Career Summary

A cosmetologist provides appearance enhancing services such as manicures, hair cutting, styling and makeup. Cosmetologists often specialize in specific areas such as hair coloring, cultural hair styles or make up application. A cosmetology degree and license is necessary for pursuing a career and each state has different guidelines that must be followed.

Conversely, cosmetology isn’t just about hair, skin and make up. With emerging technology and health care concerns many customers want to know what they will look like prior to services. New software helps cosmetologist show a customer potential results on a computer before cutting or coloring hair. In addition, the expansion of organic and all natural makeup is in higher demand. There are also a variety of careers that cosmetologist can enter that are rarely known about. Some of the unfamiliar career choices include:

• Mortuary cosmetology for funerals
  
• Film cosmetology
  
• Cosmetology for critical health patients
  
• Cosmetology for designer dolls like American Girls

As hairstylists and cosmetologists become more experienced and gain a following, they can expect their earnings to increase. Some cosmetologists decide to open their own salons or move into different industries that use cosmetologist services such as Entertainment industries.