Among your group of friends, are you the one who always gets asked for makeup advice or to do someone’s hair?
Do you like spending your time learning about the newest trends in skin and hair care?
Are you someone who constantly changes their look for the fun of it?
If so, you may want to think about making the switch to becoming a cosmetologist. In this role, you will constantly enjoy the feeling of helping others achieve their best possible looks.
What Does a Cosmetologist Do?
As you may already know, the term cosmetologist covers a large range of different services.
Two people could go through the same program with one going on to become a hair stylist and the other working for a beauty product company as a sales representative.
Here are the most common job titles for people who earn their certification in cosmetology:
- Fashion or image consultant
- Full-service cosmetologist
- Hair color specialist
- Hairstylist
- Makeup consultant and technician
- Manicurist/pedicurist
- Nail technician
- Personal care advisor at a day spa
- Product company representative
- Retail sales/manufacturer representative
- Sales representative at beauty stores
- Salon stylist
- Skincare specialist
- Theatre makeup artist
Some cosmetologists also go on to serve as state inspectors or the proctors for the state licensing exam later in their careers.
The other great thing about this field is that there are countless opportunities to go into business for yourself. So if you’ve always enjoyed making people look beautiful and love the idea of being your own boss, this is a very realistic goal.
For example, you could eventually open your own beauty salon. Many people dream of becoming a makeup artist for celebrities, but plenty of other people will also pay you for this kind of one-on-one attention, which is something you could do on the side or evolve into your sole focus.
If you think this is the career for you, then contact us today and we’ll give you even more information about our certification programs and how they’ll set you up for success.
How to Become a Cosmetologist
Learning to become a cosmetologist will require a formal education process. At IntelliTec, you can train to become a cosmetologist in a little as 15 months.
Every state has laws regarding cosmetology, which will mean passing some type of exam before receiving your license. In Colorado, you will need to pass both a written and practical hands-on exam that ensures you have the knowledge to effectively and safely provide cosmetology services to your clients. In order to test, you’ll need to show proof that you completed schooling that met state-mandated requirements.
Of course, this type of education process will also ensure you have the skills necessary to go out and compete for the kinds of jobs you want.
Although every curriculum is different, at the best schools, you can count on:
- Receiving hands-on cosmetology training with styling and coloring hair, providing facials and skin care treatments, and applying different makeup techniques
- Learning popular styling techniques on real clients at the college’s salon
- Receiving a complete cosmetologist’s kit at the beginning of the program, so you have everything you need to complete the course (e.g. a large variety of necessary hairstyling and makeup items)
- Recognizing the importance of interpersonal communication for retaining clients and marketing to grow your list of customers
- Benefiting from hands-on instruction provided by cosmetologists with years of industry experience.
- Participating in community projects where your newly-learned skills will be recognized and valued
- Preparing to sit for your state’s Board of Cosmetology exam
As you can imagine, it’s extremely important that you learn from experienced cosmetologists who can teach you about not just helping your customers achieve their best possible look but also show you the right way to work with these customers so they become loyal patrons.
Similarly, hands-on training is vital. No one will hire you to cut hair or otherwise improve someone’s look if you haven’t already had lots of experience with doing it. This is why having a salon clinic onsite is so important. It provides you with plenty of experience to get a job as soon as you complete your program and pass your state licensing exams.
Utilizing Industry Partners
Ideally, look for a school that partners with a recognized authority in the field.
For example, our cosmetology program teaches the Matrix CRAFT Methodology. This covers:
- Advanced Technical Skills Training for Coloring Hair
- Cutting Techniques
- Styling Methods
While every cosmetology program should cover these important areas, partnering with Matrix means your resume will feature the stamp of approval from an industry leader. This will leave little doubt in an employer’s mind that you’re a skilled cosmetologist.
Furthermore, you’ll be qualified to work alongside other Matrix cosmetologists at local shows and enter the Matrix Imagine All You Can Be Scholarship program, which could mean money toward your tuition.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Cosmetologist?
The good news is that all of this training – and more – can be covered in just 15 months. After that, you’ll receive your cosmetologist certificate and be eligible to take your state licensing exams. After receiving your license, you can begin working in the field full-time.
Would You Make a Good Cosmetologist?
If you constantly get compliments on your makeup and you’re the friend who always helps everyone else with theirs, then becoming a cosmetologist may seem like a no-brainer.
While these traits certainly don’t hurt, there are others that will also set you up for success in this field.
For example, how are you with people? Do you have a background in customer service? Are you a “people-person” who generally enjoys interacting with strangers and can carry a conversation? Can you sense when someone would prefer quiet instead?
Being able to give your client the look they want will always be most important, but a love for working with people is essential for loving this career path.
Lastly, remember that you won’t be giving your look to your customers.
By and large, your job will be understanding the look your customers want and then giving that to them. Again, this is why it generally helps if you’re always the friend who is already helping others, as it shows you’re probably able to adapt to others’ preferences.
Of course, it’s still important that you receive a formal education in cosmetology. One of the biggest myths regarding this profession is that anyone can do it if they’ve already been doing hair, nails, and makeup for others. That’s a great start, but it’s not everything.
Ready to Start a Fun Career as a Cosmetologist?
If you love working with new looks, you couldn’t ask for a better career than working as a cosmetologist.
Contact us today and we’ll provide you with more information about taking the first step down this exciting new career path.