Cosmetologists perform personal services to improve the appearance of customers. Hair services may include a shampoo, cut, style, chemical wave and color applications. Cosmetologists may also give facials, apply makeup and give manicures and pedicures.

Opportunities for employment occur in independently owned or large chain beauty salons, resort hotels, cruise ships, motion picture or television studios, industry journal and textbook publishers, and cosmetic firms. In a salon setting, the cosmetologist may specialize as a hairstylist, hair color specialist, permanent waver, hair cutter, and manicurist. About 50 percent of all cosmetologists are self-employed. About 40 percent work part time. Cosmetology has the potential to earn excellent salary and benefits. In fact, the average full-time salon employee earns about $36,360 per year, according to the recent survey, “Job Demand in the Cosmetology Industry”, from the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences.

Cosmetology provides job openings all the time everywhere. There is a huge demand for Cosmetologists in almost every salon across the country. Overall employment of Cosmetologists is projected to grow about 10 to 20 percent for all occupations through 2010, due to increasing incomes and demand for services. That means you’ll easily be able to find a place where you feel comfortable and can learn and grow as a professional.

All states require cosmetologists to have a license to practice. In Michigan, applicants must be at least seventeen years old and have completed 1500 hours of training. They must also pass a written and practical exam.

Cosmetologists should have a sense of form and artistry. They should like dealing with the public and should get along well with people. They should be willing to follow the instructions of customers and be aware of their preferences. Patience and an even temper are assets. Cosmetologists should be able to tolerate the long intervals of standing required for this work. They should not be allergic to permanent wave lotions, hair sprays, and other chemicals they use in their work.

The student not only learns theoretical concepts during 415 classroom lecture hours, but must also apply those concepts during 1085 hours of laboratory work and clinic practice under the direct supervision of expert instructors. The student is taught employability skills for entry into the beauty industry and prepared for the State Licensing examination.