Cosmetologist: Being a Jack/Jill of All Beauty Trades
Becoming a cosmetologist means being the can-do person of the hair and beauty industry. Beauty college prepares you for a myriad of different disciplines that focus on improving someone's appearance, and cosmetology covers all of them. Recent statistics indicate that barbers and cosmetologists hold most of the jobs within the beauty industry. Nail design or nail beauty workers are the next most common profession, followed by skin care specialists, shampooers, and theatrical and performance makeup artists.
Specializations within cosmetology include:
- Hairdressing
- Makeup artistry
- Nail technology
- Skincare, including facials
- Electrolysis
- Waxing
Cosmetology School Subjects
- Hairdressing/Hair Styling. A main focus in cosmetology training is hairdressing. Cutting, coloring, and styling hair are the core responsibilities of hairdressers. They also advise clients on how to maintain a style or color so it stays in good condition between visits. Hair stylists perform shampooing services, as well; in fact, in some salons there are cosmetologists who work exclusively on shampooing clients' hair. Some hairdressers focus on styling hairpieces or wigs, in addition to living hair.
- Makeup Artistry. Makeup artists expertly apply cosmetics to enhance the appearance of those working in television, theatre, and film. They may apply makeup over the performer's entire body, or may create special effects to give the appearance of injuries. However, most beauty college training is geared toward applying makeup in a conventional fashion, such as for weddings and special events.
- Nail Technology. Nail technicians learn how to cut, file, shape, and polish nails. Beauty colleges also teach about popular French polishing and how to apply extensions. Manicurists work with hands and pedicurists work with feet. Most nail technicians know how to care for both hands and feet.
- Skincare. Skincare specialists, also known as estheticians, are among the most highly paid cosmetologists. Their work is akin to dermatology but does not involve the use of medicines. Estheticians apply various treatments and creams to the skin using manual techniques that help improve appearance and circulation. Like makeup artists, estheticians work with skin all over the body. Estheticians may take part in waxing or electrolysis, although sometimes hair removal is a separate function within a salon.
- Waxing and Electrolysis. In most beauty colleges, cosmetologists are trained to perform both of these functions. In larger salons, many specialists in the field of hair removal take responsibility for both methods. Electrolysis involves using laser technology to remove hair, while waxing uses warm wax or pre-made strips.
You do not have to focus on one area of expertise in cosmetology school. In fact, many cosmetologists never develop a specialty, preferring to remain a Jack or Jill of all beauty trades. Alternatively, you may find that a specialty arises naturally out of your business as it grows.
Featured Schools
Get your career on the right track with Southern Careers Institute.
- San Antonio
- Corpus Christi
- Brownsville
- Cosmetology Operator - Evening
- Cosmetology Operator - Day
Boost your career with training from the American Institute School of Wellness and Beauty.
- Pompano Beach
- Cosmetology
Gain the tools you need for success at Globe University.
- Saint Paul
- Sioux Falls
- Online
- Lakeville
- Minneapolis
- AAS in Cosmetology Business
Prepare for a Massage Therapy or Skin Care Career That You Will Love!
- Miami
- Pompano Beach
- Bradenton
- Maitland
- Advanced Paramedical Skin Care Program
- Skin Care and Electrology Training Program
Prepare for an exciting new career at the Milan Institute.
- Nampa
- Bakersfield
- Boise
- Clovis
- San Antonio
- Cosmetology
- Esthetician
Train for the real-world skills that help you launch a successful technology or healthcare career with a degree, or diploma from Florida Career College.
- Boynton Beach
- Miami
- Clearwater
- West Palm Beach
- Hollywood
- Diploma - Cosmetology
- Diploma - Skin Care Specialist
Compete in today's job market with training from Ridley-Lowell Business & Technical Institute.
- Poughkeepsie
- Binghamton
- Cosmetology
- Esthetics
