We get this question all the time, what does cosmetology include? Anyone interested in cosmetology knows that it’s more than a way of making money. It’s an art form, and much science and passion goes into joining this field. Cosmetology students have to learn and perfect various skills from hair, skin, and nail beautification to therapeutic treatments. 

 

Cosmetologists have to understand the science behind hair treatments, how to keep up with trending beauty goals, and the anatomy of hair, skin, and nails. The beauty industry is an ever-changing field, and it takes a lot of skill and practice to keep up. Because of this, cosmetology workers are highly-skilled professionals and are almost always in demand by employers. 

What does Cosmetology Include in Terms of Potential Career Paths?

The term cosmetology encompasses many different aspects of beauty expertise. Since cosmetology programs teach students such a wide variety of skills, there are many potential career paths for cosmetology school graduates to take. Common choices include hairstyling, nail art, esthetics, and makeup artistry. 

 

1. Hair Styling

Hairstylists and hair care professionals are some of the most in-demand cosmetology workers. While many people go to nail techs and makeup artists, everyone needs to get a haircut eventually. 

 

Hairstylists do more than cut hair. They’re also experts at dying, treating, and styling hair. A hair stylist’s potential places of work include salons, spas, barbershops, and sometimes even home visits. Their national pay averages $18.43 an hour.

1. Beauty Consultant

Beauty consultants are considered highly knowledgeable in the beauty field. It’s their job to provide insight and knowledge regarding the beauty industry and style trends. Businesses can become more successful by hiring beauty consultants and gaining information to make more informed decisions. Shoppers can also purchase beauty products more suited to them by referring to a beauty consultant. They may work in a beauty shop or freelance, and the average national pay is $13.05 an hour.

 

1. Skin Specialists

Clients hire skin specialists when they need help cleansing or beautifying their face or body skin. Skin specialists are well-educated and fine-tune their skills with frequent practice to properly sterilize equipment, perform facials, provide skin treatments, and more. They can also recognize and provide advice on skin issues. Salaries can begin at around $13.11/hour, but once they reach a senior level position with experience, that can rise to about $18.11 an hour.

 

1. Nail Technicians

From a simple mani-pedi to complex design and pattern trends, nail technicians give their clients nails they love. They know and practice proper safety measures, like sanitizing equipment. They also need to recognize and stay up to date with nail trends. These artistic nail specialists make an average of $16.58 hourly nationwide. 

 

1. Cosmetology Instructors

Cosmetology instructors are people who have been in the beauty industry for a while and have the skills and understanding to bring a new generation of students into the cosmetology field. Cosmetology instructors might teach students about cosmetology in general, or they might specialize in a specific aspect of cosmetology. They often provide hands-on learning and make an average of $17.67 an hour. 

 

1. Estheticians

Esthetics is a very specialized field of cosmetology. They have to understand skin anatomy, how it works, identify and treat various skin ailments, and more. They provide services relating not only to skin beautification but also health. They often offer clients in salons or spas with treatments they need to achieve excellent skin health and meet their beauty goals. The national average pay for estheticians is around $17 an hour.

 

1. Makeup Artists

A makeup artist’s job is pretty self-explanatory. They help clients achieve their personal beauty goals by applying makeup looks. They often do this for big events like weddings, graduations, or photoshoots. They have to work tirelessly to keep up with the ever-changing makeup trends and practice them if a client requests them. They typically work for salons, studios, theaters, and spas. They make a national average pay of  $21-38 per hour, depending on experience.

 

1. Cosmetic Writer

Cosmetology writers often work hand-in-hand with others in the cosmetology field to review new or trending beauty products, discuss popular cosmetic topics with magazines, and market cosmetic products. They often work freelance and make a national average pay of $25 an hour.

1. Barbers

Barbers are very similar to hairstylists but specialize in men’s hair services, whereas hairstylists have a broader target audience. They provide men with any hair service they may need, including cuts, stylings, and dyes. They often work with facial hair, as well, and can style, trim, and shave facial hair safely and without irritation. They most commonly work in barbershops and make a national average pay of around $23 per hour. 

Get Started With Chattanooga College

As you can see, a cosmetology degree can be a versatile and useful training course to complete. It opens many doors for you in the beauty industry, and gives you many paths to follow where you can find a fulfilling job that supports your income needs. To start your cosmetology journey, check out Chattanooga College and speak with one of our advisors today.