Is a Beauty and Cosmetology Degree the Right Choice for You?

Maybe you're the go-to gal or guy when friends need that perfect hairstyle. Perhaps you're a walking encyclopedia on the topic of personal skin care. Whatever your passion in the field of beauty and cosmetology may be, a beauty degree can help you achieve your professional goals.

Why Earn an Beauty Degree?

Most states require beauty and cosmetology professionals to complete a degree at a state-licensed cosmetology school. Associate's degrees in beauty and cosmetology can be completed in as little as nine months, while programs for nail and skin care technicians are often significantly shorter. The short duration of these degrees can be made even more convenient with the ease of flexible education, allowing you pursue your dreams during the evenings or weekends.

Beauty and Cosmetology Programs: The Basics

As a student in a cosmetology degree program, your coursework might include some or all of the following:

• Fundamentals of Cosmetology
• Manicuring
• Hair Styling
• Salon Management
• Skin Care

Courses will vary, of course, based on your specific area of focus and your state's licensing board requirements.

What's Next for Beauty School Graduates?

Finish your beauty degree and you'll find plenty of options for employment once you're licensed:

• Cosmetologists shampoo, cut, color, and style clients' hair. They may also give manicures, pedicures, scalp and facial treatments, and advice about makeup. Median wages: $10.68 per hour
• Nail Technicians specialize in nail care, offering manicures, pedicures, and extensions. Median wages: $9.60 per hour
• Skin care specialists offer facials, head and neck massages, and makeup application. Median wages: $13.07 per hour
• Makeup artists apply makeup for stage and television performances, photography sessions, and special occasions like weddings. Median wages: $16.95 per hour

While a career in cosmetology may appeal to your personal passion, occupations in this field offer additional perks. Nearly half of all personal care workers are self-employed, enjoying a flexible schedule. Some may even have a home-based salon, allowing them to maintain a manageable work-life balance.
Sources:
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists, BLS
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance, BLS
Manicurists and Pedicurists, BLS
Skincare Specialists, BLS

Grace Chen is a freelance writer who lives in rural Maine.