27 Cosmetology Career Paths - Hidden Careers Under One License

27 Cosmetology Career Paths – Hidden Careers Under One License

With a career in the beauty industry, and while holding a Cosmetology license, here are 27 cosmetology career paths you can consider pursuing.

What is Cosmetology?

By holding a Cosmetology license, legally you are permitted to perform hair, skin, and nail services. This opens up the door to be able to pursue skills and experience in –

Hair Salons
Barbershops
Spas
Esthetics
Specialty Spas
Waxing Spas
Eyebrow Bars
Blowout Bars
Color Specialist Salons
Nail Salons
Makeup Artist
Lash Bar
Fashion and Stage Hairstylist
Become an Educator
Salon Manager
Theater (or Disney)
Extension Bar
Braid Salon
Self Employed
Salon Owner
Work up the Corporate Wall
Trichologist
Wedding Hair Specialist
Permanent Makeup
Laser Treatments
Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peel Specialist
Traveling Stylist

Just to name a few.

Now, let’s dive in and see what other kinds of careers you can pursue with a cosmetology license.

9 Common Cosmetology Career Paths

Having a cosmetology license is an incredible way to launch you into a world of diverse and exciting career options. With a cosmetology license, you can work in a variety of fields and create a career path that fits your lifestyle.

From styling hair and providing beauty treatments to starting your own business and becoming a salon owner, the possibilities are endless when you have a cosmetology license. For those just getting started in the industry and looking to explore all that a cosmetology license can offer, here are nine career paths that can be achieved using a cosmetology license.

1. Hairstylist

With a cosmetology license, you can aim for a career as a hairstylist, providing clients with a full menu of hair services and products. From cutting, coloring, and styling to treating damaged hair, hairstylists are a key figure in the beauty industry.

2. Salon Owner

By having a cosmetology license, you can become a salon owner. Owning your own salon gives you the opportunity to be your own boss and to create a business that reflects your values and lifestyle.

3. Nail Technician

With your cosmetology license, you can offer services such as applying artificial nails, manicures, and pedicures. As a nail technician, you can find work in a salon or even open your own business as a nail technician.

4. Makeup Artist

With a cosmetology license, you can become a makeup artist and offer a variety of services such as applying makeup for special occasions, weddings, photo shoots, and more.

5. Barbering

If you enjoy cutting hair, and wan to specialize in men’s haircutting, styling, and facial hair, then you can use your cosmetology license to pursue barbering.

Offering precision haircuts, creating customized looks, and performing styling techniques for men are just some of the skills that a barber can master.

Under a cosmetology license you are not permitted to use a straight razor on the face. But you are allowed to do everything else a barber can do, maybe even more (in some states barbers aren’t permitted to wax or use color).

However, you can use your cosmetology license and use it to enter a crossover program so that you can obtain your barber license as well! That way you don’t have to start from scratch (hair theory) but just study the barbering tests and get the hours needed to cross over.

Be sure to check your state laws about crossover programs, but most states have no problem with you expanding your career and skill set!

(My experience in a barbering crossover program was simply 300 hours verses the 1500 hours required to start from the beginning. It was worth it to me to get my cosmetology license first, and then go back to school to finish my education several years later.)

6. Esthetician

Being an esthetician is a great way to use a cosmetology license. If you enjoy providing skin treatments and facials, then this is the perfect career path for you!

7. Lash Technician

Lash technicians use various methods to provide longer, thicker, or more curved eyelashes. With a cosmetology license, you can specialize in this treatment and offer services such as Eyelash extensions and Lash lifts.

8. Hair Coloring Specialist

If you are interested in coloring hair, then you can use your cosmetology license to become a hair coloring specialist. Dimensional coloring, balayage, streaks, and ombre are some techniques that a hair coloring technician might offer in their repertoire.

And clients pay $$$ for an excellent colorist that knows what they’re talking about!

9. Educator

It is also possible to use a cosmetology license to become an educator. Working as a cosmetology teacher or an instructor in a salon is a great way to share your knowledge and passion for the beauty industry.

No matter what career path you choose to pursue with your cosmetology license, you can be sure that you will be able to make a living and have a successful career in the beauty industry. By exploring your options, researching the requirements for each job, and following your passion, you can create an amazing career and have the opportunity to do what you truly love.

