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Cosmetologist Job Description

Stephen Rampur
A cosmetologist has to be well-versed with cosmetics, and aware of all the tools and techniques that are used to make a person more attractive. He/she provides his/her services in a field of beauty and personality to make people look beautiful and feel fresh.
There are many establishments which normally avail the services offered by these cosmetic professionals. However, the most common places where cosmetologists are employed are beauty salons.
Other places which require their services are spas. Some of the licensed cosmetologists may as well prefer to start their own beauty-related business, providing door-to-door services or opening their own private salon.

Education Requirements

If you are thinking of becoming a cosmetologist, there are specialized courses which you need to enroll in. The course duration typically ranges from six months to a year, after which you can take up cosmetology as a full-time profession.
You can choose to take up these courses full-time or part-time. The earning potential in this profession also depends on the level of education. Therefore, you also have the alternative for choosing to do the associates degree in the same field.
If you want to be more versatile in your profession, it is recommended that you opt for an advanced diploma in the same field. For successfully completing this advanced course, you normally need 2 - 3 years. After you complete your education, you would be ready to take the licensing test.

Duties and Responsibilities

As mentioned earlier, the job description depends on the profile one is working in. If you are a hairdresser, your responsibilities comprise shampooing, trimming, coloring and treating hair, and making various hairstyles which clients want to sport.
If you are a skin care specialist, you have to focus on making clients' skin better by facials and massages. You also have to advice clients on how to take care of their skin, and what cosmetic items are suitable for their skin type.
As a makeup expert, along with applying all types of cosmetic products, you would also have to do permanent and temporary tattooing. As a shampooer, shampooing and conditioning the hair of clients would be required.
As a manicurist, you would be required to carry out duties which include coloring, cleaning and treating customers' nails, and advising customers how to take good care of their nails.

Earning Potential

As in any other profession, the salary range depends on many factors; such as level of education, degree of experience and expertise, the work setting, location, etc. The earning potential of this profession is high, due to the knowledge and skill required to flourish in this business.
Cosmetologists may get paid either monthly or hourly. So, hairdressers and hairstylists can get around US$09/per hour, skin care experts can get approximately US$13/ per hour, manicurists get about US$11/ per hour, and shampooers around US$9/ per hour.
If you are a beginner, you may get an annual salary of around US$16,000 to US$40,000, depending on your education and skills. After some years of experience, you may be eligible for a pay of around US$37,000 to US$51,000.
In simple words, this job includes performing every task which is needed for enhancing the clients' appearance. Those who are self-employed or own their individual business may have additional responsibilities like business administration, purchasing necessary products, and promoting and marketing of their business.