Cosmetology Job Description

Are you looking for a job in the beauty industry?

If you enjoy working directly with clients, it is worth looking at becoming a cosmetologist. This job involves providing a wide range of beauty treatments like manicures, facials, hair styling, and make-up applications.

Working as a cosmetologist can be a rewarding career if you have the right skills and background. It allows you to use your skills daily to bring out the inner beauty of clients.

So, let’s take an in-depth look at a typical cosmetology job description and cover some other useful information.

What is Cosmetology?

If you are working in a beauty salon or resort, you will be assigned clients by the manager. You will need to perform a wide range of beauty, care, and make-up services. And also, be ready to perform different services when they are requested by a client.

Cosmetologists also need to maintain skin and hair care tools to make sure they are in good condition. This role often involves working in a team alongside other beauty specialists. It is necessary to understand the skills of each member of your team and be able to work with them well.

Cosmetology Duties And Responsibilities

Cosmetologists need to be able to perform a wide range of different tasks throughout their day. These tasks will depend on the needs of clients and the services you offer. Let’s take a closer look at some of the main duties and responsibilities of a cosmetologist.

Styling and Cutting Hair

This is one of the main services that a cosmetologist provides. This includes trimming, shaping, cutting, and coloring all types of hair. You also need to provide special hair treatments like perms and condition the scalp and hair. It is essential to understand the latest hairstyles and be able to execute them well.

Providing Skin and Nail Care

This mainly involves providing manicures and pedicures. It is important to fully understand the style that is specified by the client and make sure they are satisfied. Some cosmetologists offer skincare treatments like massages, body wraps, and waxes.

Clerical Duties

If you work in a salon, you will usually be responsible for scheduling appointments and processing payments from clients. All skincare and hair styling tools and working areas have to be cleaned and maintained. Working areas and the front counter also have to be cleaned and sanitized.

Maintaining Technical Knowledge

Cosmetologists need to keep up with the latest trends in the beauty industry. They do this by reading articles in beauty magazines and attending educational workshops.

Other cosmetology duties and responsibilities include:

Key Cosmetology Skills

There are certain soft skills that successful cosmetologists need to have. These help cosmetologists work well with colleges and determine the needs of their clients.

Customer service

Cosmetologists need to establish a rapport and build lasting relationships with clients. This helps them to earn tips and get repeat bookings. Cosmetologists who have strong customer service skills can gain a large collection of loyal clients.

Manual dexterity

It is necessary to have excellent hand-eye coordination to do this job. Cosmetologists have to be able to handle small and often sharp tools to provide different treatments.

Stamina

You usually have to spend hours at a time on your feet. Many treatments take many hours, and you need to have the mental stamina to remain focused at all times.

Adaptability

You need to adapt your mannerisms to the needs of the client. Some clients like to chat while they are receiving treatments, while others prefer to be silent. You also need to be adaptable to keep up with the latest beauty trends and practices.

People skills

You need to be able to work well under pressure and remain polite and friendly at all times. Cosmetologists should be good listeners to understand the needs of their clients and listen to feedback. They often have to maintain a conversation with the client while providing the beauty treatment.

Successful cosmetologists also need to have the following skills:

Cosmetology Tools Of The Trade

There are certain special tools that cosmetologists have to use to perform their work. It is important to learn how to use these tools well to achieve the desired results.

Haircutting and styling tools

As a cosmetologist, you have to be able to use special styling tools like electric trimmers, hairdryers, and straighteners. You need to be able to use these tools safely and efficiently to create the desired effects.

Beauty tools

Cosmologists use a wide range of different beauty tools in their work. These include nail clippers and files, brushes, make-up sponges, and buffers. It is necessary to keep all of these beauty tools well organized as well as clean and in good condition.

Hair removal systems

Specialist hair removal tools include tweezers, waxing strips, and lasers. These tools have to be sanitized, and you need to know how to use them safely.

Microsoft Office

You need to be able to connect with clients and other professionals by email. Use Microsoft Office to create advertising, correspondence, and other documents.

Cosmetology Education And Training

The good news is you don’t have to go to college to be a cosmetologist. However, you will need to complete special training and obtain the right licensure before you start work. This lets clients know that you have the skills to provide the services they request.

Education

It is usually necessary to hold a high school diploma to work as a cosmetologist. Some salons may require a GED or the equivalent.

Training

You need to complete a state-approved cosmetology program that lasts for at least nine months to become a hairstylist. If you want to work as a make-up artist, you need to attend a cosmetology school for up to a year.

Licensure

You have to be licensed to work as a hairstylist. The requirements for make-up artists usually vary from state to state. However, you will usually need to hold a cosmetology license, which must be updated every two years.

The Work Environment

While cosmetologists usually work full-time, you also have the option of choosing part-time hours. You can work in a range of establishments like a spa, nail salon, hair salon, or resort. You often need to use potentially dangerous chemicals and equipment and need to wear protective clothing and gloves.

Hair Styling And Cosmetology

Well, I’ve put together a few salon applications for you, such as my Smartstyle Application, Supercuts Application, and my Mary Kay Application, as well as cosmetic stores like my Sephora Application and my Body Shop Application for you to choose from.

If you have a criminal record, please do read Can A Felon Get A Cosmetology License before applying.

Next, we’ll start with Hairstylist guides we found online, check out the Technical-stylistic guide to learn hair cut and color, How To Become A Mobile Hairstylist, or what about the Hair Boss: A Hairstylists’ Guide to Owning Their Career, or even Haircutting for Beginners, and Hairstylist 101: Tips, Tricks, Tools and Techniques That Turn Beginners Into Pros, and of course the 50 Things Your Hairdresser Wants YOU to Know all available online in 2023.

Or perhaps you’re still doing your cosmetology training; for that, we have the Cosmetology Exam Practice Questions, or the Cosmetology Exam Secrets Study Guide, and the Cosmetology Instructor (1900) (Career Examination Series) as well as the Practical Workbook for Milady Standard Cosmetology, and What They Don’t Teach You In Cosmetology School to help prepare you better.

Final Thoughts

One of the great things about being a cosmetologist is that you have the option of working for yourself. After gaining and perfecting your beauty skills, you can develop a number of dedicated clients.

You can then open your own beauty salon and experience the bliss of being the boss. Owning your beauty salon allows you to set your hours and work as little or as much as you want. You can take on trainees who will be able to take over operations when they become skilled and experienced.

While running your own business is not always easy, it can be a very rewarding experience.

All the very best getting a Job in Cosmetology!