Cosmetology Instructor Job Description
Cosmetologists are professionals in the beauty industry who work to improve the personal appearances of their clients. Cosmetology instructors teach techniques in hairstyling, manicuring and makeup to prospective professionals in the beauty industry. They must be highly skilled in the industry to impart the knowledge and skills necessary for students to succeed in cosmetology. These licensed professionals may teach at community colleges or vocational schools.
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Education
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Cosmetology instructors should have some formal education, such as an associate or bachelor’s degree. Those with associate degrees must have at least six years of experience in cosmetology, compared with those with bachelor’s degrees, who require only two years of full-time cosmetology experience. Cosmetology instructors must have a current, valid license from the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology to work as a cosmetologist and estheticians in that state. Cosmetologists who have sought continuing education courses on teaching methods and developing evaluation techniques will be preferred.
Skills
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Cosmetology instructors must have excellent written and verbal communication skills. They must be able to effectively communicate with students of all backgrounds and must have patience to work with students who need additional explanations. They must be manually dexterous to demonstrate cosmetology skills to students. They must also be able to stand for long periods of time.
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Responsibilities
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A cosmetology instructor educates students interested in cosmetology and skin care. They must teach methods of properly shampooing, cutting, coloring and styling hair. Instructors may also teach students how to help their clients learn to style their own hair. They must also teach the difference in cleaning and styling wigs and hairpieces. Depending on the school, cosmetology instructors may also teach manicures and pedicures, as well as facial treatments. Makeup analysis and application may also be a course. Cosmetology instructors should focus on overall skincare and haircare.
They also teach business skills to further prepare students.
They must maintain each student’s records, including attendance and grades, and submit them to administrators.
Job Outlook
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Cosmetology instructors may advance to become directors of cosmetology programs. They could also pursue a career as platform artists, who demonstrate new techniques and hair and makeup styles at trade shows and other events.
Job opportunities for cosmetologists are predicted to grow by 20 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as the increase in population will lead to more people requiring their services.
Work Environment
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Cosmetology instructors work in classrooms, which feature stations for students at which to work. They can expect to spend most of their workdays on their feet, either standing to demonstrate a technique or walking around to assess their students’ work.
Compensation
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The average hourly wage for hair stylists in May 2008 was $11.13, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries vary based on experience, location and salon. Cosmetologists with more experience and a following of clientele may charge higher prices than their less experienced co-workers.
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References
- Photo Credit the hairstylist image by Frenk_Danielle Kaufmann from Fotolia.com
