Cosmetologists

For education, you need a high school diploma or GED. It is important to have a cosmetology training certificate or associate degree in cosmetology and supervised hands-on experience to be eligible to take their state’s cosmetology licensing exam. Once you receive your diploma or GED, you need to have completed an associate degree in applied science from a technical college involving two years of study; certificate programs are shorter. Along with learning about hair, skin, and nail care, cosmetology students take classes related to customer service, bookkeeping, marketing, state regulations governing cosmetology and sanitation, and proper handling of chemical products. The number of hours you work at the salon varies from 8 - 12 hour shifts depending on which clients come in and how long one's hairstyle takes. Cosmetologists make around $9 - $16 an hour, which equals to about $18,606 - $33,669 a year. Vacation time depends on how long you have worked there. One year of experience can get you about 11 days of paid vacation. Five years of experience can get you about15 days of paid vacation, but if you have around 10 to 20 years of experience you can get just about 17 to 20 days of paid vacation. Skills that would be helpful in this career are cosmetology skills, good hygiene, manual dexterity, physical stamina, time management skills, problem-solving ability, and commitment to learning. The working environment is a blast, you’re able to help others discover the best of themselves, you learn different skills that will help you in the future and your career will take off quickly. You get to interact with lots of people. Cosmetology school is shorter than many traditional college programs. Cosmetology school is also cheaper than other schools too. Although this may be true, they are constantly on their feet which causes pain on their back, legs, and feet. It also gives low salaries and long hours. Don’t forget, they also have to deal with difficult customers. Many cosmetologists work more than forty hours a week, including Saturdays and one or two evenings. Others work part-time, usually during the end of the week when beauty salons are the busiest. Cosmetologists have to stand for many hours and sometimes use harsh chemicals. Along with cutting long locks, dying hair, giving facials, and painting nails, cosmetologists also undertake administrative duties and excel in proper sanitation. The future for cosmetologists is looking bright, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The demand for cosmetologists is expected to grow by 16% between 2018 and 2028. Opportunities for manicurists and pedicurists are projected to grow by 19 percent, according to BLS. This career would be a good fit for me because I like making different styles with my hair and others. I also like listening to stories and some people just come to the hair salon to talk. I love to bond with other people. Not only that, but I can also feel good knowing that customers left loving their style. Some skills that would be good in this profession is the need to have artistic interests, enterprising interests, and social interests. But one of the most important ones is to have an interest in serving other people.