How to Get a Career in the Beauty Field

While there are a variety of career options in the beauty field, they all provide services to help clients feel and look their best. If you're interested in working in a salon, you may want to consider courses to become a(n):
  • Beautician
  • Cosmetologist
  • Esthetician
  • Manicurist
  • Salon worker.
 
You may be successful working in the beauty field if you are interested in art, fashion, and design, and you like working with people.

Working in the Beauty Field

A state license is required for most careers in the beauty industry. To qualify for a license, you often must graduate from a state-licensed barber or cosmetology school, which usually takes about nine months. Some states also require a high school diploma or GED.
 
In addition to beautician courses, the licensing exam generally consists of a written test and a practical test of styling skills.

Jobs in Beauty

The beauty field is broad. Depending on what you're interested in, you can have a career such as the following:
  • A beautician or hairdresser is a licensed career that focuses on providing a wide range of beauty services dedicated to the hair, including shampooing, cutting, coloring, professionally straightening and styling of clients' hair.

  • An esthetician is a licensed skin care professional who is trained in the cosmetic treatment of the skin. She can perform waxing and do facials on clients. She doesn’t diagnose skin conditions or prescribe medications, because she isn't medical doctors, but she can work closely with dermatologists to do so.

  • A manicurist, also called a nail technician, is a licensed professional that works solely on manicures and pedicures.

  • Salon workers don’t necessarily need to be licensed. A salon receptionist or manager, who books appointments, orders supplies and makes the schedule—but does not actually perform services on the client—doesn't need to be licensed, though administrative experience will be helpful.

Facts and Figures

There are salons across America, so opportunities for entry-level workers may be plentiful, depending on where you live. Competition is fiercer at a high-end establishment, and may require you to work as an apprentice before taking on your own clients.
 
In the United States, growth in the number of full-service spas gives manicurists and estheticians better employment opportunities than some other careers. In 2006, the median hourly earnings for hairdressers and cosmetologists (including tips) were $10.25, but this figure can be much higher in certain cities and at higher-end salons.

Education, Training and Work Experience

If you're considering a career in the beauty field, there are many cosmetology and beauty schools that offer the training needed to pass the State Licensing Examination.
 
Once you've received your license, you may still want to take advanced beautician courses in your area of expertise throughout your career to keep up on current trends.
 
Some beauty workers rent space in a salon, while others work directly for a salon. After years of building up a large clientele, some beauty workers start their own salon. If you’re thinking about changing careers and entering the beauty field, many schools have programs that take less than a year to complete.

Related Associations and Groups

For more information about careers in the beauty field, consult with the following associations and groups:
  • National Cosmetology Association, which promotes professionalism in the salon.

  • The Association of Cosmetology Salon Professionals, which promotes advanced education and professionalism in the industry.

  • The National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers, Distributors and Associations, which has its own certification program, and strives to educate the industry and the public.

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