Dual Cosmetology Licenses: Make Your Beauty Education Count

By April Dykman

Cameron, a recent graduate of Bellus Academy, received a job offer the day she graduated. After working as an esthetician at a day spa, she saw the opportunity that a second license in massage therapy would provide. "The owner [of the spa] told me that if I had a massage therapist license in addition to my esthetician training, I could be booked more than 75 percent of the time," says Cameron.

Beauty Schools Meet Industry Needs

Cameron's experience reflects a growing trend in beauty schools and the industry: demand for more educated beauty professionals, particularly those with dual licenses. Lynelle Lynch, president of Bellus Academy, says cosmetologists with more than once license are sought after because they can wear more hats. "If a spa owner has four treatment rooms, he or she only has to hire four people if they hold dual licenses," she says. "A person with a dual license can do the facial and the massage. A hair stylist with cosmetics training could handle a bridal party."

At Bellus Academy, 75 percent of students are enrolled in multiple course areas, according to Lynelle. Typical dual programs are esthetics and massage, esthetics and makeup, and cosmetology and makeup.

"It was a two-year, lengthy process to get our dual license coursework approved," says Lynelle. "But it means that we showed the state licensing board that a student's employment opportunities would incrementally increase through increased education."

Dual Licenses in Demand Right out of Beauty School

Cosmetologists with dual licenses are in high demand with employers, especially in an economic downturn. A double area of expertise puts an applicant on the top of the list, says Lynelle. In fact, the demand is so great that cruise ship lines heavily recruit from Bellus, as the school also prepares students to pass the international certification test. "A Hawaiian cruise line just hired nine out of 14 of our students who applied," says Lynelle. "Those positions usually require at least five years of professional experience, but these students were hired right out of school."

Multiple Beauty Licenses Equals Increased Earning Potential

In addition, cosmetologists with more than one area of expertise can grow their beauty careers by expanding their client base. "I can build my clientele faster with two licenses," says Cameron. "I could offer my skin care clients the additional service of massage, and I could reach out to clients looking for massage therapy and offer them skin care."

Increased Funding Opportunities for Beauty School Tuition

Students also can get federal grants and loans, if they qualify, for a program that might not meet the federal funding criteria on its own. The makeup program, for example, is a one-month course that is not eligible for federal funding. Combined with the esthetics program, however, it qualifies. "It eases the financial burden for students who can qualify for the loans," says Lynelle.

Cameron recommends a dual license for the great opportunity it has afforded her. "It used to be common to just get one license and focus on that, but a dual license offers so much more potential," she says. "You are starting to see more cosmetologists with dual licenses. More people are seeking it out."

About the Author
April Dykman is a freelance writer with a background in marketing, education, and event planning in the beauty industry.