Beauty
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The saying goes that "beauty is only skin deep," but apparently that's enough for most of us: The beauty industry is a thriving one, one which helps its clients gain confidence by improving their appearance. There are many specializations within the beauty industry, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the beauty care regimen. Barbers, hairdressers, and hairstylists work with their clients' hair, cutting, styling, and offering additional hair care services. Our hands and feet receive attention from nail technicians who apply nail extensions and color and polish nails. Estheticians and skin care professionals are a rising group of beauty workers. They attend to their clients' skin by offering services like peels, facials, and head and neck massage. They also apply makeup and offer skin care tips and techniques.
Most beauty workers are required to earn a state-issued license before they can begin offering their services to the public. In order to earn this license, they must first graduate from a state-recognized certificate or degree program. These programs can take six months to two years to complete, depending on the type of program and the amount of additional liberal arts courses included. They are offered by junior colleges and vocational/technical schools. After completing a recognized program, applicants must pass the state's written and practical exams, before they can earn their license.
Most beauty specialties will be seeing much faster than average job growth in the coming years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As the aging baby boom population and younger adults begin utilizing more beauty services, there will be a rapid growth in entry-level positions. Beauty and cosmetology workers can expect to earn $19,000-40,000 a year, depending on their professional experience and place of employment.
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Career Specializations
- Barbers: These beauty workers market to a primarily male clientele. They give haircuts and trims, as well as shaves.
- Hairdressers & Hairstylists: These beauty workers also work on hair, but their services are targeted toward both men and women. They cut, style, dye, and highlight hair, and give treatments like perms.
- Nail Technicians: Nail techs are licensed to perform manicures and other nail services; the apply nail extensions and color and polish nails.
- Estheticians: Estheticians are cosmetologists who focus on skin care. They provide skin care services such as facials, beautifying peels, exfoliant treatments, and scalp and neck massages. They also apply makeup.
Degree Levels
- Certificate: 6 months to a year to complete
- Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
Education & Certification Requirements
Most careers in beauty and cosmetology areas require the completion of a certificate or associate degree program in the relevant area. Students need to graduate from a state-recognized program in order to obtain the necessary state licensure to be legally employed. These programs range in their length; hair styling and barber programs take around nine months to complete, whereas nail technician programs are shorter. Students who wish to take general education and liberal arts courses can choose to pursue these programs in the form of an associate degree. These certificate and degree programs are offered by community colleges and vocational-technical schools. Some high schools also offer vocational training programs in these areas.
Along with classes in practical cosmetology skills, such as shampooing, cutting, and styling, these certificate and degree programs commonly include courses in social skill areas and in business. The ability to develop a rapport with customers is crucial for gaining a professional reputation, and courses in professional demeanor can be helpful for students with limited people skills. Many beauty positions also require sales skills. Business classes in management, marketing, accounting and other relevant areas are useful for beauticians who wish to develop sales skills or manage their own salon or beauty business.
A state license is required for nearly all beauty careers, in all states. To earn this license, applicants must have a certificate or degree from a recognized cosmetology school. They then take a written examination in the licensure area to which they are applying. Barbers, hairdressers, estheticians, and manicurists much each apply for a separate license. Most licensure programs also require a practical skills test. (BLS)
Salary Information
For most careers in beauty, a professional's salary depends on their experience level, the location of their business, and their ability to attract new customers and retain a loyal clientele. Newly licensed barbers can expect earnings of around $19,000 a year, whereas those with a developed client base can earn $24,000-33,000. Hairdressers and hairstylists have earnings that are a bit lower, with new workers earning $18,000, and experienced workers earning $23,000-30,000. (BLS; BLS)
Manicurists and pedicurists who have just completed a licensing program earn about $18,000 a year. Those with experience earn $20,000-25,000. Skin care specialists have entry-level salaries at around $21,000 a year. Their potential for hirer earnings is better than most beauty professions, with experienced estheticians earning $29,000-41,000. (BLS; BLS)
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts overall job growth for beauty and cosmetology workers to be about 20 percent through 2018, which is much faster than the U.S. average rate of 7-10 percent. However, job growth will vary by specialty. Estheticians will have the best job prospects by far, with job growth of just below 40 percent. As skin procedures and treatments grow in popularity, the services of these workers will expand in the coming years. Hairdressers and hairstylists will see growth of about 20 percent, as more people choose to dye their hair and use additional hair treatments. Manicurists and nail technicians will see growth of about 19 percent, and barbers will see job growth of 12 percent.
With this nearly across-the-board job growth, those seeking out entry-level positions should have ample opportunities. While entry-level positions will abound, applicants to well-paying positions at top-end salons will still face tough job competition. (BLS)
Related Careers
Esthetics/skin care specialists make up one specialization in the beauty career field. These workers help improve the look and feel of their client's skin. They perform techniques such as facials, exfoliating scrubs, and head and neck massage. Estheticians are predicted to experience extremely fast job growth in the 2008-2018 period as their services grow in popularity.
Nail technicians are another type of beauty specialist. They apply nail extensions to clients' fingers, and help them decide on nail colors and styles that are trendy or appropriate for their look. Most nail technician certificate programs can be completed in a six months to one year.
