A cosmetologist focuses on beautifying and maintaining the health of hair, skin, and nails. Because cosmetology is such an extensive field, many cosmetologists specialize in specific skills. Learning about the duties of a cosmetologist can help you decide if a career in this field is right for you.In this article, we describe what a cosmetologist is and what they do, explore what's required to become a cosmetologist, list where cosmetologists work, and review the skills that make a good cosmetologist.Key takeaways:
- Cosmetology is a diverse field with specializations ranging from hair design and skin care to nail technology and makeup application, making it crucial for practitioners to choose their area of focus.
- Becoming a cosmetologist requires a high school diploma, completion of a cosmetology program, and varied hours of apprenticeship; obtaining an active licence and additional training could be required based on the specialization.
- Cosmetologists primarily provide beauty services but are also often responsible for clerical duties related to their business, tying in skills such as time management, communication, creativity, and problem solving.
What does a cosmetologist do?
There are many specialties that a cosmetologist can focus on in their career, including:
Hair design
When working on a client's hair, a cosmetologist may complete hair cuts, texturing, styling, braiding, colouring, bleaching, and hair treatments. Before cutting, a cosmetologist washes the client's hair. They can also provide suggestions for the type of haircut and treatments that might work best for the client's hair. Haircut techniques may include layering, point cutting, slide cutting, and razor cutting. Hairstylists also use several techniques when colouring, including highlights, ombre, and balayage. After the cosmetologist performs a haircut or colouring, they may perform stylings, such as curling and straightening hair, and updos.
Esthetics
Estheticians are professionals who specialize in taking care of skin. A cosmetologist may do esthetic work that includes treatments such as exfoliating, facial masks, facials, tanning, and anti-aging treatments. Additional esthetic work includes relaxation-focused treatments such as aromatherapy and face and scalp massages. Cosmetologists can also perform hair removals, such as waxing, threading, and electrolysis. Cosmetologists who specialize in esthetics may also assess a client's skin texture and type, and suggest appropriate treatments. Besides facial care, cosmetologists can also do treatments on the body, such as body scrubs and wraps.
Nail technology
Cosmetologists may perform the duties of nail technology, including manicures and pedicures. They can also design nail art and apply acrylic and gel nails. When a client wants a manicure or pedicure, a cosmetologist may remove old nail polish, and moisturize and massage their hands or feet.Professionals in this role may also beautify the nails by applying nail wraps and new polish or nail designs, including solid-coloured polish or French nail designs. A cosmetologist specializing in nail technology may also have an understanding of how to keep hands and nails healthy and be able to provide product suggestions to their clients.
Make-up
Cosmetologists can also do make-up applications and artistry. This may include doing make-up for special events such as weddings and graduations, as well as for modelling, film, and television. Cosmetologists who specialize in make-up applications may know the best cosmetic techniques and colours for the client's complexion, face shape, and features. Besides standard make-up application techniques, cosmetologists can also learn special effects make-up applications and how to use special machines for make-up applications, such as airbrushing.
Permanent make-up
In addition to traditional make-up applications, cosmetologists can also apply permanent make-up. Permanent make-up consists of applying a tattoo to look like make-up. This procedure is typically long-lasting. It may include permanent eyeliner and lipstick, and micro-blading eyebrows to make eyebrows look thicker. Cosmetologists can also do permanent make-up applications, like scar camouflage. It can also take the form of lash lifts and extensions. For a cosmetologist to perform permanent makeup applications, they usually need additional training or certification.
Clerical duties
Besides make-up, hair care, skincare, and nail care, many cosmetologists are also responsible for clerical duties related to a business. This can include booking, rescheduling, cancelling appointments, and processing payments from clients. Cosmetologists may also be responsible for ensuring that their workspaces and the front desk areas are clean and organized and that they maintain work equipment. Cosmetologists may also sell related products to their clients.
Qualifications of a cosmetologist
To be a registered cosmetologist, individuals can train and complete 2,000 hours of an apprenticeship before becoming certified. Typically, you need a high school diploma for admittance into cosmetology school, and a cosmetology program takes six months to a year to complete. Requirements for certification vary from province to province, depending on the specialization of hair, barbering, skin, and nails. Once a cosmetologist gains certification, they also need an active license. Cosmetologists may also specialize in different techniques within their niche, which can require additional education.
Where does a cosmetologist work?
Because cosmetologists have such a diverse skill set, there are several places where cosmetologists may work, including:
- Beauty salons and spas: In beauty salons and spas, cosmetologists can do hair care work such as cutting, colouring, nails, and skincare. Besides freestanding salons and spas, cosmetologists may also work in salons and spas in hotels, resorts, and cruise ships.
- Electrolysis studios: Cosmetologists working in electrolysis studios focus on hair removal, using chemical or heat energy to impair the hair at the root, preventing regrowth.
- Pharmacies and department stores: Pharmacies and department stores may hire cosmetologists in their beauty departments to provide advice and sales support for customers.
- Beauty product companies: Companies that make beauty products may hire cosmetologists for product development, marketing, and sales.
- Project-based and freelance work: Cosmetologists may be self-employed, doing freelance work, or they may also take on project-based work for television and film companies, theatre and dance companies, modelling agencies, and photographers.
What makes an effective cosmetologist?
There are several skills and qualities that can help you be more effective in a role as a cosmetologist, including:
Physical dexterity
Because cosmetologists spend a lot of time on their feet, being physically fit is important for this role. Cosmetologists often bend, reach, and twist as they work. Manual dexterity is also important when providing detailed work, such as make-up applications. They also require hand-eye coordination when working with scissors, combs, and styling tools.
Time management
Because cosmetologists are often working on an appointment-based schedule, time management skills are extremely important. It's important to ensure that you have ample time for each client. Time management may also be extremely important due to their role in a larger team. For example, cosmetologists working on a set of films may need time management skills to not slow down production.
Commitment to learning
The field of cosmetology consistently evolves and introduces new styles and procedures. Cosmetologists can benefit from a commitment to continuing their education and staying up-to-date with trends and techniques. Ways to do this include continuing to learn about industry trends and taking classes or courses to expand on or learn new techniques. Cosmetologists also can stay up-to-date on industry regulations and laws to ensure that they are continuing to abide by guidelines.
Communication
When working with clients, especially on their physical appearance, communication is important to ensure you understand what the client wants. It's also crucial to develop a rapport that maintains your clientele. Empathy and listening skills are helpful when communicating and building a relationship with clients. Networking is another important part of cosmetology, as it can help you build a reputation in the field and help you gain clients by word of mouth.
Creativity
Because style is subjective, cosmetologists who are creative may be more effective in keeping their clients happy. A customer may ask for a unique style, or come for an appointment but be unsure about what they want. Cosmetologists can use creative thinking to suggest different styles that might fit the client's wants and needs.
Organizational skills
Cosmetology work involves managing many different items, including products, tools and equipment. This is why strong organizational skills are important for cosmetologists to develop. A cosmetologist may also disinfect and maintain equipment so their workspace is ready for use. Organizational skills are also important for keeping schedules and managing clients.
Problem-solving ability
Because cosmetologists work with clients, problem-solving is vital when dealing with unhappy customers and when helping the customer achieve what they want. Many cosmetologists also have opportunities to work as freelancers or to own their businesses. This requires problem-solving skills to help troubleshoot computer programs, balance books, and deal with other issues that may arise.
