Cosmetologist Job Description – What is a Cosmetologist?
A cosmetologist is a very broad term to describe a professional who specializes in a particular service that both men and women pay for to make them feel better and physically appear better. Cosmetologists can be hairdressers, make-up artists, nail technicians, or skin care specialists, which is why the term is so loosely used and that there can be no set job description for a cosmetologist.
Occupations
Hairdressers are in charge of being aware of current hairstyles and being able to shampoo, condition, cut, color, and treat all types of hair. Make-up artists must be knowledgeable of different skin types and colors when they do their clients make-up, whether they are hired personally or through their company. Nail technicians deal with providing their clients with manicures and pedicures, including cleaning and painting the nails and applying acrylic nails if need be. Skin care specialists give their clients’ facials and give massages, while simultaneously making the client feel comfortable and relaxed.
Work Environment
Depending upon the specialization, cosmetologists often work in a salon-type setting where they work with others who work with the same specialization. Hairdressers work in hair salons, and skin care specialists generally work in spas, for example. A salon is also a general term, because there are several types of salons that cater to specific areas. The two most common are nail and hair salons. Spas generally encompass aspects of almost all areas of cosmetology. The number one purpose of a spa is for the clients to feel pampered and so they feel relaxed and worry free. There are skin care specialists available for body massages, facials, and skin treatments for the body as well. Manicurists are usually employed by spas as well.
Entrepreneurship
When a cosmetologist has her own business, she will either run her own salon or she will work freelance and be hired on an as-needed basis. If she has her own business, it will take a lot of marketing efforts for her to be successful. It helps to build a client base, because the best kind of marketing is word-of-mouth. If a few of her clients tell a few of their friends about the services provided, then the cosmetologist’s client base grows and continues to grow.
A cosmetologist provides her clients with services that will make them feel better about themselves both physically and emotionally, which is their main goal for working in the service industry.