Cosmetology Careers: How This Field Has Evolved In 30 Years

By Author: Samantha Dale
Total Articles: 604
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Thirty years ago, women went to the beauty salon to have their hair done, get a manicure and perhaps get a facial. Today when a woman or man walks into a salon they can choose from not only getting a new hair style and color, but can also have a custom manicure, specialized skin care treatment, custom pedicure and a therapeutic massage.

The Evolution Of Cosmetology Schools
Cosmetology has grown into a massive industry opening up many opportunities for individuals who are considering a career in this field. Years ago, cosmetology schools were small and mostly privately owned. Today there are nearly 2,000 cosmetology schools in the United States with many large cosmetic companies now offering training at their own privately run schools. Thirty years ago when walking into a cosmetology school, individuals would see one large room with a corner set up specifically for teaching manicures. Today students wear lab coats and study chemistry to learn about advanced hair color techniques. Another classroom in the cosmetology school is the esthetics clinic where students learn skin and wellness care while studying skin through ...
... large brightly lit magnifiers. In another classroom, students are learning reflexology and massage as they study diagrams of the human anatomy.

The Evolution Of Cosmetology Careers
As this industry continues to modernize and grow, many more people are choosing this field as a career. Most individuals who elect to enter into cosmetology are fresh out of high school although many older individuals are finding that this career is the perfect one for them. With the flexibility of schedules that many salons offer and the ability to earn a good living while being self-employed, these options can provide good solutions for individuals with busy lives. Not only is the flexibility attractive, but the security and financial benefits are unlimited. With many new spas and salons opening each year, graduates of cosmetology school can choose their desired location as well as their pay. The more specialty techniques that are mastered, the higher the pay scale becomes.

Cosmetologists are required to take state licensing exams before they can practice their skills. Average training takes between 10 to 18 months, depending on the program. Job opportunities include spas, salons or working behind the scenes in film, television or theater providing hair and make-up services.

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