What is cosmetology? What is cosmetology?
Are you a social person who enjoys working one-on-one with others? Are you creative? Do you keep up with the latest beauty trends? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you should consider a career in the beauty industry!
Cosmetology is defined as the professional skill or practice of beautifying the face, hair and skin. This means cosmetologists have the opportunity to learn techniques like cutting, coloring and styling hair. In addition to hair, cosmetologists often also learn about the face and skin, which includes topics like waxing, skin treatments and makeup (depending on the school and state).
What does a licensed cosmetologist do?
One of the best parts of becoming a professional cosmetologist is the wide range of skills you can learn when it comes to hair, skin and nails. Because of this, cosmetologists can hold a number of different jobs in the beauty industry from hairstylist to salon owner to beauty blogger! Depending on the career path you choose to pursue, your day-to-day activities can look completely different. Many people love this aspect of becoming a cosmetologist: the possibilities are endless!
Hair
Cosmetologists are most known for their expertise in hair. A licensed cosmetologist can perform a variety of hair services, including:
- Haircuts
- Hair Color
- Hairstyling
- Updos
- Shampooing
- Hair Treatments
- Chemical Treatments
- Hair Straightening
- Perms
- Extensions
Skin
While cosmetology training typically focuses on hair, cosmetologists also learn how to perform services related to the skin. If you would prefer to focus on skin care, you can learn more about our esthetics program here. Some skin services that licensed cosmetologists can perform include:
- Makeup
- Facial Waxing
- Body Waxing
- Facials
Nails
Another common place to find a cosmetologist working is in a nail salon. Nail services such as manicures, pedicures, hand massages, nail design, and nail maintenance are something that you can be licensed to do if you go to cosmetology school.
Where do cosmetologists work?
Cosmetology offers a wide range of possibilities and endless opportunities based upon your interests! As a licensed cosmetologist, you could pursue one of many careers:
- Hairstylist
- Barber
- Hair Color Specialist
- Makeup Artist
- Manicurist
- Wedding & Event Stylist
- Salon Owner
- Artistic Director (for salons or brands)
- Platform Artist
- Cosmetology Educator/Instructor
- Editorial Hairstylist
- Fashion Show Hairstylist
- Celebrity Hairstylist
- Hairstylist for Film & Theater
- Beauty Blogger
How do you become a cosmetologist?
Are you ready to pursue your passion and embark on an exciting cosmetology career? There are certain required steps you must take to become a licensed cosmetologist, and these will vary slightly depending on the state you’re getting your license in. Here are the basic steps:
Attend Cosmetology School
As you work toward certification in your chosen specialty, you must attend a licensed school and complete the state’s minimum required training hours. To become a licensed cosmetologist in Kansas, you must complete 1,500 hours of training.
Take the State Board Exam
Once you either meet or exceed the minimum training hours to qualify for licensure, you’ll be required to pass a licensing exam issued by the Kansas State Board of Cosmetology. This exam will test the knowledge you learned while in school to make sure you’re ready to start your career as a cosmetologist.
Apply for Your Cosmetology License
When you pass the State Board exam, you will apply for and receive your Kansas cosmetology license and be legally permitted to practice in approved beauty settings! (This process may vary by state.)
