The Art of Beauty: Be a Cosmetologist

By Sarah Clark
Career Colleges Columnist

Never before has personal appearance been so important across every strata of society. High-end beauty care is no longer the exclusive domain of the rich and famous. Today, the everyday man and woman are getting styled, coiffed, and waxed, and that means promising career potential for cosmetology students!

The Beauty Culture is Born

To what can we attribute this development? Perhaps Oprah's popular makeover shows, or the Fab Five on Bravo, or maybe it's just a symptom of a wealthy society. One can only speculate, but the trend is fantastic for those in the beauty care industry, more specifically cosmetologists.

What Cosmetologists Do

Cosmetologists work in beauty salons and spas. They attend formal cosmetology school, which can last nine months to more than one year. There they are schooled in the art of coiffing locks—short and long, curly and straight. They learn how to cut, style and color hair, and how to deal with customers. Others specialize in skin treatments or makeup application.

In their everyday work, stylists spend a lot of time on their feet. The may work long days, particularly on Saturdays and during the holidays and around the wedding season. Many work part time—so it's a good field for moms or dads who need flexible or reduced work schedules to care for children.

What to Expect in Cosmetology School

Cosmetology school is very interactive. You won't be spending a lot of time reading thick books and taking long exams. Instead, you'll learn how to make people look their very best. You'll observe techniques for cutting and styling hair, and have the opportunity to practice the techniques on models.

During cosmetology school, stylists may also learn how to perform other beauty care services, such as wax, facial, and manicure treatments. Those with a more diverse set of beauty skills may have an easier time finding employment opportunities within studios that provide a broader array of beauty care treatments.

So if you've been considering a career as a hair stylist, look for a cosmetology school near you— and start your journey toward a fashionable profession in the personal appearance industry.

Sources
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

About the Author
Sarah Clark is a freelance writer specializing in career development and postsecondary education.

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