Career Options in Cosmetology

The word Cosmetology originated from the Greek word “kosmetikos” which means “skilled in adornment.” It refers to a field of study of cosmetics and their uses. Cosmetology is the science of improving outer beauty through the care and treatment of skin, hair, and nails. Traditionally, it was about skin, hair and nails but nowadays, the growing areas of laser hair removal and permanent makeup are the part of this field too. The cosmetology profession includes not only makeup but beautifying the hair, skin and even nails. The professionals who have expertise in this field of work are called cosmetologists. The learners in the cosmetology stream trained in all aspects of hair, nail, and skin care.

Types of Cosmetology Courses in India

There are three types of courses in cosmetology as listed below.

• Diploma Courses: Diploma courses like Diploma in Professional Makeup, Diploma in Cosmetology, Diploma in Beauty Culture, Diploma in Hair Styling, Diploma in Aesthetics, Diploma in Laser Aesthetics, Advanced Diploma in Cosmetology, Advanced Diploma in Aesthetics are some of the diploma courses available in India. Course duration may vary from one institute to another. It could be anywhere between 1-6 months. Average fees could be anywhere between 10-30K INR. High profile institutes may charge significantly higher fees. Moreover, 10th or 12th passed candidates are eligible for this course rest eligibility criteria may vary from one institute to another some institutes even accept 8th passed students.
• Certificate Courses: Certificate courses like Certificate in Professional Makeup, Certificate in Cosmetology, Certificate in Beauty Culture, Certificate in Hair Styling, Certificate in Aesthetics, Certificate in Laser Aesthetics, Advanced Certificate in Cosmetology, Advanced Certificate in Aesthetics are some of the certificate courses. Course duration may vary from one institute to another. It could be anywhere between 1-3 months. Average fees could be anywhere between 10-20K INR. High profile institutes may charge significantly higher fees. Candidates who have done 10th or 12th (Arts, Commerce or Science) are eligible for these courses. Check the college website for making assurance about eligibility criteria because they may vary from one institute to another.
• Clinical PG Courses: The post-graduation courses for cosmetology are PG Diploma in Medical Cosmetology, PG Diploma in Clinical Cosmetology, PG Diploma in Cosmetic Dermatology, PG Diploma in Trichology. The duration of these courses could be anywhere between 1-2 years. Also, only candidates possessing relevant qualifications such as MBBS/MD/relevant Diploma are eligible to pursue these courses.

Skills and Qualities Required for Cosmetologist

There are various skills as well as qualities should be there in a person to become a good cosmetologist. Some of these qualities are mentioned below.

• Adaptability: A good cosmetologist stays in tune and updated with the new styles, changing techniques and technologies in the industry and can easily incorporate these changes into their work.
• Ability to Visualize Ideas: A great cosmetologist is capable of sharing a vision with his or her client for an end result. They are able to clearly visualize the goal and skillfully perform the work required to reach that goal.
• Colour and Style Perception: A great cosmetologist has a keen sense of what hairstyles and colours work for people and will make suggestions to help clients look their best.
• Creativity: A great cosmetologist has a sense of creativity and can think of new and different ways to style hair, apply makeup, or perform other cosmetology procedures.
• Customer Service: Cosmetologist should have fantastic customer service skills. They must be friendly and helpful to all clients and capable of making a welcoming atmosphere.
• Good Grooming Habits: They should always impeccably groom. Their hair is styled in a current fashion and make-up is neat and attractive so that people feel confident while taking service from them as the first impression is the last one.
• Follow Standards: Cosmetologist keeps abreast of and follows industry standards for safety and health concerns and keep their equipment clean and sanitary at all times.
• Good Manual Dexterity: A great cosmetologist is good with his or her hands. Whether cutting hair, performing a facial, or giving a manicure, a cosmetologist must be able to perform intricate manoeuvres for extended periods of time.
• Pleasant Personality: There should be an engaging personality in a cosmetologist. So that he/she can make customers feel comfortable and welcome and are easy to talk to.
• Knowledge of Several Techniques: A good cosmetologist is skilled at the various techniques used in the industry. He/she adept at using scissors, brushes, files, and other equipment.

Career Options in Cosmetology

There are a number of areas to expertise in the cosmetology in which you can pursue your career if you are interested in this field. Some of the main career options of this field are listed below.

