Cosmetologist Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a cosmetologist. Feel free to use our cosmetologist job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a cosmetologist.
Who is a Cosmetologist?
If you have a passion for the beauty industry or are fascinated by hair styling and design, then cosmetology may be the perfect job for you. Do you like helping your spouse or family member and friends with their hair? Do you enjoy watching videos about beauty? Then becoming a cosmetologist might be the right career path for you. Cosmetology simply means the study and application of beauty and encompasses skin and hair care among others. It is a career that is growing rapidly where practitioners help beautify the hair, skin, and nails of their customers and clients. In other words, cosmetology is an art or science that involves the beautification of hair, skin, and nails. As a profession, cosmetology is built on human interaction. Developing or building up a customer base in cosmetology depends not only on the skill of the expert but also on the trust and rapport they build with their customers. Also, clients put their faith in the expertise, technicalities, and professionalism of these experts. Thus, if an individual can make clients and customers feel great about themselves after a cosmetic session, then he or she can have a successful career in cosmetology. Cosmetology requires a range of both hard and soft skills that are necessary for success in the role.
A cosmetologist is an expert that is trained and equipped to apply cosmetic procedures, therapies, and treatments to beautify one’s outer appearance and implement cosmetic treatments to people’s skin, hair, and nails. Some of the products used in the beauty and cosmetology industries to apply nails and hair dyes contain chemicals that have been shown to have adverse health effects for a cosmetologist. Therefore, cosmetologists often wear protective clothing and gears to mitigate potential health risks and hazards posed by these products. A cosmetologist frequently cuts and styles clients’ hair as well as other services including facial hair treatment, manicures, and pedicures. Most cosmetologists are employed by salons, spas, and beauty shops; however, some work in resorts and other agencies. Typically, a cosmetologist uses clippers, scissors, and other equipment including chemicals when styling or working with customers. Working hours are mostly full time although part-time and flexible schedules are available based on the employer. Other cosmetologists work nights and weekends to accommodate their clients’ availability. These professionals are trained and licensed to perform cosmetic remedies including chemical hair removal, fashion trends, wigs, nail care, skin and hair analysis, relaxation techniques, and aromatherapies.
The demographics of cosmetologists show that they are predominantly females of reproductive age with hairdressers and nail technicians making up a large part of the working population. Furthermore, they provide personal care services to clients who may choose to be barbers, skin care specialists, or estheticians. As long as there are people that want to look their best, a cosmetologist can arguably always find employment. Importantly, a cosmetologist might be trained to work exclusively in one area or in a venture that provides a particular beauty care service to clients and duties can vary from one day to another. The term “cosmetologist” was coined from a Greek word to mean “to beautify”. A cosmetologist enables and helps individuals to achieve their ideal physical appearance by tweezing, waxing, and applying artificial nails when required. Regardless of the location, all cosmetologists require a license to be recognized and practice professionally, especially in developed countries. Most self-employed cosmetologists tend to set up their salons while others prefer to rent a space in a group setting. Some cosmetologists focus on building a client base that they serve regularly for many years.
Additionally, a cosmetologist does more than provide haircuts and styling services. These specialists have a deep understanding of the industry; they stay abreast of new trends and updates, study how to apply specific styling skills, and know how to interact with and work with colleagues and customers. Relatively, each element of cosmetology is an essential part of what makes a cosmetologist great. Therefore, this article will provide details of the job description of cosmetologists and the qualifications or requirements for a cosmetologist. Also, the relevant skills, employers, and salary scale of cosmetologists will be dissected and steps on how to become a cosmetologist will be exploited.
Cosmetologist Job Description
The main elements of cosmetologist duties and responsibilities are hairstyling, haircutting, hair coloring, shampooing, nail care, pedicures, facials, manicures, make-up, and wig cutting and cleaning. A cosmetologist also performs other duties that may be administrative or customer service-related. Significantly, most of the associated duties of the various forms of cosmetologists are the same; some may be required to use cosmetics to enhance or change an actor’s or performer’s appearance for example. Overall, a cosmetologist is expected to perform the following duties in no distinct order;
Hairstyling: A cosmetologist understands that a beautiful or elegant style says a lot about a customer’s personality and character. It can boost their self-esteem and influence other people’s first impressions. Therefore, the cosmetologist customizes a hairstyle to the preference of the client and uses moisturizing hair masks to provide the nutrition it needs to make it healthier.
Barbering: Though there are similarities with hairstyling, barbering is mostly focused on male customers. The cosmetologist shaves facial hair, perming hair, and performs facial treatments in addition to some duties performed in hair styling.
Haircutting techniques: Cosmetologist learns several haircutting techniques as part of their training since haircutting entails different techniques and clients’ preferences. Professional cosmetologists may suggest a specific cut style to a customer that enhances their facial features or gives their hair more body. The most common techniques for cutting hair are point cutting, graduated, slicing, layering, razor cutting, and slice cutting.
Shampooing: Shampooing a customer’s hair is one of the basic tasks of a cosmetologist. It involves the use of shampoo before or after a haircut or styling. Some cosmetologists shampoo the hair before styling or cutting it to have a clean scalp and hair to work with. On the other hand, some prefer to cut their hair, dry it, and wash the hair. However, shampooing depends on the cut and personal preferences.
Hair coloring: An ideal way of achieving a new look is with new hair color. Cosmetologists advise customers on the best type of color for their hair. When customers want to change the color of their hair or add highlights, a cosmetologist considers the customers’ eye color and skin tone and suggests the appropriate hair color. Remember, the hair color can make or break the look a client wants to achieve.
