All about Cosmetologist
If you are planning to pursue a career in cosmetology, you should make a conscious effort to learn all you can so that you can prepare yourself accordingly.
Who is a cosmetologist? A cosmetologist essentially provides beauty and advisory services to its client. Some of the main services include:
- Shampooing
- Hair cutting
- Hair coloring
- styling hair
- advise regarding temporary, semi-permanent and permanent changes
- manicures
- pedicures
- scalp treatments
- facial treatments
- provide makeup analysis
You can also specialize in one particular area instead of being a jack of all trades. For example, there are many professionals offering specialized nail services. This specialization earns them a niche and exclusivity.
Education and training:
If you plan to pursue a full time program in cosmetology, you shall expect anywhere from nine to twenty-four months of education. It will earn you a license along with all the required skills and technical knowledge and you can either open up your own business or get employed in an established salon. In case you want to get trained in any one particular area, it will be less expensive and quicker, but you might need to update yourself periodically to stay abreast introductions and innovative techniques.
Job Outlook:
The job outlook is considered good for cosmetology professionals. While the growing number of cosmetology school graduates means stiff competition at five-star salons, the booming spa and beauty resort sector will create additional openings. Employment of barbers, makeup artists, and other cosmetology workers is expected to grow at the national average for all occupations until 2014, according to the BLS.
The typical salary in the industry depends on your specific occupation and, unfortunately, gender. Barbers, most of whom are men, still make more than hairdressers (mostly women), though the only professional difference is the typical gender of their clientele. In May 2006, hairdressers earned a median hourly wage of $10.35, to barbers $11.13. However, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes, earnings can increase rapidly as cosmetologists gain experience and regular clients.
Work life:
In terms of working hours, a cosmetologist enjoys great flexibility and variation. There are many professionals who work part time to meet other commitments. But this may not always be so as there are times when appointments are much more than average and require much more time as well. Other than that, if you plan to seek employment in an existing establishment, it is likely that you will be working with one particular area and emphasis will lay on the fact that you create specialized look every time.
