you can attend a cosmetology school, beauty school or cosmetology college. The different names usually don't mean much. The important thing is that you find a program that will prepare you to receive your cosmetology license.

Some programs offer a broad, general curriculum. Others will place more emphasis on a particular specialty, such as hair design, skin care or nail technology. The best schools will prepare you for working in the real world through a lot of hands-on experience.

Basic skills taught in cosmetology school include the following:

• Cutting and styling hair
• Coloring, bleaching and highlighting hair
• Applying chemical perms to hair (e.g., relaxers, curls, waves)
• Nail care and grooming
• Skin care and make-up application
• Hair removal methods
• Use and care of instruments
• Sanitation and hygiene
• Relevant chemistry, anatomy and physiology
• Recognition of common skin diseases

Average Length of Study

A full-time cosmetology program can be completed in less than two years, but school is just the beginning of your education. You will have to continue educating yourself throughout your career to stay on top of current styles, trends and products. Most states also require you to receive a minimum number of continuing education hours each year to maintain your license.

Average Tuition

Tuition for cosmetology school will vary depending on where you live and the hours of training required by your state. Programs generally range between $6,500 and $10,000.

Cosmetologist Certification and Licensing

Every state has its own requirements for cosmetology licensing. To earn your cosmetology license, you will need to complete your education and pass a state board exam.

State education requirements vary between 1,200 and 2,100 school hours. Most are 1,500 to 1,800 hours. Some states will accept a certain number of apprenticeship hours as an alternative to attending a school. In addition to requiring you to pass a written exam, many states will also give you a practical test in which your styling skills are judged based on established performance criteria. In a few states, there is also an oral examination in which you have to explain what you're doing during the practical test.

Cosmetologist Career Overview

Cosmetologists are innovators in the fast-changing world of fashion. They follow trends and help clients achieve the latest looks. It's their job to help people find and express their personal style.

Cosmetologists work primarily in beauty salons and spas. Some travel to their clients' homes or offer services out of their own homes. Others specialize in photo shoots or work in the entertainment industry.

Cosmetologist Career Outlook

It's a great time to be a cosmetologist. Job opportunities continue to grow at least as fast as the national average. A 2003 job demand survey by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) found that cosmetologists had dramatically increased earnings in recent years because of a shortage of salon professionals.

The most challenging part of your career will be building a loyal clientèle. There are a lot of salons, so there's a lot of competition. It may take some time and persistence to find a good position and build a great reputation.

As you become more skilled, your clientèle will continue to improve. You'll be able to offer more complicated services and increase your rates. You may be able to move to a more prestigious salon, take on a management role or open your own salon.

Cosmetologist Salaries

NACCAS reported in 2003 that the average salon income, including tips, is $30,000 to $50,000 a year. Factors that may influence your income include the size and location of the salon where you work, hours worked, tipping habits of your clients and competition from other salons in your area.

If you work in a salon, you may be paid in any of the following ways:

• Commission pay – You receive a percentage of the money made from the services you provide. You will probably be considered self-employed and required to pay your own taxes. The salon pays for all the products, equipment and other expenses of running the business.
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• Booth rental – You rent a chair or booth in the salon. Your contract will specify whether you are required to supply your own tools and products and collect your own fees. Usually the salon will schedule appointments, price services and pay for advertising. You must pay your own insurance and taxes.
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• Hourly wage or salary – Many chain salons use this method. Some also provide paid vacations and medical benefits in order to attract the best talent.

You will also earn tips as an excellent supplement to your cosmetologist income. You may also receive commissions on products you recommend to customers or bonuses for bringing in new business. No matter where you work, developing a loyal clientèle is the key to maximizing your earnings.

Return to the Beauty Career Center home page.

Looking for Beauty Schools?

Try our Spa, Massage & Beauty Schools page. There you will find a comprehensive list of schools which offer program descriptions. You can also request information from the schools that interest you most.

Sources:
NACCAS, 2006.
American Association of Cosmetology Schools, 2007.