Cosmetologists will find themselves completing a variety of typical duties throughout their day. These can include beautifying hair, skin, and nails as well as performing administrative, management, and maintenance responsibilities. No two days are the same in the field of cosmetology. Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes introduces you to what the typical duties are for a cosmetologist and how our cosmetology program will prepare you for these jobs.
Locks to Love
On an average day, cosmetologists generally find themselves washing, conditioning, and cutting hair. There are several other hair-related duties that a cosmetologist may be responsible for, such as:
Coloring
Some clients want a change in their natural hair color. They may prefer to add a splash of color or alter their hair color entirely. It’s a cosmetologist’s job to suggest highlights, lowlights, and wetlights to best suit the client’s needs. They may even suggest an ombre look, where natural hair color at the roots remains and lighter shades are applied in a gradual gradient toward the tips.
Extensions
Depending on the salon or venue, a cosmetologist may also need to know how to apply extensions to hair. Extensions are strands of natural or synthetic hair that a cosmetologist will clip, adhere, or bead into a client’s hair, giving the crown a longer, fuller appearance.
Thermal Design
Most cosmetologists are familiar with using brushes, blow dryers, hair straighteners, and heated curlers to add dramatic final touches to a client’s aesthetic. A cosmetology student at Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes will learn how to create high-end hair with blowouts, irons, and even rollers to create stunning looks without the cut or color commitment.
Skin Care Treatments
A cosmetologist could also conduct various esthiology duties as part of their daily tasks, including both facials and skin treatments. These services help rejuvenate the skin on the face, neck, and surrounding areas. A common esthiology procedure is the European facial, which usually consists of gentle cleansing, exfoliation, pore extractions, and a moisturizing mask.
Another type of treatment many cosmetologists perform is a brightening facial. This includes a cleansing and moisture mask in addition to a cosmetic peel made of certain acids and often vitamin C. Cosmetologists who wish to expand their understanding of facials and related services may consider the esthiology program at Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes.
Manicures and Pedicures
Nail care is another primary service area for cosmetologists. For a manicure, the cosmetologist will massage and exfoliate the hands, shape and contour the nails, remove stray impurities around the nail bed, and paint and dry the nails. The whole process can be a luxurious half-hour experience for the client.
Pedicures are similar to manicures. The cosmetologist exfoliates and massages a client’s feet along with filing and grooming nails, and then applies a nail polish of the client’s choice to the toenails.
Keep It Clean
Whether a cosmetologist works in a salon, on a film set, or on a photoshoot, they will need to keep their workstation and setting clean. Sweeping, supplying fresh towels and linens, and making sure all tools are soaked and sterile are all just as much a part of a cosmetologist’s typical day as the services they provide to clients.
Administration, Operations, and Organization
Cosmetologists frequently work in salons, boutiques, or barber shops where teamwork is critical to smooth operations. Aside from applying the art, science, and skill of styling, cosmetologists will also be responsible for organizing their client calendar, answering customer queries, ensuring salon products are stocked, and sometimes managing all operations entirely.
Develop Your Skills at Aveda Institutes
The cosmetology program at Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes teaches students how to maneuver the many responsibilities—both common and rare—of being a cosmetologist. Our schools exclusively use Aveda’s 100% vegan products to enhance clients’ natural beauty, and we instruct students on how to be astute business leaders and entrepreneurs. Contact us today for more information about the cosmetology program at our campus locations in Denver, Colorado; Provo, Utah; and Tempe and Tucson, Arizona.
