Is Cosmetology a Good Career? 12 Potential Benefits

A cosmetology license is one of the most versatile licenses in the beauty industry. You can use it to do hair, nail, or skin care. But is cosmetology a good career? 

We think so! 

Here are 12 benefits of becoming a cosmetologist to help you decide if this is the right career path for you.

1. Growing Industry Opportunities

The beauty industry generates billions of dollars in revenue worldwide, and cosmetology is an important part of that ecosystem. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities in cosmetology, barbering, and hairstyling are expected to jump by 5% by 2034, growing faster than the national average. 

This growth means plenty of opportunity for prospective cosmetologists. 

With a cosmetology license, you could potentially be a hairstylist, a salon owner, a social media influencer, or even an instructor. Because there are so many opportunities, you don’t have to decide exactly what you want to do right away—you can gain a range of skills and slowly figure out what works best for you.

2. In-Demand Skill Set

The widespread demand for cosmetologists means you aren’t restricted to one area of the country. Whether you focus on nails, hair, skin, or all three, plenty of people will always seek these services—and that’s true almost anywhere you live. 

With the routine maintenance these services often require, cosmetologists have the opportunity to develop a loyal clientele. For instance, many people have their hair colored regularly at the same salon. But one-time services are also always in demand, like when people get their nails or hair done for a special occasion. 

3. Diverse Set of Tasks 

Why is cosmetology a good career? Not only is it a high-demand profession, but it’s also a versatile field where you can perform a wide array of tasks.

Unless you choose to specialize in one practice, there are other potential options when you work as a cosmetologist. You can build upon your skills to add  variety to your workday. Many cosmetologists work with hair, doing:

• Cutting
• Dying 
• Perming 
• Styling

You can get variety even if you only choose to focus on one of these services. Cutting curly hair differs from cutting straight hair, and lightening hair differs from darkening hair. In addition to hair, you can do makeup, skin care, and nails. 

4. Varied Work Environments 

Just as you can vary your tasks as a cosmetologist, you can also vary your work environment. Depending on what you want to do, and the skills you develop, you might enjoy working in a:

• Salon 
• Spa 
• Retail location 
• Hotel or resort
• Cosmetology school

If you prefer stability in your work environment, you might make your home base in a single location—like a salon you love— for working with clients. If you’d rather mix it up, you might work as a freelancer, moving between locations so you’re never in one place for too long. 

And if you want the best of both worlds, some job options allow you to work on location and travel as part of your career. Working at a resort, on a cruise line, or for weddings might take you to new and exciting places.

5. Opportunity for Entrepreneurship

Another reason cosmetology is a good career is the potential to work for yourself. You might become an entrepreneur, deciding all aspects of your work and schedule. 

With a business of your own, you could potentially start a home salon or buy your own location. If that doesn’t work for you, you could possibly rent chair space in an existing location. This way, you get the freedom of entrepreneurship with the support of a bigger business’s structures, like shared space and bulk purchasing. 

6. Flexible Schedules

Even if you don’t go the entrepreneurial route, a cosmetology career path can potentially lead to flexibility in your schedule and day-to-day management. 

You can choose part-time or full-time work—or even more than the traditional 40-hour work week. Most people work a full-time schedule, but how much you work is up to you. 

With the nature of appointment-based scheduling in this industry, cosmetology can be a great career to build around parenting, caregiving, or education because you can often choose when you work. For example, you may choose to work only evenings and weekends to keep your weekdays free. Or you can choose to work a more traditional schedule, giving yourself free weekends and holidays off. It’s up to you and the direction you choose to take your career!

7. Transferable Skills 

Along with the core skills involved in cosmetology, you have the opportunity to build soft skills that will follow you wherever you go. This can aid you in personal growth and other professional goals. Work in this field helps you develop: 

• Interpersonal skills 
• Adaptability 
• Creativity 
• Attention to detail 
• Time management 

You also have the opportunity to develop communication and marketing skills as you build your client list and promote your services. 

8. Outlets for Creativity 

Cosmetology is a creative career that allows artistic expression. Aesthetic and design elements are part of many tasks. Color choices for hair and nail patterns for manicures are just a couple of ways to channel your creativity. 

You can also be creative by exploring different approaches to your work. You can try new services or experiment with new techniques. 

9. Visible Results and Achievements 

In many jobs, you don’t see the result of your hard work until much later, if at all. With cosmetology, you get instant access to your results and achievements. 

Does that new haircut look good on your client? Did the new product you used in your facial treatments make the client happy? You’ll know right away—and your achievements will help your clients feel well-cared for and beautiful.

This direct connection to results provides a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment many find appealing in a career. It’s a feeling that can multiply as you grow your list of loyal clients.

10. Continuous Learning and Professional Development

Even with a cosmetology license, you can keep learning as you go. The beauty industry is ever-evolving! You can incorporate new skills, services, and trends into your toolkit as the opportunity arises. 

You can also specialize in a particular area and get more certifications for your current license.
You might look at opportunities to work as a: 

• Barber 
• Hairstylist 
• Makeup artist 

Explore more career opportunities in our guide explaining what cosmetologists do.

11. Relationship-Building

One reason many people love their career in cosmetology is that they can build meaningful relationships through their work. As a cosmetologist, you help people feel their best and collaborate with clients to build their confidence and express their individuality. 

You have the opportunity to meet lots of new people and develop meaningful relationships with regular clients. Additionally, you can develop good relationships as you work alongside other cosmetologists, which helps the workday feel easier and more fun. 

12. A Career You Love 

The best career is one you love. For many, cosmetology offers just that. This career may be fulfilling if: 

• You want a creative career
• You like to express yourself through your work
• You like flexibility and variety
• You like collaborating with or meeting new people 
• You have a passion for beauty 

Learn more about this career path, including what kinds of services a cosmetologist provides, in our comprehensive guide to cosmetology.

Is Cosmetology a Good Career Choice?

Why do people choose cosmetology as a career? For one thing, it’s a growing industry full of potential. Plus, many people love the opportunity to practice continual learning in a supportive and flexible environment while putting their passion for beauty to work. 

At Paul Mitchell Schools, our education program is designed to support all types of learners as you gain industry knowledge and learn to express yourself in the most meaningful ways.

If this sounds like you, start learning today! 

Find a cosmetology program at a Paul Mitchell location near you.

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