In recent years, the need for licensed cosmetology professionals has drastically increased. Salons, studios, and beauty spas across the country are looking for talented cosmetologists to join their team. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the career outlook for cosmetologists is expected to grow over 19% between 2020 and 2030. If you’re considering a career in cosmetology, the first step is to ensure this is the right field for you.
So, what all does a cosmetologist do? The short answer is – A lot. There are so many different things you will learn throughout your education and so many different career paths you can follow as a cosmetologist. The overall goal is to make clients feel beautiful, and that can occur in a number of different ways. Ranging anywhere from haircutting and hairstyling to makeup application and nail design, a cosmetologist’s day-to-day is always something different. Learn more about what you can expect to learn throughout your schooling and all the potential career routes you can follow below.
Haircutting and Hairstyling
Being a hairstylist isn’t a simple job. There are so many different things you must learn to be a great hairstylist apart from simply cutting and styling hair. Throughout your time in cosmetology school, you can expect to learn several different services that hairstylists provide such as hair treatments, hair coloring, haircutting, beard and mustache trimming, perms, and so much more.
On a day-to-day basis, you will find yourself working with clients to decide what haircut or hair color best suits them based on their skin tone and face shape. Because you’ll have the professional experience needed for the job, you may also provide your clients with recommendations on what you feel would look best for them.
You’ll also face your fair share of clients who turn to Pinterest or social media for their next hair color or style ideas. You’ll need to know how to take that image they’re showing and make it a reality for them. This could range anywhere from giving your client a pixie cut, to creating a smooth balayage. The best part about being a hairstylist is that every day it’s something new. This is a career that will keep you on your toes – Literally.
Manicures and Pedicures
As a cosmetologist, you also can provide manicure and pedicure services. This is an oftentimes forgot-about career path in the cosmetology industry. In this role, you will use a variety of different nail products to create stunning pedicures and manicures for clients. Aside from the design, you will also provide care for the nails to shape them to the client’s vision. Again, clients will typically turn to the internet and social media channels for their next nail design. This is where you have the opportunity to make that a reality for the customer! Each design will be unique to the client, so although the tasks may be repetitive in themselves, you will find yourself doing something new and different each day!
Skincare
Although you may not find yourself working as an esthetician, cosmetologists do learn the basics of skincare throughout their education. Throughout your training, you can expect to learn elements of skincare such as waxing and other hair removal techniques, as well as facials and basic makeup applications. As a cosmetologist, your goal is to make the clients feel beautiful, and skincare is especially important to that. You can learn the tips and tricks you gained throughout your education to help your clients reach their peak appearance and feel genuinely stunning and comfortable with their looks.
Makeup Application
If you have a passion for makeup, this could be a great career path for you! As a cosmetologist, you can also work as a makeup artist. You will learn the basics of makeup application throughout your training, as well as all the elements that go into it such as the makeup tools to use, contouring, highlighting, and so much more. The best part about working as a makeup artist is that each person is a different template to work with. You will work to create custom looks for each individual you work with, as they each come with their own unique features. By using various different types of makeup as well as makeup skills, you will learn how to create so many different beautiful styles to help your clients achieve their dream look!
If you have an outgoing, fun, and entrepreneurial spirit, a career in cosmetology may be just the right fit for you. If you are looking for a cosmetology school in Tennessee, Genesis Career College may have just the degree for you. Visit their website to learn more about their Cosmetology School and program. If you’re waiting for a sign to get started, this is it! It may, and most likely will be, the best decision you ever made!
