What do Cosmetologists do?

A Cosmetologist would typically need to:

• Assist clients in improving or acquiring a specific look by providing the appropriate hairdo and hair coloring, manicured nails, a correctly trimmed beard, or carefully selected makeup.
• To achieve the desired results, analyze the client’s facial features, hair, skin, and scalp, research potential styles, consult with consumers, and provide recommendations.
• Estimate how long a session will run; take careful notes and images of work to keep a professional portfolio up to date.
• Maintain safe and healthy working conditions while providing quality service by following organization standards and legal rules; clean and disinfect all tools and work areas
• Shampoo, condition, style, and color hair; analyze hair condition and discuss hairdo possibilities to prepare hair for styling If necessary, apply scalp treatments.
• To obtain positive results, arrange, shape, curl, cut, trim, set, bleach, color, and tint hair; care for and sell wigs and hairpieces.
• To maintain stock, check stock, forecast needs, source, budget, and order goods and equipment from specialized vendors.
• Answer phones and make appointments, among other administrative chores.
• Demonstrate and advise on makeup application techniques; create new hairstyles, makeup application techniques, and other beauty treatments.
• Take the necessary steps to reduce the negative impacts of make-up/hairstyling practices.

Standard Work Environment

Cosmetologists can find work all over the world. Their workspace includes dressing rooms, overheated studios, and chilly outside areas. The majority of them operate in a relaxing and serene salon or spa. Some offer non-medical skin treatments and collaborate with dermatologists in their offices.

Travel throughout the workday, frequent relocation, and absence from home at night are all common. Cosmetologists that work in cinema may go to exotic areas.

Professional attire is required for cosmetologists. Those working in a dermatologist’s office may be required to wear lab coats.

Work Schedule

Cosmetologists who work for themselves frequently work long hours to promote their businesses. While most careers need a full-time commitment, part-time opportunities exist. Work patterns usually involve evenings and weekends, when the majority of clients are available. Working on a film or television project necessitates Cosmetologists arriving on site before filming begins and remaining on set throughout filming to reapply for make-up.

Employers

The vast majority of cosmetologists are self-employed or freelance. They are hired for jobs directly or through an agent. They are hired by event management organizations for weddings and fashion events. Cosmetologists can also teach make-up classes in educational institutions’ theatre or theatrical studies programs.

Aspiring Cosmetologists typically generate employment through word of mouth, networking, and speculative CVs, while maintaining a photographic portfolio to demonstrate their variety of skills.

Cosmetologists are generally employed by:

• Hair & Nail Salons
• Barbershops, Spas, & Resorts
• Film & Television Studios
• Theatres
• Video, Advertising & Commercial Companies
• Commercial, Fashion & Portrait Photographers
• Event Management Companies
• Education Institutions
• Dermatologists

Unions / Professional Organizations

Cosmetologists rely on professional organisations such as the Comité International d’Esthétique et de Cosmétologie. They provide excellent networking and educational opportunities. Members have access to industry standards, salon expos and trade fairs, contests, and online and in-person continuing education courses.

Membership in one or more of these organizations adds value to your resume while also strengthening your credentials. It allows you to get greater job prospects and distinguish yourself from your peers.

Workplace Challenges

• The need to work quickly and with a focus in time-pressured conditions; stand for long periods; travel with or carry tools and equipment
• Specialization, creativity, and a willingness to adapt to new trends; need to be pleasant and friendly even under trying circumstances
• Constant exposure to a variety of chemicals in specific jobs

Suggested Work Experience

Because a career in cosmetology necessitates specialized abilities, aspiring Cosmetologists undergo six months to a year of intensive training. Hands-on experience and, in most cases, an internship or apprenticeship is part of the training. To participate in a lucrative internship while still in school, future Cosmetologists must have a certain amount of credit hours, a minimum academic score, and the approval or suggestion of an authorized instructor.

Informal education is just as vital as formal education. You will discover that industry experience, whether paid or voluntary, is critical to professional development and job placement. It can be obtained behind the scenes at amateur dramatic productions or in a beauty or hair shop. Job shadowing and aiding a Cosmetologist with work experience can also help you get useful insights, create your portfolio, build a network of contacts, and demonstrate your devotion to the industry.

Observation is one of the most effective methods for learning new skills and practices. Competition is fierce, and professionals are frequently hired based on their reputation and popularity. Consider the contacts you made during your studies, particularly through work experience.

Recommended Qualifications

It is impossible to learn the skills necessary to become a competent Cosmetologist in a week or two. You must go through lengthy training and have adequate opportunities to hone and master the necessary abilities over a long period of time.

Cosmetologists usually complete a two-year approved program at a vocational or cosmetology school or a community college. In this industry, creative and practical talents take precedence over academic qualifications.

Basic safety and sanitation, hair care, aesthetics, hair removal, nail care, skin science, and salon management should all be included in the program.

Certifications, Licenses, and Registration

Before they can practice, cosmetologists must get a license. Cosmetology programs frequently prepare students to take such licensing tests, which usually include a written exam as well as a practical test of styling abilities or an oral exam.

The requirements for obtaining a license differ by location. Applicants must generally be at least 16 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and have graduated from an authorized cosmetology school.

A good cosmetology certification school will educate you and prepare you to deal with the most challenging and demanding clients.

Projected Career Map

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional certifications drive career advancement. In the face of scarce permanent opportunities and a lack of a defined growth path, advancing as a Cosmetologist frequently entails acquiring more temporary contracts and requesting higher pay rates.

Your level of confidence, as well as the amount of experience and skills you believe you have to give, will help you decide when it is appropriate to request greater pay and bid on project work in a more senior role.

Job Prospects

Overall, career opportunities should be plentiful. Many job opportunities will be created as a result of the need to replace employees who transfer to other occupations, retire, or quit the occupation for other reasons.

Cosmetologists, on the other hand, should expect fierce competition for positions and clients at higher-paying salons. There are limited, and applicants must compete against a big pool of experienced professionals. Having experience will be extremely beneficial in obtaining a job at a higher-paid salon.

Beneficial Professional Development

Cosmetology is a career path that entails much more than just mastering a variety of technical abilities. Most cosmetologists want to improve or consolidate their present talents in order to expand their areas of competence or create higher-quality work within their specialty.

Because freelance employment is so prevalent, training is frequently on-the-job, with employees responsible for their own continual professional development (CPD). There are few training opportunities, mostly in commercial schools, but you must pay for them. You could join national organizations to get discounts on training courses, events, and information.

Further studies allow you to experiment, diversify, or gain the specialized expertise you need. Postgraduate courses in Swedish Remedial Massage, Spa Therapy, Electrolysis, and Lash Technician are available to students.

Conclusion

Who doesn’t want to be a style influencer on the cutting edge of cool? Another new cosmetology trend will have emerged by the time you read this. And who knows, maybe you’ll be the one to bring in the next big thing!

Advice from the Wise

A profession in cosmetology may appear beautiful, but it is not always easy. However, if you enjoy making people look and feel beautiful, the delight you will find as a Cosmetologist will make every difficult day worthwhile. Maintain a compassionate heart. Keep an eye out for one another. Remember that it is our diversity that makes us attractive. And, by the way. If you want to shine, you must work hard!