Life after high school can seem overwhelming. With so many options available, how do you choose which path is right for you? If you have a passion for beauty and human connection, consider a cosmetology career. This thriving industry offers a wide range of work environments and opportunities.
Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes offers an outstanding cosmetology program at locations in Denver, CO, Provo, UT, and the Metropolitan Area of Phoenix, AZ. Find out more about cosmetology, its advantages, and how you can kickstart your career after high school.
What Is Cosmetology?
Professional cosmetologists are experts in personal beauty. They are trained to treat the hair and skin and to beautify a person’s outward appearance. While doing so, they keep up with the latest trends and technologies to provide a service that exceeds expectations.
As a cosmetologist, you will have the opportunity to express your creativity. Whether you’re coloring and styling hair, applying makeup, or bedazzling your client’s nails with a custom manicure, you’ll be using your artistic eye to bring out each client’s unique allure.
Through their creativity, cosmetologists build human connections. By helping clients look beautiful, you’ll help them feel beautiful. This confidence boost will carry them forward into special events and everyday life.
The art of cosmetology is more than skin-deep. It’s also a science of well-being. Cosmetologists treat acne and skin conditions, nurture hair, and relieve stress through massage techniques. All these services help clients feel refreshed while enhancing their natural elegance.
Types of Cosmetology Careers
Cosmetology is a broad umbrella. This far-reaching industry encompasses dozens of career paths, from hair designers to product marketing. Here are just a few opportunities open to you after earning a cosmetology license:
- Hair designer: Hair designers specialize in cutting, coloring, and styling their client’s hair. Some create elaborate styles for special events.
- Skin care specialist: Some skin care specialists provide rejuvenating treatments at a salon or spa. Others treat skin conditions, helping their clients look and feel healthy. At Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes, we offer an esthiology program for students who want to specialize in this area.
- Makeup artist: Makeup artists may work with brides before a wedding. Others may work with costume or fashion designers to craft looks for the stage, screen, or runway.
- Beauty consultant: Beauty consultants meet with many clients, analyzing their skin and hair to advise on complementary products and styles.
- Product developer: These innovators develop new cosmetology products. Some work with major manufacturers. Others build their own boutique brands.
- Product representative: When a new product emerges, product representatives advertise and help it reach an appreciative audience.
- Writer: Some beauty writers work for a publication to cover emerging trends and events. Others are bloggers who review products or businesses.
Job environments are just as varied as the jobs themselves. You might work at a spa, rent floor space at a salon, send freelance writing to a magazine press, prepare actors backstage, or travel to fashion shows and events around the world.
A Thriving Beauty Industry
While many people join the cosmetology industry out of a passion for beauty and a desire to make a difference, these aren’t the only reasons to get involved. Cosmetologists are in demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts an 8% increase in employment for barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists. That’s about 89,400 new openings each year – more than the national average.
These statistics make cosmetology an excellent industry to enter. Trained individuals can often find plenty of job opportunities, and they enjoy great job security and job mobility. You may even be able to start your own company if you aspire to business ownership.
How to Become a Cosmetologist
If a career in cosmetology sounds attractive to you, then it’s time to get started. All states require cosmetologists to be licensed to practice. Earning your license is a three-step process:
- Graduate high school. Though admissions requirements vary between states and institutions, most beauty school programs require all students to be over the age of 16 and hold a high school or general education development (GED) diploma.
- Attend an accredited cosmetology program. Accreditation means the program meets a standard for education as set by your state. Accredited programs, like Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes, will teach the knowledge and hands-on skills you will need to succeed in your career.
- Pass a licensing exam. Each state hosts its own licensing exam, and its contents can vary. Most exams include a knowledge-based section and a hands-on demonstration. Passing will award you with a license to work as a cosmetologist in your state.
Once you have completed a cosmetology program, passed the exam, and earned your license, you’ll be ready to find your first job placement. Some beauty schools, including Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes, offer a licensure and placement service to help students secure a position. You’ll be on track for an exciting and rewarding career.
Why Attend Beauty School?
Completing a cosmetology program typically takes less time than earning a college degree. Because it’s shorter, you’ll pay less tuition. You’ll also finish and enter the workforce earlier. Licensed positions have higher salaries than jobs without education requirements, so you’ll be earning more than you might otherwise. Above all else, remember beauty school is an investment in your future.
At Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes, flexible scheduling options are available, and we assist with financial aid for students who qualify.
Studying Cosmetology at Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes
If you’re ready to take a step and invest in your future, consider doing so at Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes. We are an award-winning beauty school sponsored by Aveda. Our in-depth program is delivered by instructors with lifetime experience in the industry. We also offer extensive hands-on training in all our programs, including:
- Cosmetology: Our cosmetology program teaches a wide range of beauty treatments, including hair, skin, nails, and makeup. You’ll also learn vital business skills.
- Esthiology: Esthiology is the science of skin care. In this program, you’ll learn a variety of treatments and procedures to keep your clients’ skin healthy and beautiful.
- Massage therapy: Massage has the power to relieve stress and aid in recovery. Our program teaches multiple techniques in addition to aromatherapy and other complementary services.
- Hairstyling: If you have a passion for hair, our program provides the foundation for a career as a colorist or stylist. You’ll learn how to nurture hair, keep up with trends, and more.
- Barber: Our barber program centers on men’s hair care. Students learn clipper and straight razor techniques, fades, and beard and facial grooming.
No matter what program you choose, you’ll be learning in a world-class setting. Students can study abroad and draw inspiration from different locations and cultures. We also take a team to New York events to experience the upper reaches of beauty and design. After graduation, your diploma benefits from the worldwide recognition of the Aveda brand.
Become a Cosmetologist at Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes
After high school is the perfect time to get started with a cosmetology career. Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes offers programs at five locations in Denver, CO, Provo, UT, and the Metropolitan Area of Phoenix, AZ with day and evening classes that vary by campus. Our students are accepted in positions around the world. Contact us to learn more about our admissions process.