What jobs are available for cosmetology graduates?
What jobs are available for cosmetology graduates?
A cosmetologist or personal appearance worker, according to The National accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS), is anyone performing manicures, hair cutting, styling, shampooing, makeup or other cosmetology services. There are a range of other professions and job descriptions that fall under ‘cosmetology’, barbers, hair shampooers, hair dressers and pedicurists just to name a few. Licensing for each varies by state.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, cosmetologists, barbers and other personal appearance workers held around 825,000 jobs in the year 2006. Of that, 46% are self employed and work flexible schedules.
The first step to becoming a cosmetologist is getting licensed. Licensing varies by state. Most licensed cosmetologists are graduates from a state-licensed or accredited cosmetology school or barber school. Many full-time cosmetology programs last around 9 months and some lead to an associate degree. A high school diploma or GED is required in some states.
Because cosmetology graduates can specialize in a number of different areas there is a wide arrange of jobs available for cosmetology gradates.
Barbers generally shampoo, cut, trim and style hair for men. Some may also offer facial shaving and hair treatments or coloring. In addition barbers sometimes provide skin care and nail treatments.
Hairdressers and hairstylists are versatile. They usually provide a number of beauty treatments for both men and women. They may shampoo, cut, color and style hair. In addition, they may also be trained to do makeup, facial treatments, scalp treatments, manicures and pedicures.
There are also specialized ‘technicians’ in cosmetology that are trained in one particular area.
Nail technicians are usually trained and licensed for manicures and pedicures. They can usually provide a wide arrange of services for the hands and feet and may also offer foot or hand massages to their clients.
Skin technicians or estheticians provide facial care for clients. They often offer full body waxing, scrubs, peels or other treatments, massages and makeup applications. Some estheticians are also trained in laser hair removal and may also provide that service. Skin technicians are expected to be in high demand in the coming years.
Makeup artists are usually trained to provide theatrical or performance makeup for photography, movies, stage performances and television. The art if makeup design usually requires a keen eye for fashion and also specialized training or knowledge of skin types, tones, textures, ethnicity, facial shape and colors.
The primary attraction of cosmetology is self-employment. It is true that nearly half of all cosmetologists are self-employed and make their own schedules. While this is usually the case, most full-time barbers, cosmetologists and other personal workers usually have 40-hour or more work weeks consisting of weekends and sometimes holidays. Most self-employed cosmetologists own their own salon some also work out of their own home. A growing number of self-employed stylists just lease booth space or chair from a salon.
The highest paid cosmetologists are usually well trained and have a steady clientele. They may provide services such as makeup or hair-care for well-known photographers or celebrities or own their own high-end salons.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that they expect jobs for cosmetology and personal appearance workers to grow slightly faster than the average for other occupations. Entry-level workers have a positive outlook but job candidates applying for spots at high-end establishments or salons will face tough competition. The number of cosmetologists is also expected to grow my 14% from 2006 to 2016. The growth will be due the increasing populations and growing demand for skin care and personal appearance services.
