How to Become a Cosmetologist: Your Cosmetology Career Guide

Have you been contemplating a future career? Do you love the beauty world, making people feel good about themselves, or experimenting with different hairstyles?

If you answered yes, you may be a cosmetologist in the making.

Keep reading to learn more about this exciting field and how to become a cosmetologist.

What Is a Cosmetologist?

Cosmetology combines science and art through various techniques to help people look and feel beautiful. A cosmetologist is someone who has learned various beauty techniques and received a license to perform beauty services.

What Can You Do as a Cosmetologist?

Because cosmetology is an umbrella term, the services you can offer will depend on your skills and what your state license allows. The specific regulations about what a cosmetologist can do will vary from state to state. Be sure to check the regulations for the state in which you plan to be licensed.

In general, cosmetology services typically include the following:

• Hair styling: Cutting, styling, dying, extensions, and scalp treatments
• Makeup: Using various makeup techniques such as color correction, contouring, and more to enhance someone’s natural facial structure
• Nails: Manicures (natural, gel, acrylic) and pedicures
• Skin treatments: Facials, eyebrow waxing, body waxing, anti-aging treatments, eyebrow threading, exfoliation

How Much Does a Cosmetologist Make?

When deciding whether cosmetology is a good career for you or not, it’s important to consider how much you’ll make. Your income will depend on multiple factors, including:

• Where you work (state, city, etc.)
• Which services you offer
• Your employer (salon, spa, distributor, etc.)
• Your experience and skill level
• Your client base and reputation
• Your employment type: freelance, booth rental, or commission-based
• How many hours you work per day
• Any additional licenses and certifications you have

Current predictions for the cosmetologist job market are encouraging: overall employment of this group (which also includes hairstylists and barbers) is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033*, faster than the average for all occupations.

_{*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Barbers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/barbers-hairstylists-and-cosmetologists.htm (visited August 29, 2024).}

What Can You Do with a Cosmetology License?

You have many career options with a cosmetology license. But you should always check to see if your state requires additional certifications for certain careers.

10 Potential Cosmetology Career Paths

Many options are available for careers with a cosmetology license. Here are some of the potential paths you can choose from (depending on your skills and interests).

1. Hairstylist
As a hairstylist, you can work in a salon, create styles for photoshoots, or choose to be self-employed. Being a hairstylist can involve cutting and styling hair, treating damaged hair, and recommending hair products if your client asks. You’ll also need good conversational and listening skills so you can understand the wants of your clients.

If you’re more interested in hair coloring, you can become a hair color specialist. They focus on hair coloring and the technical know-how needed for the best client color match.

To learn what a hairstylist makes each year, make sure to look at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics page for hairstylists.

2. Makeup Artist
A makeup artist career can take you in many directions because people need professional makeup applications for a variety of reasons, including:

• Weddings
• Proms
• Photoshoots
• Performances
• Fashion runways

In addition to the cosmetic skills to create the look your client wants, a makeup artist also needs business, organizational, and people skills. These skills will help you build a clientele and make reasonable schedules for yourself.

3. Nail Technician
A nail technician handles all things nails. As a manicurist, you’ll clean, maintain, and design nails for your clients. Depending on your skills, you may become a nail artist and create unique and exciting nails through acrylics, jewels, and colors.

Pedicurists tend to focus heavily on a client’s feet. Foot problems are common, and pedicures can address many surface issues and make clients feel more comfortable wearing open-toe shoes.

To learn the average income for manicurists and pedicurists, visit this page from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

4. Cosmetologist
A cosmetologist can perform a variety of services such as:

• Hair styling and cutting
• Coloring hair
• Makeup application
• Basic skincare
• Chemical hair treatments
• Nail services and technology

Cosmetologists can work at salons or as part of an independent beauty team with other makeup artists and stylists.

5. Salon Owner or Manager
Do you dream of owning your own business? Owning or managing a salon may require additional experience, education, and business knowledge, but earning your cosmetology license is the first step.

6. Cosmetology Teacher
If you loved your experience at cosmetology school, become a cosmetology instructor! Teaching may require additional certifications and licenses, depending on where you teach.

For the latest income numbers for cosmetology teachers, look at this: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics page.

7. Esthetician
With a cosmetology license, you’ll be able to offer basic esthetician services such as makeup application and basic skin care (facials, cleanses). If you wish to offer other esthetician services, such as extractions, exfoliations, eyebrow waxing/threading, and body hair removal, you will need a separate esthetics license.

8. Beauty Influencer
With the rise of influencer culture, one career path a cosmetologist can take is becoming a beauty influencer. As a licensed cosmetologist, you can use your skills to show the general public how to use products you’re most familiar with.

You can build your audience through social media content, blog posts, or videos. You may even partner with your favorite brands if you gain a large enough audience.

9. Beauty Consultants for Publications
Blogs and magazines usually don’t have a beauty expert on their team. They may have staff members who are familiar with trends and brands but don’t have the foundational knowledge you’d have as a licensed cosmetologist.

It’s not unusual for outlets to work with freelance cosmetologists for blog posts, articles, and marketing materials. They may interview you as their expert, ask you to recommend the best products for specific cosmetic concerns, or have you verify that what they’ve written is correct.

10. Brand Ambassador
Is there a product or brand you fell in love with while in cosmetology school? If so, upon graduation, you could become a brand ambassador. You can be on the road talking to other businesses or working in the office, making connections through phone calls and emails.

Learn more about additional career paths in the beauty and barbering industry here.

How a Paul Mitchell School Can Prepare You to Become a Cosmetologist

To become a cosmetologist, you must attend school and pass your state’s licensing exam. At Paul Mitchell Schools, we offer a leading cosmetology program. The initial phase of the program has three levels:

• Core teaches the fundamentals of cutting, color, texture, and styling of hair, and it also includes nail and skin care. You’ll practice on mannequins.
• Adaptive builds off the prior fundamental theories with hands-on practice. You’ll work with real people to build customer service skills.
• Creative teaches advanced cosmetology techniques. You’ll also prepare for the real world by working in an environment similar to a professional salon, learning to create a résumé and portfolio, and preparing for the state board test.

Some schools also offer Phase Two, an optional course for students who want to be challenged to their highest level. You’ll receive advanced training and sharpen your skills in conditions that mimic salon reality, along with opportunities for planning, managing, and setting team goals.

At a Paul Mitchell School, you’ll learn about the beauty business, professional development,  hard and soft skills, goal setting, financial management, and cosmetology skills from licensed cosmetologists who have real-world experience and knowledge.

If you’re ready to start an exciting career as a cosmetologist, let us help you take the next steps.

Become a Cosmetologist Today!

At Paul Mitchell Schools, our unique, multifaceted curriculum gives you the skills you need to be successful. Find a school near you to learn more about their program offerings and schedule a tour.