Cosmetology Careers & Jobs: What You Can Do with a Cosmetology License

What can you do with a cosmetology license? The answer may surprise you. While most people may picture a stylist at a salon chair, Cosmetology training from Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes can lead to so many other opportunities, as well. Here, we explore the many career paths that are available to a trained professional with a cosmetology license.

Key Takeaways

• Most cosmetologists start as salon workers who provide hair, nail, skin care, and makeup services. They can grow their careers as managers or specialists.
• Outside of the salon, a cosmetologist license is useful for representatives, marketing experts, and journalists who share products and recent developments in the industry.
• Cosmetologists can open their own businesses, including salons, spas, product lines, retail locations, and more.

Salon Cosmetologist

When you imagine cosmetology careers, the salon floor is likely the first thing that comes to mind. Appropriately, this is where most cosmetologists start. Salon workers provide a wide variety of services to a dozen or more clients daily, including:

• Haircuts, coloring, and styling
• Masks and facials
• Hair removal
• Manicures and pedicures
• Makeup

They work closely with clients, meaning that customer service skills are essential. Each client has different requests, requiring a varied skillset and creative vision to leave all satisfied.

Salon Owner or Manager

For many people, becoming a salon manager is the natural progression from being a salon cosmetologist. Salon owners and managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a salon or spa. They supervise staff members, keep the salon fully stocked with beauty products and sanitization supplies, and make sure that customers walk away satisfied. Many managers also have their own salon chair where they continue to serve customers in between their managerial duties.

Hair, Nail, or Makeup Specialist

Specialization is another way to advance your career path in the salon. Instead of growing their salon management skills, specialists focus on building and refining their skills in a specific area of interest. Some specialist roles include:

• Hair colorist
• Hair stylist
• Hair extensions specialist
• Makeup artist
• Nail technician

Rather than providing the full range of cosmetology services, specialists focus on a narrower scope of service. This close focus enables them to deliver more advanced or higher-quality service than someone who does it all. Becoming a specialist is a great option if there is a particular area of cosmetology that interests you, allowing you to focus on your passion.

Product Representatives and Marketing

Not all cosmetology careers are in the salon. If you aren’t interested in providing cosmetology services to clients, then you can become a product consultant. Product consultants work with manufacturers and retailers to promote new product lines. They may discuss the product’s benefits, demonstrate how to use it appropriately, and answer questions to cultivate interest.

Closely related to product representatives are marketing teams. These experts create branding, labels, displays, and other materials to help new products reach their target audience. It’s a great career path for creative, business-minded individuals who want to leave their mark.

Journalism and Editorial

Journalism is another great option outside the salon. The beauty industry is enormous and always changing. There’s always something new to talk about, from new product lines to exciting events like New York Fashion Week or North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA). As a journalist, you’ll be on the front lines of each new development to bring the news to interested audiences. Your cosmetology license proves your expertise, giving your audience confidence in what you have to say.

Business Entrepreneur

Do you aspire to open your own business? If so, cosmetology is the perfect path toward doing so. After earning a license and gaining years of experience, you will be well-equipped for the challenge of starting your own venture. Business models for cosmetologists might include:

• Freelance service
• Salon or spa
• Product line
• Retail location

Business ownership is challenging but can be highly rewarding. It comes with the opportunity to control your hours and be your own boss, making it an exciting goal for people who love independence.

Learn More About What You Can Do with a Cosmetology License

What can you do with a cosmetology license? The answer: quite a bit! Launch into any of these careers and more with a training program at Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes. Contact us today to learn more about our financial aid opportunities or to schedule a campus tour in Denver, Colorado; Provo, Utah; and Phoenix, Tucson, and Avondale, Arizona.

Cosmetology Career FAQs

Are there creative roles in cosmetology?

Yes, cosmetology is a career field that rewards creativity in many ways.

What advanced training can expand career options?

Educator training can create options for aspiring teachers.

What is the cosmetologist career outlook?

The cosmetologist career field has a strong outlook, with 5% growth from 2024 to 2034 predicted by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).