If you like Making People Look & Feel Good, Consider a Career in Beauty and Cosmetology

by Breanne Cooley
November 05, 2009

You always end up doing everyone's hair for the weddings. You do everyone's makeup before a big night out on the town. You look forward to your weekly coconut facial that you made yourself using fresh coconut extracts. And you never go to sleep without taking your make up off!

...so why aren't you a licensed cosmetologist?

Turn Your Passion for Beauty & Cosmetology into a Full-Time Job

If you love any of the above-mentioned things, there is a degree program for you. Why not do something you love and get paid for it? Some people love to write--so they become writers. Others like to sew--so they become designers. If you like working with people and making them feel better about themselves physically and mentally, your calling could be somewhere in the world of beauty and cosmetology.

What does a Cosmetologist Do?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Barbers and cosmetologists mainly provide hair care services to improve the way their customer looks and feels. Other "personal appearance workers", such as manicurists and pedicurists, shampooers, theatrical and performance makeup artists, and skin care specialists provide specialized beauty services that help clients look and feel their best. If you're going to work in an industry where you have to service people, you should definitely be people-oriented. If you dislike pleasing others and working with customers' specific needs, this may not be the profession for you. It's all about making your client happy, whether you're painting their nails or styling their entire wedding party.

What does Earning Your Cosmetology License Entail?

To earn your cosmetology license, you can pursue any number of college degrees in cosmetology. Depending on which area of beauty and cosmetology you are looking to specialize in, each state has its own standards for being legally qualified to perform a certain service within the industry. Similar to other types of degrees, in order to earn your license you have to graduate from a state licensing cosmetology school. You then have to pass a state licensing test. Online learning is conducive to earning this type of degree, as once you become a state-licensed cosmetologist, you can add more specific certifications to your cosmetology degree at your own pace--all while keeping your full-time job. The more certifications you have, the more money you make!

Job Opportunities for Cosmetology Degree Holders

Stylist
Barber
Studio Level Stylist
Hairstylist
Makeup Artist
Esthetician
Cosmetologist

So put on that fresh face and get ready to explore your cosmetology degree options. Who knows, life may even appear more beautiful afterwards!

Sources

Bureau of Labor Statistics