Introduction
“Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder” is the famous saying by Poet William Shakespeare. Isn’t it true?
Everyone wants to look beautiful. Also, with increasing competition in the beauty industry, it has become even more important to have professionals who can enhance and bring out the beauty in every individual. This is where Cosmetologists come into play.
A career as a Cosmetologist is the perfect fit for those passionate about beauty.
What is Cosmetology?
Cosmetologists have vast opportunities as there will always be a need for beauty care professionals. As more people focus on their appearance, the demand for Cosmetologists will keep rising.
Another reason for the rise in cosmetology careers is the increasing inclusivity in the field. Cosmetologists are now working with clients of all races, genders, and ages.
Role & Responsibilities of Cosmetologist
Cosmetologists are responsible for the overall look of their clients.
Some of their responsibilities include:
- Providing consultations on personal care and beauty-related services.
- Help with inventory management of salon supplies and process purchasing requisitions as required.
- Assess customers’ hair and other physical characteristics to suggest beauty treatments or hairstyles.
- Collaborate with salon management to develop marketing initiatives aimed at increasing customers.
- Provide beauty treatments to clients, such as skin care services, hair styling, makeup application, and eyelash extensions.
Employment Scope Career Options for Cosmetologist
A career in cosmetology offers diverse opportunities for individuals interested in the beauty industry. Cosmetologists can work in a salon, spa, beauty clinic, or even as a freelance contractors.
Cosmetologists can work as Hairstylists, Makeup artists, Skin care specialists, or nail technicians, depending upon their expertise.
Top recruiters of Cosmetologists are Lakme, Habib’s, VLCC, Unilever, Herbals, Shahnaz Husain, GlaxoSmithKline, L’Oreal, and many more.
Salary Range
Cosmetology is a creative career with an opportunity to earn a high salary. The salary of a Cosmetologist depends upon their experience, expertise, location, and the type of establishment they work in.
On average, a Cosmetologist can earn a starting salary of around 4 to 6 lacs per annum in India. Candidates with a professional degree in cosmetology can earn higher salaries compared to those with just a certification or diploma. With experience and expertise, Cosmetologists can earn even more, with some of the top professionals in the field earning 10 to 15 lacs per annum.
Types of Cosmetology Courses
Cosmetology is a field that requires formal education and training to excel. There are various courses available for individuals interested in pursuing a career as a Cosmetologist.
The good thing is you can pursue a cosmetology course at any point in your career. Even HSC-passed or undergraduates can enroll in a diploma or certification course in cosmetology to kickstart their careers.
Some of the popular courses include:
Undergraduate Courses
- Bachelor of Science in Cosmetology
- Bachelor of Cosmetic Technology
Diploma Courses (6 months to 1 year)
- Diploma in Cosmetology
- Diploma in Hairdressing
- Diploma in Makeup, etc
Certificate Courses
- Certificate course in Basic Beauty
- Certificate Course in Professional Makeup,
- Certificate Course in Herbal Beauty and Therapy, etc
Master Course
- PG Diploma in Cosmetology (PGDC)
How to Become a Cosmetologist?
Formal education and training is a pre-requisite. Aspiring candidates must complete training at a state-licensed school and be a minimum of 18 years of age. Many professionals in this field choose to further their education with advanced courses to stay up-to-date on current trends.
The first step is to pass at least 10 or 12th grade from a recognised university. Upon finishing high school, you can enroll in a cosmetology vocational training program at an accredited institution or pursue a professional degree at a university.
The next step is to enroll in a cosmetology institute. Many institutes in India and the world offer cosmetology degrees and diploma courses. You can even enroll for a certification course of 3 to 6 months.
You can even enroll for a specialised course in a specific area of cosmetology, such as hair styling, makeup artistry, or skin care.
After completing your education and training, you will need to obtain a state license to practice as a Cosmetologist. This involves passing a written exam and demonstrating your skills in practical exams.
Once license is obtained, you can start working in a salon, spa, or beauty clinic to gain hands-on experience in the field. It is important to continue learning and improving your skills by attending workshops, seminars, and advanced courses.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for a Cosmetology course depend upon the institution or the university offering the course.
Listed below are the criteria:
Short-term Courses
- Candidates must have completed at least Class 10 from a recognised school
- Candidates applying for advanced short-term Cosmetology courses are required to have completed a basic course in cosmetology or a related subject.
Diploma Courses
- Candidates must have completed at least Class 12 from a recognised school
- Candidates who have completed certificate courses after class 10th can also apply for Cosmetology courses at the diploma level.
Master or PG Courses
- Candidates must hold an advanced diploma from a recognised beauty institute in India to pursue a PG course.
Skills Required to Become a Cosmetologist
Cosmetology is an artistic or innovative job that needs constant learning and skill development. To become a successful Cosmetologist, you need to be creative.
Some of the other skills required are active listening, time management, business skills, flexibility, customer service, good interpersonal skills, attention to detail, good communication skills, and the ability to work well under pressure.
Syllabus
The syllabus for cosmetology courses may vary depending on the institute or university offering the program. The course covers topics related to beauty and personal care, including hair, skin, nails, and makeup.
The curriculum contains practical and theoretical subjects such as hairdressing, skincare, makeup artistry, nail care, salon management, bridal makeup, business ethics in Cosmetology, etc.
Top Colleges for Cosmetologists
There are numerous institutes In India and worldwide that offer Cosmetology courses.
Top Institutes globally
- Aveda Institutes
- Paul Mitchell Schools
- Pivot Point International
- Empire Beauty Schools
- Toni and Guy Hairdressing Academy
Top Institutes in India
- VLCC Institute
- LTA School of Beauty
- Shahnaz Husain’s Beauty Academy
- Lakme Academy
- Orane Beauty Academy
- Amity University, Noida
- Punjab University, Chandigarh
- Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), Hyderabad, etc
- SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai
- Vels Institute of Science, Technology, and Advanced Studies (VISTAS), Chennai, etc
Top Institutes in Mumbai
- BHI Academy
- Fat Mu Academy
- Christine Valmy International
- Academy of Beauty
- Alisha’s Institute of Beauty and Wellness
- Pivot point India
International Institutes
- University of Spa and Cosmetology Arts (USCA), USA
- University of Toledo, USA
- Florence-Darlington Technical College, USA
- University of the Arts London, UK
- Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
- Seneca College, Canada
- TAFE NSW, Australia
- University of Technology, Jamaica, etc
Candidates can choose the institute as per their choice and convenience. It is advisable to research and compare the curriculum, faculty, facilities, and placement opportunities before enrolling in a cosmetology course.
Fees for Cosmetologist Course
The average cosmetology course fee varies between 2 to 5 lacs. The course fees mainly depend upon the duration of the course, whether it is a full-time degree or diploma or whether you are pursuing a certification course.
The fees also depend upon the institute. Top colleges or institutes usually charge higher than the local or smaller institutes.
Conclusion
Cosmetology can be a rewarding career choice for those who have a passion for beauty and personal care. With the right skills, education, and training, individuals can excel in this field and create a successful career for themselves.