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Few professions offer the combination of creativity, artistic expression and emotional satisfaction that talented hairstylists enjoy. Cosmetologists/hairstylists work with their clients to create a hairstyle that expresses their individual personality and that complements a client's features and colouring

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More than 350,000 people were employed as cosmetologists or hairstylists in the U.S. in 2012. Given that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting a strong 16 percent growth rate for the occupation through 2020, almost 60,000 additional cosmetology operator-hair stylist positions will be created over the next few years. The BLS attributes the lion's share of this anticipated growth to the growing popularity of all types of hair colouring and hair shaping/straightening, as well as extensions and other hair and head best shampoo for blonde hair.

Cosmetologist Training

Cosmetology training programs are offered at most vocational schools and community colleges, as well as at a number of online academic institutions. Some training programs are associated with and use the facilities and equipment of local beauty salons.
Most cosmetology training programs last between nine months and two years and lead to a certificate or an associate degree. Cosmetology programs have sections on skin, nail and hair care. Programs include classes in sanitation and hygiene, hair care, hair styling, use of bleach and colouring agents, skincare, nail care and methods for various other personal appearance services. Most cosmetology programs include quite a bit of hands-on training working in a real beauty salon where students first learn techniques working with mannequins, and then move on to working with live clients.

Cosmetologist/Hairstylist Licensing

All 50 states and the District of Columbia require cosmetologists, hairdressers and hairstylists to be licensed. State licensure requirements vary, but in general include having a high school diploma or GED, being at least 17 years old, having graduated from a state-accredited cosmetology training program and passing a state licensing exam. Most licensing exams include a written test as well as a practical test of hairstyling and other cosmetology skills. Shampooers generally do not require formal training or licensing.

Pay and Prospects

Hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists earned average wages of $26,790 in 2012, according to the BLS. Those employed in the motion picture and video industry far out-earned their colleagues in other industries, taking home average wages of $65,160 in 2012. Cosmetology operators/hairstylists in the employment services industry earned the least, only taking home average wages of $23,590 in 2012.

The BLS is projecting 16 percent employment growth for the occupation through 2020, so cosmetologists can anticipate good job security. Most cosmetologists are on a salary plus commission compensation system, so the more new business they bring in and the more products they sell to clients, the greater their compensation. Opening up your own salon, however, is where the real money is. A significant number of cosmetologists decide to open up their own beauty salon after they have picked up a few years' experiences in the industry, and oftentimes two or more experienced cosmetologists will set up shop together to keep expenses down.