What Does a Cosmetologist Do?

Cosmetology
What Does a Cosmetologist Do?

If you have a passion for the beauty industry or are fascinated by hair styling and nail design, cosmetology may be the perfect job for you.

Cosmetology is a career that is growing quickly, in which practitioners help beautify the hair, skin, and nails of their clients. Cosmetologists must undergo extensive study and training and be licensed by their state’s certifying board to practice their craft. There are a diverse range of tasks that cosmetologists can do.

What Does a Cosmetologist Do?

Cosmetologists may do several different types of jobs. What can cosmetologists do? They can administer facials, exfoliation, and various skin conditioning treatments to enhance their clients' appearances. Here are some of the most common disciplines in cosmetology, and typical tasks.

A cosmetologist is an expert in the art and science of beautifying the hair, skin, and nails. They apply cosmetic procedures, therapies, and treatments to beautify one’s outer appearance. Specific disciplines in cosmetology include hairstyling (haircutting and coloring), esthetics (skin care), makeup application, nail care (manicures and pedicures), and other beauty treatments.

Hair Styling

Cosmetology includes hair styling, hair cutting, and  hair coloring. Skills and tasks a hair stylist manages throughout the week include:

  • Washing, shampooing, drying, cutting hair
  • Shaping, cutting, texturing, styling, straightening, or curling hair
  • Coloring, tinting, lightening hair
  • Chemically changing hair texture, perms, relaxing hair
  • Braiding hair
  • Installing hair extensions or weaves

Esthetics

An esthetician focuses on the field of skincare. Here are some of the common treatments a skin care specialist will perform:

  • Facials
  • Exfoliation
  • Skin conditioning and wrinkle reduction
  • Waxing, tweezing, eyebrow threading, and hair removal
  • Anti-aging treatments

Nail Tech

A nail technician works primarily with fingernails and toenails. Here are some of their beautification specialties:

  • Manicures
  • Pedicures
  • Nail artistry, nail jewelry
  • Gel nails, silk nails, and acrylic nails

Makeup Artist

A makeup artist may work in professional photography studios, cinema, special effects, fashion shows, weddings, or special events. These specialized cosmetologists know how different cosmetics interact with skin, and how to achieve certain looks and effects using makeup.

Hair Removal

Cosmetologists sometimes use wax or electrolysis to remove unwanted hair from the body. This may require additional training and licensing, depending on state regulations.

Job Outlook for Cosmetologists

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that jobs for cosmetologists, hairdressers, and hairstylists will grow about 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than average.

When considering the duties of a cosmetologist, it's evident that salary potential can increase significantly with experience or by working at upscale salons. Salary can vary for cosmetologists, but is usually better at higher paying salons, or for more experienced cosmetologists. For more information on cosmetologists, and their earning potential, check local salary sites.

Career Paths for Cosmetologists

Cosmetologists have multiple job opportunities. Many work at salons, spas, resorts, or lease a booth from a salon owner. Some cosmetologists open their own salon after several years of experience. spa, hotel, or resort. Some lease booth space from a salon owner. Some manage salons or open their own salon after several years of experience. Some cosmetologists work in dermatology offices, or as makeup artists. Here are some common career paths for cosmetologists.

Succeeding as a Cosmetologist

Cosmetology is a profession that is built on human interaction. Fulfilling the duties of a cosmetologist goes beyond mere technical skill; it involves cultivating strong relationships and trust with clients, ensuring they leave the salon satisfied.

Building up a customer base depends not only on the skill of the cosmetologist, but also the trust and rapport they build with their clients. Customers put their faith in the expertise and professionalism of their cosmetologist. If you can make your customers feel great about themselves when they leave your salon chair, you can have a successful career in cosmetology. This is also a job that requires physical stamina, as you’ll spend a lot of time on your feet.

Cosmetology Programs

Understanding the duties of a cosmetologist involves undergoing rigorous training and education, which typically spans several months in cosmetology licensure programs. Most cosmetology licensure programs take several months and require education about cosmetology principles and methodologies. This is followed by a certain amount of salon hours, getting hands-on practice.

At the Paul Mitchell the School at Campus Cosmetology program, students learn:

  • An overview of the cosmetology industry
  • State of California rules and regulations, sanitation, and chemistry
  • Basic techniques in cutting, coloring, and styling for hair
  • Skin and nail care
  • Advanced makeup techniques

These theory hours are the foundation of training. Future cosmetology professionals then gain additional experience through hands-on practice and evaluation on the clinic floor. A more advanced creative training consists of customizing and combining technical elements of what they have already learned, through experience in our college salon. After this program, cosmetology students are ready for written and practical examinations for their cosmetology license with the California State Board.

Licensing and Certifications Required to be a Cosmetologist

What can cosmetologists do with their license? With the necessary certifications, cosmetologists can pursue various career paths, from working in salons to starting their own businesses. A written and practical (hands-on) examination is required to become a licensed cosmetologist in California. Licensing is done through the State of California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. You can look up exam pass rates for all cosmetology schools in California (including Paul Mitchell the School at Campus Sacramento) at the same website.

Once you have obtained your California cosmetology license, you can do work for clients, work in hair salons, as a makeup artist, or work for yourself and open your own salon. Your career path is entirely up to you.

Take the First Step Towards Being a Licensed Cosmetologist

Cosmetology is a fulfilling career that is growing over the next decade. Our Sacramento campus prepares you to succeed as a professional cosmetologist through out Paul Mitchell the School at Campus Cosmetology program.

Ready to embark on the journey of understanding what a cosmetologist does and pursuing a fulfilling career in beauty? Contact us to request more information and begin your cosmetology education journey today!

Next Steps

[1] Note: The data provided above are from a source unaffiliated with Campus Sacramento, formerly known as MTI College, are for informational purposes only and represent the employment field as a whole. They are not solely specific to Campus graduates and, by providing the above information, Campus makes no representation, direct or implied, or opinion regarding employability.