Cosmetology // Makeup Careers

Derived from the French language, the word "cosmetology" refers to the cosmetic treatment of skin, hair, and nails. And believe us -- it's every bit as glamorous as it sounds! Cosmetology and makeup career opportunities include: color stylist, hair stylist, nail technician, retail specialist, salon manager, esthetician, industry journalist, makeup artist, platform artist, salon consultant, spa director, and more. To become a licensed cosmetologist, you'll take courses such as cosmetology chemistry; health and safety; theory of electricity in cosmetology; disinfection and sanitation; bacteriology, anatomy, and physiology; professional ethics; and client relations. You'll also take courses that directly relate to your chosen path in cosmetology, such as hair styling, hair cutting, hair coloring, bleaching, scalp treatment, facials, hair removal, makeup application, manicuring, and pedicuring. Most cosmetologists work in beauty salons or barbershops, but you can also cultivate your cosmetology career in nail salons, day and resort spas, department stores, nursing and other residential care homes, or drug and cosmetics stores. How would you like to be your own boss? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 48 percent of all cosmetologists are self-employed. Many even own their own salon. Plus, in May 2004, the BLS reported median annual earnings of cosmetologists as $19,800; the highest 10 percent earned more than $35,990. Your glamorous cosmetology career awaits you!
Articles
  A Black Mark on Permanent Makeup?
Breaking news for aspiring makeup artists: Permanent makeup can disfigure patients for years, federal researchers said in June. It's a sobering study, but it doesn't leave a black mark on the face of the industry ...

An Attractive Career in Permanent Makeup
If you love art and the beauty industry, you may consider a career in permanent makeup.

Cosmetology Schools Break Stereotypes
Forget the image of licensed cosmetologists as dropouts--that stereotype is the furthest thing from the truth. In fact, if you want to make it in the beauty industry, you need to be highly qualified, professional, and ambitious. You need training from top cosmetology schools.

Cosmetology Schools Can Create a Gorgeous Career
Cosmetology schools may be the ticket to your success. Learn how one hair designer started his own business and continually advances his career with his cosmetology degree.

Custom Makeup Careers
Makeup careers come in all shades and sizes.

Get a Colorful Makeup Artist Career
Ready to make your mark on history? Consider a colorful makeup artist career.

Here Comes the Bride... and a Lucrative Beauty Career
Soon-to-be-bride Kristen Rounds never had a reason to get a peel treatment for her face. But with her wedding day quickly approaching, she wants to look flawless. Just as important as booking her hall, the florist, DJ, and the photographer was finding a beauty professional who could help get her to become the vision-of-beauty bride she has always imagined.

How to Choose a Cosmetology School
Now that you know cosmetology is the career for you, you need to decide where you'll acquire the skills to succeed in the industry. With all the cosmetology schools out there, how do you know which one to choose, and where to start? (Tip: Start here.)

The Costs of Cosmetology School
It's a popular question, and it's an important one: How much is this going to cost me? Cosmetology is a fun, fast-growing career, but launching that career requires an investment of your time and, yes, your money.



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