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Cosmetology is a field concerned primarily with treatments for hair, skin, and nails. Whether you love the beauty industry or you’re the type of person who takes pleasure in helping others look and feel beautiful, a career in cosmetology could be your calling.

Before you can become a cosmetologist, you must obtain a license. Qualifications for licensing vary by state, but professionals are typically required to complete a training program and pass state testing to prove competence.

You may also choose between a comprehensive cosmetology license or an area of specialization. What types of careers are available in the field of cosmetology?

Esthetician

If you’re passionate about skin care, becoming an esthetician is the way to help clients improve surface skin conditions. By offering superficial treatments like facials and microdermabrasion, you can treat common conditions like acne, scarring, and signs of aging, helping reveal a fresh, smooth surface and glowing skin.

You can also offer body treatments like scrubs, masks, and wraps. As an esthetician, you not only work to improve the condition of skin but also boost client confidence, which can be incredibly fulfilling. Estheticians are also permitted to offer services like hair removal, nail treatments, makeup application, and brow and lash treatments.

Hairstylist

Like estheticians, hairstylists help clients define their look and feel gorgeous. Stylists offer services like cut and color, blowouts, styling, and various hair treatments, such as perms, relaxers, deep conditioning, and more.

Some stylists also offer specialty services like hair extensions or wig trimming. Others specialize in specific hair types and styles, like textured hair care or locs and braids.

You may make a name for yourself offering bridal and wedding party styling, or you could specialize in editorial looks or styling for film and television. With a hairstylist license and the right experience, you can also progress in your career to manage or own a salon.

Beauty Brand Representative

If you understand skin or hair care and love the wide world of beauty products, you may opt to pursue a career representing a specific beauty brand. Whether you work in sales or become a spokesperson, you’ll have the opportunity to act as the front-facing arm of the operation.

This could include working with retailers and distributors to promote and sell products or representing the brand at trade shows and industry events. If you have a strong social media following, you could also become a paid influencer or brand ambassador for one or more brands, providing educational content, such as demos and tutorials.

Cosmetology Educator

As an experienced cosmetologist, you may decide to pay it forward by obtaining a cosmetology instructor license. This additional license allows you to work in beauty and vocational schools, as well as online institutions, educating students about topics like cosmetology practices, business management, and regulatory compliance.

Versatile Careers Await With a Cosmetology License

Cosmetology covers a broad field of beauty services and specialties. Whether you obtain a general cosmetology license or focus on skin, hair, or nails, you open the door to exciting career opportunities that can be both lucrative and personally fulfilling.

Are you ready to launch your career in cosmetology? Contact RocketCert to learn more about exam prep programs for your state.