• Makeup Artist: Makeup artist’s main job is to enhance the customer’s physical appearance with the help of his skills and some useful cosmetic products and techniques. They are the professional artists who use mediums applied to the skin to transform or enhance the appearance of a person. These professionals prepare individuals for an appearance in front of cameras or a live audience. Mainly, there are two categories of the makeup artist. First one is Fashion Artists who used to prepare fashion models for photo shoots and also work with designers to create a certain look for the model, such as emphasizing lip shape or cheekbones and another one is the Theatrical or Film Makeup Artists who enhance an actor's physical features to emphasize the character he or she plays in performance act. The interested candidates do not have to complete high-level academic courses. They can succeed in this career with hard work, perseverance and dedication. At the same time, a professional course will always help them to enhance their career in this field. At the start of a career, makeup artists may not get a handsome salary. They usually earn between Rs.5,000 and Rs.7,000 at an initial stage. Those artists who are hired for a particular advertising campaign or for other related work can get Rs.2,000 to Rs.3,000 a day. The artists having 3 to 5 years experience in this field can get up to Rs.5,00,000. Many people do not realize that there is potential for a successful career as a makeup artist. Some of the potential careers include:
  • Television/Film Studios Makeup Designer.
  • Theatre Makeup Artist.
  • Fashion Makeup Artist.
  • Bridal Makeup Artist.
• Nail Technician: The nail technicians sometimes also called manicurists or pedicurists because the main duties of the nail technician are giving manicures, pedicures, and offer nail services to clients in a variety of settings. They typically work exclusively on nails, though they also offer foot and hand massages. As a nail technician, you can learn the newest and greatest trends in nails and can really get creative. As a nail technician, you must have knowledge of tools and chemicals for nail care. Some skills like creativity, manual dexterity and excellent people skills should be there for an ideal nail technician. Training through a cosmetology school is required if you want to be a nail technician. The average salary package depends on the location of your work, if we talk about the annual salary of a normal nail technician then he/she can earn up to Rs.4,00,000.
• Hairdresser: Hairdressers or Hairstylists are an integral part of the cosmetology, fashion and beauty industry. They are responsible for grooming, cutting, and styling hair. With the help of a variety of techniques and tools, they provide clients with the desired colour, style and shape that they want for their hair. They have the ability to handle hairstyles and have a broad understanding of what products are appropriate for different types of hair. Hairdressing is a field dominated by both, men and women. Job duties may also include shampooing, conditioning, combing, shaving and waxing hair if required. Additionally, many professional hair stylists also offer skin and nail treatments such as scalp treatments, manicures, pedicures, facials, and massages to their clients and sometimes give them advice on how to care for their hair as they are expert in terms of hair. The average annual income of a hair stylist in India is around Rs.4,00,000. Rest will be on your skills and capabilities. An expert hair stylist has the potential to build his/her career success and work with really cool events, events like:
  • Fashion Shows.
  • Photoshoots.
  • Weddings.
  • Celebrity Styling.
  • High-End Salons.
• Beauty Writer/Editor: A beauty writer/editor writes articles and gives the reviews on skin care and beauty products, procedures and services. Beauty editors work with marketing departments to assist in the promotion of beauty products. They are employed by the publishing companies that produce newspapers and magazines as well as online websites and blogs. They must possess extensive knowledge and must have a strong interest in the beauty and fashion industries. Writing and communication skills must be needed for this career. Good researching skills and the ability to work independently are required for this. To become a beauty writer, a candidate must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Mostly, employers prefer candidates who possess 4-year’s bachelor degree in English, journalism, communications, writing, marketing or a related field of study. Ideally, candidates should possess a background in copywriting and the beauty or fashion industry. The average annual pay for a beauty Editor is Rs.3,50,000.
• Fashion Show Stylist: A Fashion Show Stylist is one of the most popular professions in this field globally. As the job title describes, the person who selects the clothing and accessories for published editorial features, print or television advertising campaigns, music videos, concert performances, and any public appearances made by celebrities, models or other public figures is known as Fashion Show Stylist. In order to become a fashion stylist, candidates can pursue any of these educational programs: Advanced Diploma in Clothing Management, Fashion Designing, Textile Management, and Apparel Management (3-year duration), Advanced Diploma in Fashion Designing, Apparel Merchandising (2 year duration), Diploma in Apparel Merchandising, Fashion Designing, Accessory Design, Garment Production Technology, and Garment Quality Control (1-year duration), Certificate course in Garment Merchandising. A normal Fashion Stylist earns an average salary of Rs.4,50,000 per year. There are various duties done by a fashion stylist as listed below.
  • They select the items to be appearing in fashion magazines/media.
  • They are responsible for the selection of clothes for TV personalities, celebrities or for film or TV characters.
  • A fashion show stylist advises on photographic approaches and the selection of locations, props, clothing, models, makeup artists, photographers, hair stylists and the overall look for photo shoots.
  • They advise and direct the photography of items and clothing selected for promotion.
  • They organize and compare fashion parades and events.
  • They also provide fashion direction to buyers, merchandisers and/or product developers/designers.
  • Fashion stylists generally speak at events about image and fashion trends.
  • Also, they provide makeup and hair styling services to clients or complete makeup and hair styling on location for photo shoots.
• Beauty Business Consultant: After spending several years as a cosmetologist, you will earn invaluable insight and knowledge about the beauty industry. Then you can easily make your career lucrative, by switching your work into the beauty business consultant. As a beauty business consultant, you will have the opportunity to travel not only around the country but also around the world. The main role of a beauty consultant is to help customers to choose the right beauty products to make the most of their personal appearance and to suit their age, skin type and lifestyle. They recommend the beauty products which will be most suited to the customer's colour and face shape and also demonstrate their use. Mostly, beauty consultant works in department stores, but usually directly hired by the cosmetic companies and only sells the products of that respective company. Some beauty consultants work for companies on a self-employed basis like they demonstrate about the products to customers and selling directly to them. The average annual income from this career is around Rs.3,50,000.

Now, you have a better idea of some of the popular careers in the cosmetology field. So, you can now start planning for your desired career. Apparently, working in the beauty industry means the potential of being able to create, perfect your skills, work with brilliant artists, and to travel.