Become a Cosmetologist, Esthetician, or Nail Technician

What kinds of beauty related careers are there?

Cosmetologists - A cosmetologist focuses on providing hair care services to improve the appearance of consumers. Other personal appearance workers, such as theatrical and performance makeup artists, shampooers, manicurists and pedicurists, and skin care specialists provide specialized beauty services that help clients feel and look their best.

Barbers shampoo, trim, cut and style hair mainly for male clients. They also fit hairpieces and offer facial shaving and scalp treatments. In several states, cosmetologists are licensed to bleach, color, or highlight hair and offer permanent-wave services. Cosmetologists may also offer skin care and nail treatments.

Hairdressers, cosmetologists, and hairstylists offer many beauty services, such as styling, coloring, cutting, and shampooing hair. They may advise clients on how to take care of their hair at home. In addition, cosmetologists may be trained to give manicures, pedicures, and scalp and facial treatments; provide makeup analysis; and clean and style hairpieces and wigs.

Nail Technicians - A number of workers in this field offer specialized services. Manicurists and pedicurists, known as nail technicians in some states, work mainly on nails and provide manicures, pedicures, nail extensions, and polishing to customers.

Estheticians - Skin care specialists, called estheticians, cleanse and beautify the skin by giving full-body treatments, facials, and head and neck massages as well as applying makeup. They may also remove hair through waxing or, if properly trained, through laser treatments. Theatrical or performance makeup artists apply makeup to improve performers’ appearances for movie, television, or stage performances. In larger salons, shampooers focus on shampooing and conditioning hair.

Education & Training

Most states demand that barbers and cosmetologists go through a program in a state-licensed barber or cosmetology school. Programs in skin care, hairstyling, and other personal appearance services can be found in high schools and also in public and private postsecondary vocational schools.

Full-time programs in cosmetology and barbering usually take 9 months and often lead to an associate’s degree, but training for pedicurists, manicurists and skin care specialists requires much less time.