A Guide to the Cosmetologist Career Path

Are you considering a career in cosmetology? If so, you’re in luck. Cosmetologists are in high demand—more and more salons are hiring them, and plenty still go on to start their own salon businesses. But where do you begin? What does the path to becoming a cosmetologist look like?

In this blog post, we’ll explore the options available to aspiring beauty professionals. You’ll gain an overview of what it takes to become a cosmetologist, discover the various career paths within cosmetology, and learn how to make your dream of becoming a cosmetologist a reality.

Should You Consider Becoming a Cosmetologist?

The joys of being a licensed cosmetologist are infinite to those who have a passion for the industry. From the opportunity of being paid to do makeup and styling to the feeling that you’re recreating people one body at a time. It’s more than playing in makeup and styling, it’s art. You’ll have the opportunity to make people see their inner beauty manifest into fierceness. What could be better than doing something that you enjoy? You have to work, why not enjoy every minute!

Plus, the demand for licensed cosmetologists is expected to grow by 11% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average for other occupations. That growth equates to approximately 93,800 openings on average each year.

Maybe you’re looking for your share of the booming beauty industry, or perhaps you’re interested in developing a skill needed everywhere! As a licensed cosmetologist, you’ll be able to create your own future. You may choose to align your talents with a salon or day spa. There are even opportunities in department stores. Licensed cosmetologists are also needed for magazines, videos, and film makeup.

Unlike some careers that can be replaced by outsourcing, licensed cosmetologists need to be local. This local need means that stylists are needed onsite for theater productions and fashion shows. The need for cosmetologists is real, and you can use the skills from Brillare to start your career in cosmetology.

How to Become a Cosmetologist

Step One: Enroll in a Cosmetology Program

The first step in becoming a cosmetologist is to attend a cosmetology program. All states require barbers, hair stylists, and cosmetologists to be licensed. To qualify for a license, candidates typically must graduate from a state-approved barber or cosmetology program and pass an exam.

Step Two: Gain Experience and Obtain Your License

These programs often involve both theoretical and practical training, covering topics such as hair styling and coloring, skin care, makeup application, nail care, and salon management. Most programs last from nine months to two years. During your time in the program, you’ll learn about the principles of beauty and gain hands-on experience with real clients. Upon completion of your cosmetology program, you’ll be eligible for licensure and ready to enter the workforce as a professional cosmetologist.

Step Three: Find Your Cosmetologist Career Path

Once you’ve completed your training and obtained your license, there are several career paths available to you as a cosmetologist. You can choose to work in a salon or barbershop setting as a stylist or colorist, become a freelance artist providing beauty services on location, or start your own business offering hair styling, makeup artistry, or nail services.

There are also opportunities available in product development or education positions within the industry. As you consider these options, think about what type of environment you prefer working in and how much responsibility you’d like to assume when it comes to managing clients and employees.

Step Four: Stay on Top of Training and Trends

In order to make sure that your career path is successful and sustainable, it’s important that you take the necessary steps to ensure that you remain up to date on the latest trends in beauty services. This means taking continuing education classes on topics like styling techniques or product knowledge, staying abreast of changes in regulations for salon owners, learning new marketing strategies for attracting clients, and building relationships with other professionals in the industry who can help support your success. Taking these steps will help build your reputation as an experienced professional who is capable of delivering high-quality services consistently over time.

At Brillare, we teach our students the skills they need to become licensed cosmetologists. Our cosmetology program is hands-on, which allows students to learn the skills necessary to enter the job market.

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Exploring Your Cosmetology Career Options

Becoming a successful cosmetologist takes hard work, dedication, and commitment—but the rewards can be great! If you have a passion for beauty services and are looking for an exciting career path that offers flexibility and creative expression along with ample opportunity for growth, then becoming a cosmetologist may be right for you!

While you don’t need to necessarily have all the answers now, some of the career paths cosmetology can open up include:

Salon Owner or Manager: You can open your own salon and manage the day-to-day operations, overseeing staff members and ensuring that clients are happy with their services.
Hair Stylist/Colorist/Barber: You can cut, style and color hair in a salon or barbershop, providing clients with the look they desire.
Makeup Artist: You can work as a freelance makeup artist or in a salon providing makeup services for clients.
Nail Technician: You can specialize in manicures and pedicures, creating beautiful designs on clients’ nails.
Hair Extensions Specialist: You can help clients add length and volume to their hair with extensions, weaves, and wigs.
Esthetician: You can specialize in skin care treatments such as facials, microdermabrasion, and waxing.
Educator: You can go on to teach aspiring cosmetologists the tips and tricks of the trade in a classroom setting or through online courses.
Image Consultant: You can use your knowledge of style and beauty to help clients create the perfect look for any occasion.
Product Representative: You can work with beauty product companies to help promote new products, demonstrate how to use them, and answer questions about them.

With plenty of resources available online or through community colleges or technical institutes offering courses related to cosmetology, there’s never been an easier time than now to get started on this rewarding journey towards becoming one of tomorrow’s top beauty professionals!

Start Your Cosmetologist Career Path at Brillare

Located in Cleveland Tennessee, Brillare Beauty Academy provides a well-rounded education in the fundamentals of cosmetology needed to attain an entry level position within the $571 billion global beauty business.

With your cosmetology license, you’ll have the certification to manage or run your own salon. Brillare has designed the program to provide you with the confidence essential to your success in your new career. Upon the completion of our cosmetology program, students will have the tools and necessary skills to become a Licensed Cosmetologist in the State of Tennessee.

The future is bright as a licensed cosmetologist. Using your skills to hone your talent, opportunities are endless. Apply to Brillare and start your fruitful career helping people become their best selves!

Young Woman With Hairdresser Sitting At Beauty Salon And Taking Selfie On Smartphone

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A Guide to the Cosmetologist Career Path

Should You Consider Becoming a Cosmetologist?

How to Become a Cosmetologist

Step One: Enroll in a Cosmetology Program

Step Two: Gain Experience and Obtain Your License

Step Three: Find Your Cosmetologist Career Path

Step Four: Stay on Top of Training and Trends

Exploring Your Cosmetology Career Options

Start Your Cosmetologist Career Path at Brillare

How Long Does It Take to Begin a Cosmetologist Career?

How Long Does Esthetician School Take?

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