Enterprising beauty industry professionals know that it’s worthwhile to train at an accredited cosmetology school and obtain a state license. That’s because graduates who become licensed cosmetologists have so many more opportunities available to them. The field of cosmetology includes the care of hair, nails, and skin. Within each of these areas, there are opportunities for specialization. If you are dedicated to helping people feel and look their best, there are many career paths to choose from. Here, Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes, which offers education, training, and hands-on experience for cosmetology students, explains what the future may look like for licensed professionals in the field.
How to Qualify for a Cosmetology License
Cosmetology programs include classroom instruction, practical training, and health and safety components. Students must take what they learn in the classroom and apply that knowledge with real clients under the direction of instructors or other qualified mentors. State licensing requirements vary, but they all include the completion of a certain number of hours of supervised hands-on experience as well as graduation from an accredited cosmetology program.
Each state has its own licensing qualifications and testing system. However, some states offer reciprocity agreements so that cosmetologists licensed in one state can practice in another state more easily. State licensing exams usually include both written and practical parts. All states require recertification after a specific time period and often mandate additional continuing education credits.
The first step of an ambitious cosmetology career path is to find a school that exposes students to a variety of programs and disciplines. This allows the students to gain more experience within the beauty and fashion space as a whole. For example, in addition to cosmetology, Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes offers courses in massage therapy, barbering, and esthiology. In this way, students can observe how these different specialties fit together in the beauty, health, and wellness sectors.
Exciting Careers in Cosmetology
Not only are licensed cosmetologists qualified to apply for most salon, spa, or resort positions, employment opportunities may also be available in the media, healthcare, fashion, education, management, and arts sectors. Here is a sampling of job titles, and the settings where creative, enthusiastic cosmetologists can find careers:
- Skin specialist: Find work in spas, resorts, cruises, dermatology offices, private practices, or wellness centers.
- Nail technician: Professionals in this sector can work in nail salons, the music and film industries, podiatrist and podology offices, and on fashion runways.
- Hairstyle and color specialist: You could be hired at upscale salons, fashion-related businesses, magazine photo shoots, and even advertising agencies.
- Product representative: Marketing departments, manufacturing and distribution centers, company sales forces, and more rely on product representatives to get the word out.
- Makeup artist: Possibilities include fashion and art video shoots, television media companies, weddings, parties, and even permanent makeup businesses.
- Beauty instructor: Help others learn skills and techniques at cosmetology schools, beauty programs, product demonstrations, and nonprofit agencies.
- Movie stylist: Potential workplaces include movie sets of all kinds, from horror films to romantic comedies.
- Sales representative: Skincare product companies, makeup brand promoters, and hair product manufacturers often hire sales representatives.
- Salon owner or manager: Communities worldwide need local establishments to help make clients look and feel their best.
Start Your Career in the Beauty Industry Today
Cosmetology is a comprehensive discipline that maintains standards of hygiene, works with chemicals, and covers treating hair, skin, and nails. The instructors at Inspire Aveda Greatness Institutes work with students to build a foundation of skills and techniques to prepare them to be successful in their careers as licensed cosmetologists. Discover your creative aspirations at our state-of-the-art campuses located in Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. Contact us today to get started on the path to an exciting career in the beauty industry.