Education & Skills Needed to Be a Cosmetologist
Cosmetologists are beauty professionals who provide hair care and hair styling services to customers. They may shampoo, color, cut and style hair. In addition, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS, notes that some cosmetologists provide makeup analysis or nail care services. To qualify for employment, cosmetologists complete postsecondary training and, in some states, they must be licensed.
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Education
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Most states will require aspiring cosmetologists to attend a licensed cosmetology school. Programs are available at some high schools, as well as at public and private vocational schools, notes the BLS. A full-time cosmetology program, such as the one offered by Regency Beauty Institute, can be completed in as little as seven months in some states. Cosmetology students learn about hair cutting and coloring, nail and skin care and the salon business.
Licensure
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The BLS notes that all states require cosmetologists to be licensed, with the exception of shampooers. While specific qualifications vary by state, in general a cosmetologist must be at least 16 years old, have a GED or high school diploma and be a graduate of a licensed cosmetology school. After graduating from a licensed program, aspiring cosmetologists take an examination that may contain written, oral and practical portions.
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Skills
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In addition to meeting education and certification requirements, cosmetologists need to be knowledgeable about fashion and beauty trends. The BLS notes that interpersonal skills are important--so much so that some cosmetology schools require students to take courses in that area. Successful cosmetologists combine their technical know-how with business acumen and the ability to communicate well with clients; sales skills have become vital for cosmetologists as more salons get revenue from retail sales, according to the BLS.
Job Outlook
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Employment for cosmetologists is expected to increase by about 20 percent through the year 2018. This growth is largely driven by population increases and a greater demand for hair coloring services by the so-called "baby boomers" and youths, notes the BLS. Competition will be keen for jobs at high-paying salons, but job prospects are excellent for cosmetologists who are trained and licensed to provide a variety of services to clients.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit hairstyling items image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
