The need for licensed cosmetology professionals has drastically increased all over the country. Hair studios, beauty spas, and salons are on the hunt for talented cosmetologists, and the need for these professionals is just beginning. In fact, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for cosmetologists is projected to grow 19% between 2020 and 2030. It is significantly faster than the average increase for all occupations.
If you’re considering starting a career in the cosmetology field, you may face several questions: What is cosmetology? Why attend cosmetology school? What subjects would I learn about?
These are all extremely important things to consider when choosing your potential career path. Taking a deeper dive into these questions may be the best way to determine if a career in the cosmetology field is right for you.
What is Cosmetology?
Cosmetology can be thought of as the study and application of beauty treatments. Typical career paths in the cosmetology field consist of haircutting and design, texturizing, makeup artistry, skincare services, nail services, or barbering. In simple terms, cosmetologists are specialists for anything in beautification.
The field quickly took off after technology made it easier for trends to sweep the country. Soon enough, everyone was interested in looking like their favorite movie stars and singers, ultimately causing the cosmetology industry to soar. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 623,000 people in the United States were employed as cosmetologists during their careers.
Cosmetologists typically work in a variety of different settings, dependent upon the path they choose to follow. For example, they could work as freelancers, which is extremely popular in today’s day and age in makeup artistry and hairstyling for weddings, photoshoots, and proms. However, cosmetologists also typically work in a hair salon or beauty spa.
Why Attend Cosmetology School
If you have a passion for all things beauty, then a career in cosmetology may be the right career path for you. However, to work in the cosmetology field, there are many technical skills and knowledge needed to succeed through proper schooling and education.
Alongside the typical duties, they are also responsible for many odd tasks not typically thought of, which they will learn throughout their time in cosmetology school. An example would be that cosmetologists are responsible for their client’s safety and comfort. It is why a drastic amount of their schooling focuses on sanitation methods and the science behind the treatments they are providing.
To fully understand the science behind the treatments, cosmetologists must also be trained in the basics of biology and chemistry and how the body reacts to certain chemicals and treatments. In addition, it ensures that the products they use are being used correctly. These are all things you can’t learn independently, which must be learned through proper education and instruction.
Benefit of attending a cosmetology school
Another direct benefit of attending a cosmetology school is that when compared to other fields, cosmetology school can be completed in a relatively short amount of time. For example, if you attend school as a full-time student, you could complete your education as short as one year.
Hands-on training is essential in the pursuit of becoming a licensed cosmetologist. Any career that requires technical skills and a great amount of knowledge also requires extensive training. Cosmetologists are the perfect example of this, as they require a significant amount of training and experience to be fully equipped for their future careers. In fact, according to the 2014 Learning in America Survey, 52% of Americans stated that hands-on training provided them with the best and most useful information retention.
Ultimately, the best way to get hands-on training is by enrolling in the proper education route. During your time in cosmetology school, you’re provided hands-on, immersive learning so you can practice, learn from your mistakes, and learn new information to apply to potential future scenarios. So, if a career in cosmetology sounds like the ideal fit for you, then the first step is to enroll in the right beauty school.
Subjects You Will Learn
Cosmetology school offers comprehensive training in all the major procedures and treatments that Cosmetologists need to know to succeed in the industry. In addition, you can expect to learn about all the potential beauty treatments that your clients may request and the industry standards needed to flourish in your future role.
For example, at Genesis Career College, a Cosmetology school in Tennessee, you can pursue a curriculum that will provide you with all the necessary instruction and training to obtain your license and jumpstart your career in the cosmetology field. Their curriculum helps students master new and exciting techniques such as hair cutting and styling, coloring and textures, permanent waving, manicures and pedicures, makeup application, and style trends and industry standards.
Final Thoughts:
Your dedication to your education is the determining factor in whether you’ll succeed or fail as a cosmetology student, so the sooner you can define your future goals, the more prepared you will be for a successful education and future.
If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, a career in cosmetology may be just the right fit for you. However, even with the best intentions in mind, you will not be successful in the role if you do not have the necessary skillset. Therefore, to gain the experience and skills needed to succeed, you should enroll in a cosmetology school that best suits your career aspirations and goals.
