The world of cosmetology is an exciting one–but it’s also a vast one. If you ask us, that’s part of its charm. The beauty industry is filled with tons of unique opportunities, one-of-a-kind career paths, and endless possibilities to build out a little corner of the market just for yourself.
All these opportunities and possibilities are definite benefits–but the overwhelming factor of all the options out there to choose from can also be challenging.
If you’re looking for a little guidance, you’re in the right place. We’re laying out the top five cosmetology careers we think every beauty pro–new grad or not–should take a peek at. Do we think this is the end-all-be-all list? No way! As we said, the possibilities out there are truly endless! But we definitely think each option on this list is worth a little time and consideration because each is representative of a great career!
Hair Stylist
Being a hairstylist is about more than just cutting hair. As a stylist, you have access to an entire world of skills and possibilities. Hair stylists are also
- Expert colorists
- Hair braiders
- Texture experts
- Locticians
- Shampooing
- Cutting
- Scalp treatments
- Weaving
- Perms
- Extensions
- Deep condition treatments
- Hair health and wellness
And if you want to take your hairstylist career even further, you can tack the title “business owner” onto your list of responsibilities. As a hair stylist, you have the unique opportunity to create whatever medium of career you’d like. You can work for an established salon in a traditional employee role; you can rent your own suite or booth and work as an independent contractor; you can start your own salon; you can be a mobile stylist who works on the go–the options are endless.
Esthetician
Estheticians are the go-to skincare specialists. When you work as an esthetician, you’re an expert on all things related to skin health, wellness, and services.
That means you’ll be able to offer treatments like facials, waxing services, threading, brow shaping, skin detox, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, LED light treatments, ultrasonic skin therapy, eyelash services, and so much more.
Nail Tech
As a nail tech, hands and feet are your specialties! You’ll become a master at handling the beauty, health, and wellness of your clients’ toes and fingernails.
This can include things like nail fills, nail wraps, foot and hand massages, artificial nail art, advanced nail design, basic manicures and pedicures, nail polishing, and so much more.
Barber
If you’re looking for a gateway into men’s style or you simply have a passion for short hair technique, beard health, and intricate hair shaping, being a barber might be the perfect career path for you.
As a barber, you’ll shampoo, cut, style, shape, and perfect hair, beards, and other types of facial hair. Like with most career paths in cosmetology, barbering lends itself to many opportunities–business ownership, independent contract work, mobile barbering possibilities, and beyond.
Makeup Artist
Makeup artists–or MUAs–are one of the career branches of cosmetology that can go anywhere. As an expert in makeup, you could work anywhere–from luxury spas and salons to makeup artistry in Hollywood.
There’s no shortage of makeup opportunities out there for ambitious cosmetologists who have a passion for creativity. MUAs can even blend their skills with another branch of cosmetology–permanent makeup.
Continuing Education & Cosmetology Insurance: What You Need to Know
Picking the right career path is challenging, but once you’re on it, you’re on your way to a rewarding, expansive, and opportunity-rich career! No matter what route you end up going in cosmetology, two things will always be true:
- More education is always going to equal more opportunity
- Cosmetology insurance is a must–no matter what niche you’re in
Continuing Education is a Must
First things first, let’s chat about continuing education. If you’re a recent beauty school grad, we know what you’re probably thinking– “more school?”
Hear us out. The more continuing education you have, the more courses you take, the more skills you acquire, and the more services you can offer, the more opportunity is out there for you to expand your career. And even if you’re not interested in adding more skills to your repertoire, the fact of the matter is that the beauty industry is always changing.
In order to stay relevant and keep your services updated, you need to know what’s changing in the world of beauty. Think about it like this. You could be this year’s go-to esthetician–you know all the secrets to the hottest skincare trends. But if you don’t keep up with what’s changing, you’ll be left in the dust after a little bit of time.
To stay relevant, interesting to your customers, and at the top of your game, education is key.
Never Skip Out on Cosmetology Insurance
For recent grads, the idea of shelling out more money for an extra cost might seem overwhelming, but here’s a must-know secret of the industry–insurance isn’t a cost; it’s an investment.
Cosmetology insurance is all about protecting you and the career you’re building. Every moment you’re putting into your career matters, and watching it all fall apart because of one incident (accidental or alleged) can be devastating. So many cosmetologists have had to start from total scratch after an allegation or incident because they didn’t have cosmetology insurance to have their back.
Think about cosmetology insurance like a safety net. You hope you never need to use it (so do we), but if you ever did, it’s waiting there to catch you and ensure your safety.
