A cosmetologist is a professional who provides his services in a variety of fields; such as hair makeovers, makeup, manicuring, and many other similar profiles. He does not always work on a single profile. Though he may work in any of the above mentioned fields, his primary motive is to make people look beautiful and feel fresh. He is well-versed in cosmetics, and is aware of all the tools and techniques which can be used to make people look more attractive.
There are many establishments which normally avail the services offered by these cosmetic professionals. However, the most common places where cosmetologists are employed in are beauty shops, as most of their job is carried from the beauty salon. Other places in which cosmetologists work in are spas. Some of the licensed cosmetologists may as well prefer to start their own beauty business, providing door-to-door services or opening their own private salon. There is a greater scope for income if they start their own business and gain good reputation. The job description predominantly depends on the work setting which these beauty experts work in. They need to obtain license for operating as an authorized cosmetologist to work in any field.
Education Requirements
If you are thinking of becoming a cosmetologist, there are specialized courses which you need to enroll in. The course duration typically ranges from six months to a year, after which you can take up cosmetology as a full-time profession. You can choose to take up these courses full-time or part-time. The earning potential in this profession also depends on the level of education. Therefore, you also have the alternative for choosing to do the associates degree in the same field. If you want to be more versatile in your profession, it is recommended that you opt for an advanced diploma in the same field. For successfully completing this advanced course, you normally need 2-3 years. After you complete your cosmetology education, you are ready to take the licensing test.
Duties and Responsibilities
As mentioned before, the job description depends on the profile he is working in. If he is a hairdresser; his responsibilities comprise shampooing, trimming, coloring, and treating hair, and making various hairstyles which clients want to wear. If you are a skin care specialist, you have to focus on making clients' skin better by facials and massages. You also have to advice clients on how to take care of their skin, and what cosmetic items are suitable for their skin type. As a makeup expert, along with applying all types of cosmetic products, you would also have to do permanent and temporary tattooing. The job description as a shampooer consists of shampooing and conditioning hair of the clients. As a manicurist, he would be required to carry out duties which include coloring, cleaning, and treating customers' nails, and advising the customers how to take good care of their nails.
Salary Range of a Cosmetologist
As in any other profession, the salary range of a cosmetologist counts on many factors; such as the level of education, degree of experience and expertise, the work setting which he works in, and many others. The earning potential of this profession is high, due to the knowledge and skill required to flourish in this business. Cosmetologists may get paid either monthly or hourly. So, hairdressers and hairstylists may get $11/per hour, skin care experts may get approximately $13/ per hour, manicurists about $10/ per hour, and shampooers around $8/ per hour. If you are a beginner, you may get an annual salary of around $13,000 to $30,000, depending on your education and skills. After some years of experience, you may be eligible for a pay of around $30,000 to $50,000.
In simple words, this job description includes performing every task which is needed for enhancing the clients appearance. Those who are self-employed or own their individual business may have additional responsibilities like business administration, purchasing necessary products and promoting and marketing of their business.
