What Is a Cosmetologist?

Cosmetologist is anyone performing manicures, hair cutting, styling, shampooing, makeup or other cosmetology services,” according to The National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences. Hairstylist/Hairdresser, Manicurist/Pedicurist, and Shampooer are job titles that all fall under the umbrella of cosmetology although licensing and training requirements are different for each.   I have always dreamed of becoming a cosmetologist and owning my own salon. I feel that I have a future in trying to make others feel beautiful in more ways than one. For a long time a lack of sufficient data and the heterogeneity of the programs, predictions in four fields were not judged to be satisfactory: Agriculture, Cosmetology, Social Science, and Arts and Humanities.  


Just to get an outlook on this occupation a lot of vital information includes employment outlook, salary, related occupations, education and training, and job duties. According to the The National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences “in January 1999, there were 1,286,000 professionals employed in the nation's 296,563 beauty salons, barber shops, skin care salons, and nail salons. The typical salon is a small full service salon with 5 stations, 2 or 3 full-time professionals and 1 part-time professional. Salon owners report an average of 174 clients per week.” According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Overall employment of barbers and cosmetologists is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2008, stemming from increasing population, incomes, and demand for cosmetology services. Job opportunities should be excellent as a growing number of employers report difficulties finding qualified applicants. In addition, numerous job openings will arise from turnover in this large occupation.”   Cosmetologists' incomes come from a variety of sources. They may receive commissions which are a percentage of the price of...