Careers In Cosmetology

Have a talent for working with hair, skin, or nails? Then a career in cosmetology may be right for you. From manicurists to shampooers, and hairdressers to makeup artists, the field of cosmetology encompasses both a wide variety of interests and career opportunities for beauty savvy students.

Those who prefer an ever-changing, flexible work schedule and prefer working with people may enjoy working in one of the many careers encompassed within the field of cosmetology. Here are just a few of the many rewarding career options an education in cosmetology may lead you:

Whatever you call it-- hairstylists, hairdressers, barbers or cosmetologists, the most common form of cosmetology involves cutting, shampooing, and styling hair. Hairstylists may also color and/or perm hair and often advise their clients as to how to most efficiently care for their hair.

For those who would enjoy a more specialized career within the field of cosmetology, the job of a colorist (or color technician) may be more suitable. Colorists specialize primarily in the creative elements of color, whether it be highlighting, low-lighting, or applying base color to a client's hair. Generally speaking, colorists work directly under the direction of hairstylists to provide complete beauty service to their clients.

Manicurists, pedicurists and nail care technicians provide cosmetic beauty treatments for hands and feet. While all virtually similar in nature, manicurists specialize specifically with hands, pedicurists with feet, and nail care technicians with nails. A standard manicure usually includes filing, shaping, and applying polish to nails. A similar practice performed on the feet is a pedicure. Nail care technicians provide more specialized treatments to nails, including the application of artificial nails such as nail tips, acrylics, and artificial nail gels.

Those interested in skin care may enjoy a career as an esthetician. Trained under the field of esthetics, which is the non-medical care of skin, among the services estheticians generally specialize in are facials, makeup and application techniques, waxing, and skin care consultations.

A career in cosmetology offers much more than just a variety of possible career options in the beauty industry. Many cosmetology careers are quickly growing within the job market, making such professions a safe bet for the future. Encompassing over 750,000 jobs last year, the field of cosmetology and other personal appearance care workers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2012. An education in cosmetology likely will yield marketable skills that can be used in beauty industry jobs all throughout the globe. Whether at a hair salon, spa, store, or beauty institute, job openings in the field of cosmetology can be found almost everywhere.

Still not convinced that a career in cosmetology is right for you? Cosmetology schools generally require only a high school diploma or G.E.D. in addition to a short application order to be considered for enrollment. A cosmetology education does not require an extensive monetary investment, either. Although beauty school costs are largely dependent upon the school itself and its location, some could be as low as $6,500.00 for the entire program. Specialized programs, such as those to earn certification as an esthetician or nail care technician, generally cost much less, anywhere between $3,000-5,000 depending on the program and location of the school.

Hair, skin, or nail care, one of the many professions in cosmetology will likely appeal to those who find health and beauty to be much more than just a hobby or niche, but a career choice.