Did you know that career opportunities in cosmetology are not limited to working in a hair salon? Cosmetology is a diverse field with plenty of avenues to pursue. Your future in beauty and cosmetics can take you virtually anywhere, from running your own business to making professional videos and launching a product line. The sky’s the limit, but it all starts with the proper training. The more you know, the easier it will be for you to use your professional skills to make your dreams a reality.
Why Does Someone Become a Cosmetologist?
Many are drawn to cosmetology because of a total freedom of expression and love for the creative opportunities. You should love helping others and have a passion for beauty and wellness. Part of looking your best is feeling your best, and a good cosmetologist knows the work they do is so much more than simply applying makeup or giving someone a haircut.
If you find yourself always watching YouTube videos to get makeup tips, following tutorials, and staying up to date with your favorite beauty gurus online, cosmetology could be the perfect opportunity for you.
Whether you love styling and coloring hair or want to give the most luxurious, pampering manicures and pedicures around, cosmetology school is the place to start your career. This is where you will learn about all the opportunities in the field while building a versatile skill set to take you where you want to go.
What Are the Opportunities in Cosmetology?
You may hear people described as a cosmetologist, but what does that really mean? Cosmetology is a big field with many specializations. Cosmetology encompasses hairstylist, makeup artist and nail technician. You get to choose the path you find most interesting and pursue a career suited to your tastes and passions. Whether you want to be a part of a salon family, work at a spa or open your own business, you can choose the skills and jobs that interest you and start your career.
While you can choose to focus on a particular specialization, there are also plenty of jobs that allow you to administer various beauty services. Someone who wants to open their own beauty boutique can give facials, do nails, cut, and style hair all in one location. There are also private salon studio rooms you can rent that allow you to pamper clients and set your own prices and services. Below you will find some of the most exciting and rewarding careers in cosmetology.
Hair Stylist
A hair stylist can work at a salon, studio or work independently. You might choose to work at a specialty salon or even a children’s hair studio, depending on your preferences. Hair stylists consult with clients, discuss their preferences, decide on the right cut, and look for their face. Choosing the right hairstyle also requires professional insight; colors and cuts affect the presentation of a person’s face, so choosing a look that is flattering to their facial features is important.
Hair Colorist
Hair colorists mix dyes to create unique blends and colors for their clients. You apply dyes to a variety of hair types and perform jobs that include bleaching, adding highlights and lowlights, balayage and temporary dyes. You can become popular for your ability to craft a signature color, or you may prefer working as a generalist and offer dye jobs according to a client’s preferences.
Braiding Specialist
Hair braiding specialists may also apply hair extensions and weaves. A braider can work with different hair textures to style cornrows, dreadlocks, and twists. Many braiding experts are proud to work with their clients’ natural hair as well and help them transition from weaves to afros and curls.
Special Events Hair Stylist
If you love doing extravagant hairstyles, then working exclusively with clients for special events may be your calling. As a special events hair stylist, your work will involve styling hair for weddings, proms, and birthday parties. Curling, temporary dyes, braiding and using various ornaments and accessories will be a part of your daily work
A special event hair stylist helps people look and feel their absolute best for a memorable occasion, and their work is often immortalized in pictures and videos. You get to be a part of some of the biggest events in a person’s life, so this job can be highly rewarding.
Manicure and Pedicure Nail Technician
As a manicure and pedicure technician, you apply care treatments and nail art to hands and feet. You may do hand and foot masks, give scrubs, and prepare soaks for your clients before painting or airbrushing nails. You may also apply acrylics or gel manicures and paint custom designs. As a nail technician, you can work in nail salons, spas or have your own business.
Facials and Waxing Technician
Facials and waxing are two popular self-care treatments people seek regularly. Knowing about skin sensitivity levels and working with certain skin conditions is important for someone who wants to specialize in this line of work. You will also learn how to choose and mix ingredients, apply facials, and create a relaxing environment for your clients.
As a waxing technician, you will remove facial and body hair, including the removal of eyebrow hair with the threading technique. Being an expert waxer requires more than just understanding the procedures; you must also put nervous clients at ease. Plus, soothe their skin after waxing to prevent ingrown hairs, irritation, and discomfort.
Runway Makeup Artist
As a runway makeup artist, you can style models for fashion shows. You may work off-season on photoshoots and editorial sets. You can work with a designer to determine the best makeup for the clothes being shown. Because fashion shows must fit all the looks into a short period of time, working backstage can get hectic. Someone who loves high-fashion looks must also be prepared to work in a fast-paced environment.
Theater Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist
Do you love Broadway or theater? Then you may love working behind-the-scenes as a makeup artist. The sky’s the limit when it comes to this specialization; cosmetologists who work in theater apply stage makeup and hair styles that bring characters to life. You transform actors into unrecognizable variations of themselves to wow the audience and create an unforgettable show.
Cosmetology Instructor
Your passion for cosmetology and all its opportunities may inspire you to take to the classroom as an instructor Most cosmetology instructors work at beauty schools or cosmetology programs at vocational schools.
You can also get creative and consider making YouTube videos or selling cosmetology classes on a platform like Udemy. Instructors can take to social media to build a following, teach people tips and tricks and promote their business. You may even decide to run a blog, guest post for major companies or publish books.
How Do You Get into the Cosmetology Industry?
The first step for anyone who wants to be a professional cosmetologist is to get a diploma in cosmetology. While you can be an incredible self-taught makeup artist or hair stylist, you need a diploma to get your cosmetology license. Cosmetology licenses allow you to work as a professional hair stylist, makeup artist or nail technician. You also need this license if you want to open your own salon or business one day.
Once you’ve earned your diploma through a cosmetology program, you can take advantage of career services to find job opportunities. Networking is one of the greatest benefits of attending a cosmetology school; you get to work with seasoned professionals who dedicate themselves to sharing their passion and expertise with students. They also have connections with many other professionals, and you’ll be able to build close relationships with your classmates that may help you find more work opportunities in the future.
Building an online presence can also help you find work. When applying to salons or studios, your ability to show off your professional skills through photos and videos can be a major selling point.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know the many opportunities that are available in cosmetology, ready to learn more about Meridian College? If you are interested in beauty, want to help others, and join a creative and rewarding industry, becoming a cosmetologist may be the right career path for you. Take the plunge and become a cosmetologist today.
Want to Learn More?
Are you ready to enjoy the many opportunities available in cosmetology? Meridian College offers a Cosmetology training program in Florida that prepares you to deliver high–quality beauty and hair services to both men and women. Their hands–on Cosmetology training program gives you the skills you need to start an exciting career and become a leader in the beauty industry.
Contact Meridian College today to learn more about becoming a cosmetologist.