Pedicures, manicures, and nail care: An important duty of a cosmetologist is nail care, manicure, and pedicure. Most cosmetologists are skilled and equipped to shape and trim nails according to the clients’ requests. Also, they should be creative in decorating a customer’s nails with glitter, gems, transfers, and varnish as well as be able to use an airbrush technique to decorate the nails. The cosmetologist must be knowledgeable to advise customers about the proper care of the nails and hands; they should suggest or recommend products that are safe to use to keep the nails clean.
Wig cleaning and cutting: Some customers and clients who wear wigs should have them cleaned and tidied always. The cosmetologist should be able to cut, clean, and unsoiled to prevent the client from having a choppy appearance. Special hair products are designed for use on the wig; hence, a cosmetologist can recommend the most appropriate products to use to the customer.
Facials and make-up: A customer might request facials to improve the appearance of their skin. Cosmetologists should apply makeup and other facial care to achieve the client’s goals. Most customers schedule appointments with their salon before special events like weddings, proms, and photoshoots.
Other duties of a cosmetologist include selling and advertising products and services, booking and setting appointments, performing minor accounting duties, and creating a clientele.
Qualifications
Training, education, and other requirements can vary depending on the type and nature of employment and the cosmetologist form the individual wishes to pursue as well as international, federal, state, and local regulations. Although a reasonable percentage of cosmetologists are self-employed, they still have to ace certain qualifications to be allowed to practice in some jurisdictions. Below are the core qualifications every aspiring cosmetologist must present for employment or practice;
Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required for some cosmetologist roles. Also, some employers mandate aspiring cosmetologists to complete and present a diploma from a vocational school. Most courses or classes prepare the candidate for a licensing examination. Depending on the state or country, the aspiring cosmetologist must attain certain hours and test for each type of cosmetology service they want to offer.
Training: The candidate must complete and present an approved cosmetologist training from a recognized institute that lasts for at least nine months. The training imbibes the candidate with adequate skills for barbering, hairstyling, hair coloring, and shampooing to mention but a few.
License to practice: A cosmetologist must have the right licensure or permission to practice. Licensing requirements vary from country to country or state to state. However, the procedure for obtaining a license is the same. It begins with completing a mandatory vocational education and training for a specified period at an accredited cosmetology school or employer. After completing the classroom instruction and practical studies, the candidate must sit for and pass a licensing examination which often includes a written and practical section. Most employers favor cosmetologists with the right licensure.
Experience: Whether or no experience is needed depends on the employer. Some managers prefer to hire newly licensed cosmetologists as entry-level employers and train them on their organization or business policies. Other employers consider cosmetologists with previous experience working in a salon or other related beauty venture.
Essential skills
If you are interested in a career in cosmetology, you will need a strong blend of specific hard and soft skills. Cosmetologists’ skills include a range of skills that are necessary to succeed in the position. Besides the specific skills that focus on hair treatments and styling techniques, a cosmetologist relies on transferable skills like empathy, passion, and creativity. Examples of these skills include;
Networking skills: A cosmetologist needs networking skills to build a strong network by connecting with professionals and clientele. Remember, many cosmetologists are independent contractors and small business owners who often need professional networks to support their work.
Computer and technical skills: A basic understanding of computer applications is of advantage to the cosmetologist. Many employers and firms use appointment-setting software to manage and book customer appointments. Hence, understanding how to navigate computer programs and basic scheduling applications can aid the cosmetologist to succeed in the profession.
Dexterity: Whether the cosmetologist is cutting hair, shaving facial hair, or waxing, he or she needs good dexterity skills to satisfy the client.
People skills and thinking outside the box: An ability to interact well with people and to be pleasant and friendly even under trying circumstances is inestimable to a cosmetologist. Relatively, a cosmetologist needs to be creative and willing to adapt to new trends in the industry.
Cleanliness and organization: A cosmetologist must keep a neat personal appearance. Similarly, they need to keep their work area sanitary and clean to make customers comfortable throughout their stay in the organization.
Industry knowledge and business sense: He or she must be proficient in bookkeeping, handling money, and promoting products and services. In addition, a cosmetologist needs a deep knowledge of the beauty industry to succeed.
How to Become a Cosmetologist
The steps to becoming a cosmetologist may vary based on where the individual plan to work and the services he or she plans to provide. Generally, they will need to complete a specialized cosmetology training program and demonstrate their competence through a licensing process. Nonetheless, an individual can follow the following steps to begin a career as a cosmetologist in any setting;
- Meet the minimum requirements
- Enroll in cosmetology or vocational school
- Complete and pass coursework
- Decide on or choose a specialty to focus on
- Gain experience if applicable
- Pass a licensing examination
Where to Work
A cosmetologist can establish themselves as an expert on the hair or make-up for special occasions such as weddings. They may also pursue careers as hairstylists for television studios or magazines or become personal cosmetologists for celebrities and politicians if they are looking for something less traditional. The employment opportunities are numerous as the field continues to grow steadily. Major employers of a cosmetologist include hair salons, nail salons, barbershops, spas, and resorts.
Cosmetologist Salary Scale
Geographic location and the types of services that a cosmetologist performs are major factors in how much they earn. Cosmetologists who secure high-end salons in major markets may earn much more than those in small towns. Self-employed cosmetologists have more control over their income as they can choose how much they work, the rates they charge, and the services they offer. Hence, a cosmetologist can earn between $7.25 to $52.60 per hour. The median base salary is $25.42 hourly.
