Black Intelligentsia Libraries
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Hairstylist/Cosmetologist
Have you ever been to a hair show and was amazed at the hair designs? Were you just as impressed with the expertise of the stylists and their understanding of Chemistry and the human skin/scalp? If so, and if you enjoy Chemistry and consider yourself to be unique, artistic, and a nonconformist who is gifted at working with your hands, then you should consider becoming a Cosmetologist.
Hairstylists and Cosmetologists enhance clients’ appearance by providing hair and beauty services, such as shampooing, cutting, coloring, and styling hair and massaging and treating scalps. They may also apply makeup, dress, clean, and style wigs and hairpieces, perform hair removal, and provide nail and skin care services. Tools include hairbrushes, combs, scissors, clippers, curling irons, and blow dryers.
The duties of a Cosmetologist include but are not limited to: inspecting hair, face, and scalp to recommend treatment; discussing hairstyle options; washing, coloring, and conditioning hair; cutting, trimming, drying, and styling hair; keeping records of products and services provided to clients; receiving payments from clients; cleaning and sanitizing all tools and work areas; and advising clients on how to care for their hair at home. Those who operate their own salons have managerial duties that may include hiring, supervising, and firing workers, as well as keeping business and inventory records, ordering supplies, and arranging for advertising.
High school students interested in becoming a Cosmetologist benefit from taking Art, Geometry, Biology/Anatomy, Physical Science, Health, and Chemistry. Full-time programs in Cosmetology usually last at least 9 months and may lead to an Associate’s Degree. Cosmetologists typically gain skills through work experience. All states require Hair Stylists and Cosmetologists to be licensed. To qualify for a license, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent, be at least 16 years old, and are required to graduate from a state-approved cosmetology program. Upon graduating, candidates are to pass a state licensing exam which includes a written test and, in some cases, a practical test of styling skills or an oral exam. Periodic license renewals may be necessary. Programs in hairstyling, skin care, and other personal appearance services are available both in high schools and in public or private post-secondary vocational schools. Shampooers do not need a license nor formal training.
Cosmetologists must be able to stand on their feet for long periods of time, and they must be pleasant, friendly, and able to interact appropriately with customers. They should be great listeners, listening carefully to what the client wants in order to make sure the client is happy with the result. Time management skills are important when scheduling appointments and providing services. Clients who receive timely hair care service are more likely to return. Keeping their work area clean and sanitary is imperative and necessary for the health and safety of their clients. The goal is to make clients comfortable enough to want to return.
Employment of Hairstylists/Cosmetologists is projected to grow 16 percent, due to the demand for hair coloring, straightening, and other advanced treatments increasing in recent years. Accompanying growth in this profession will be stiff competition for jobs and clients, as stylists compete with a large pool of experienced hairstylists and cosmetologists. Formulating a superior service package (time management, finished product, clean and safe environment, professionalism, etc.) will help to provide a much-needed competitive advantage. Failing to do so can only result in stagnation, career change, or retirement.
Job Description
Median Salary & Range
Median Salary: $22,570
Salary Range: ~$16,710 - $41,490+
College Majors & Attainment Routes
The normal routes to becoming a Cosmetologist have been to complete high school with as many Science classes and Art electives as possible, coupled with Business classes to help understand how to run a successful beauty salon.
Most Cosmetologists take advanced courses in hairstyling or in other personal appearance services to keep up with the latest trends. Those wishing to establish their own beauty salon also take Business courses, particularly in Sales and Marketing. Still, some (though few) Cosmetologists go on to pursue the instuctor's license, which has proven to be quite rigorous.
Colleges That Provide Above Majors
Colleges that have Cosmetology programs are: Community Colleges, City Colleges, public and private Vocational Schools, and Cosmetology Colleges/Schools.
Available Scholarships