How to Get a Career in Cosmetology

To acquire a cosmetology license you must pass the state board exam.

To qualify to apply for the state board exam you must attend cosmetology school and get all of the required hours issued by the state you live in.

After completing your training and you have been able to complete all of the tests about hair theory, structure, history, diseases, skin, and nails, as well as worked hands-on on the school salon-floor, you will be ready to apply to take the state board exam!

The state board exam is two parts – practical (hands on) and written (on a computer).

Don’t worry, the state board proctor might be intimidating, but you studied hard to take the practical exam and prepared exactly to a T like the guide instructed. And likely you took mock board exams during your time at cosmetology school.

Once you have passed your Cosmetology exam, you can then pursue any of the following careers!

FAQs Cosmetology Career Paths – Hidden Careers Under One License

How can I Further My Career in Cosmetology?

Here are some exciting insights into the ways you can further your career in cosmetology.

With experience, education, and a bit of ambition, you can elevate your career and maximize your earning potential in the cosmetology industry.

Develop Your Skills at the Salon

No matter your experience level, developing your skills in a salon is an important part of advancing your cosmetology career. In the beauty industry, clients seek the services of skilled and experienced hair and beauty professionals.

To ensure you offer your clients the highest quality of service, keep learning and developing your creativity. Consider attending trade shows, participating in educational workshops, and taking advanced courses in hair styling and other beauty services.

Learning new techniques or ways to save time with services can not only help you to stay focused and motivated, but also help build client loyalty.

Broaden Your Knowledge with Industry Certifications

When seeking advanced opportunities, having the right credentials can go a long way in career advancement. By obtaining professional certifications, such as those offered by the National Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association, you can gain better job prospects.

Industry certifications also help you to stay up to date on the latest technology and products in the industry, so you can ensure that you provide clients with the best services and advice.

Finally, having a portfolio of certifications may enable you to become an instructor in specific cosmetic skills, providing ongoing opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

Establish Your Online Presence

The beauty industry is highly competitive, and having an online presence can set you apart in an increasingly digital world. With a professional website or social media account, you can showcase your skills and demonstrate why clients should choose you.

You can also share tutorials and reviews about products you love, giving your clients valuable advice and showcasing your expertise.

Also, a website or social media account can help you reach a larger customer base, potentially boosting your revenue and your reputation in the industry.

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What is the Future of Cosmetologists?

Throughout the future, the outlook for cosmetologists appears to remain positive. As beauty trends around the world keep evolving, consumers are increasingly seeking expert advice and high-quality products when it comes to their personal style.

This means that the job market for cosmetologists is likely to remain steady, with potential opportunities for career advancement as the industry continues to expand.

As technology advances, cosmetologists will have access to more efficient treatments, faster techniques, and increasingly sophisticated product lines, allowing them to remain competitive and continue to provide top-quality services to their clients.

Where do Cosmetologists Make the Most Money?

The earning potential for cosmetologists varies significantly based on a variety of factors.

I have personally worked with individuals who were killing it in the industry and making amazing money for themselves.

But I have worked with those too who were doing everything wrong and in the industry for the wrong reasons and barely scraping by.

How much money a cosmetologist makes depends on innumerable factors.

Experienced stylists in larger metropolitan cities can typically command higher salaries than those in smaller towns.

Other factors include a stylist’s level of experience, the prices of the salon or spa they work in, the services offered, and the tips received.

Often, self-employed cosmetologists that own their own salons are able to make the most money in the beauty industry. With a successful marketing plan and steady clientele, these professionals can leverage the many opportunities to build their brand and potentially increase their earnings.

No matter where you are in your career, with the right knowledge, training, and ambition, you can shape your future in cosmetology and potentially elevate your earning potential.

With a career in the cosmetology world, you’ll be well on your way to securing a future career in cosmetology and beyond! You literally have every possibility out there waiting for you to grab at it!

What are Some High Paying Jobs with a Cosmetology License?

With a cosmetology license, you can work as a –

Hairstylist
Self employed stylist or salon owner
A salon manager
A spa director
A makeup artist
An educator
A public relations specialist

But also, there are so many more options!

There are numerous high paying jobs available to license holders in the beauty and wellness industry. With the right qualifications and a good reputation, you can have a successful and lucrative career.

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