- A licensed cosmetologist is a beauty specialist trained to treat hair, skin and nails. A cosmetologist has various duties relating to hair care and skin care. She advises clients on hair styles, makeup, skin-care regimens, nail maintenance and any other beauty-related concerns a customer may have. A cosmetologist may specialize in one particular area or be involved in general customer care. Generally, cosmetologists must be at least 16 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, have graduated from a cosmetology school and become licensed by the state. Becoming licensed requires taking a cosmetology test to prove skills as well as a written test.
- During a typical work day, a cosmetologist works with clients to help them achieve their desired look. Customers may be regulars who have appointments or walk-ins. The cosmetologist starts by offering the client a thorough consultation, assessing any significant problems or conditions and implementing a desired service. A cosmetologist has various duties during a typical day, including cutting, styling, coloring, perming, straightening and highlighting hair, giving manicures and pedicures, giving facials, grooming the eyebrows, providing waxing services and applying makeup.
- A licensed cosmetologist may also have some extra duties such as working on movie sets, in fashion shows or for magazines. She may be hired to apply makeup on actors and musicians for movie premieres or concerts. Additionally, a licensed cosmetologist may be hired to come to a person's home for a consultation and treatment. Many services such as facials, manicures and pedicures and hair styling can be performed at the convenience of a person's home. A cosmetologist must have a keen understanding of a client's personality to give her a look that fits her individuality.
