December 5, 2014
5 Career Paths to Explore in Cosmetology and Beauty
Beauty education can open the door to several different career directions depending on your interests, experience, and credentials. Some people work directly with clients, while others move into education, business ownership, content creation, or other areas of the beauty industry.
| Career Path | What It Can Involve |
|---|---|
| Hair or makeup artist | Working with clients, special events, entertainment, editorial, or other creative settings |
| Beauty content writer | Creating blogs, website copy, social media content, and other beauty-focused marketing |
| Social media creator | Sharing tutorials, trends, product content, and beauty education online |
| Salon owner | Combining beauty experience with business operations, marketing, and client service |
| Instructor | Teaching and supporting future beauty professionals |
Licensing and other requirements vary by career and location. Some roles require an active professional credential, while others rely more on beauty knowledge, communication, business, or marketing skills.
Cosmetology and the broader beauty industry can offer a variety of career paths for people with different interests and skills. Cosmetologists blend a host of skills to give their careers special meaning. They can help people feel better about their appearance, offer beauty tips, boost confidence, and create lasting relationships.
If you would love to help people in these ways, the beauty industry may be for you! At Phagans School of Hair Design, we’re passionate about helping students build skills for the beauty industry.
Curious about what careers you could pursue as a licensed cosmetologist? Check these out!
1. Hair or Makeup Artist
Whether your passion is hair or makeup, there are creative opportunities to work with clients in a variety of settings. Some beauty professionals may also pursue work in entertainment, editorial, special events, or with public figures as they build experience and professional connections.
But how do they do it? Is it luck, are they in the right place at the right time, or is it talent? According to celebrity makeup artist and entrepreneur, Mario Dedivanovic, it’s a little bit of everything!
Beauty education, continued learning, practice, networking, and a strong portfolio can all play a role in building a career. Opportunities vary by specialty and location, so it can help to research the markets where you hope to work.
Becoming a celebrity hairstylist doesn’t happen overnight for most people. Seek to find good mentors to assist who can also help you find the right opportunities. Take each opportunity with gratitude, and you can find joy in each step of your journey.
2. Beauty Content Writer/Copywriter
Writing about your passion can be such a rewarding career. If you love researching and writing, beauty content could be a career path worth exploring. With your knowledge of all things beauty, you could be a great asset to a beauty brand.
As a beauty content writer, you could help a brand set their tone and voice across all their marketing channels like their social media, website, blog, etc. Some other great skills to have before starting your career as a beauty content writer are Search Engine Optimization (SEO) marketing practices like link building or keyword targeting.
Writing is important for providing fresh, exciting content to inspire and motivate an audience to learn more and take action. These skills can be useful when creating content for beauty brands, salons, agencies, and other businesses.
Research different brands that you might be passionate about and reach out. Who knows? You could be the next content writer for an up-and-coming beauty brand!
3. Beauty Content Creator
Social media has turned into a platform where people share their passions and skills with others, even creating a career out of it. Do you consider yourself a trendsetter when it comes to different hairstyles, makeup ideas, nail designs, or skin secrets? Social media can also provide a way to share your skills, build an audience, and explore potential opportunities in the beauty industry.
The first step is to define your niche and how you will stand out from other creators. What specific skill(s) do you want to share with others?
Maybe you love doing intricate braids, maybe you love to share simple, everyday makeup ideas, or maybe you want to work with organic makeup brands. Whatever it is, own it and begin to market yourself by building a portfolio and getting your page out there!
Here are some great tips to start your Instagram (or TikTok) influencer journey:
- High-quality images and videos
- Stay consistent with your vibe – colors, brand, voice
- Post consistently
- Let people know who you are
- Engage with your audience
- Collaborate with other influencers, bloggers, brands, or models
If you partner with brands or receive free or discounted products, make sure sponsored relationships are clearly disclosed.
4. Salon Owner
Do you have a passion for entrepreneurship as well as for beauty? Salon ownership can combine an interest in beauty with entrepreneurship and business management. Many students pursue cosmetology with hopes of opening a salon one day. This can be a great option if you want to blend the business side of the beauty industry with creativity and technical skills.
Once you understand the beauty side of the salon, you may need some help with the business side of a salon. Seek out mentors and resources that can help you, like the business and marketing training we include in our curriculum. This is the time for your entrepreneurial passion to come out and shine!
Owning a salon is a big job, but it can be fun and rewarding. Continue to reach out to people in the industry to learn more about it.
5. Instructor
Are you a natural teacher? Maybe you enjoy helping people learn new skills? If so, you may want to think about becoming a cosmetology instructor. Use your skills and expertise in beauty to teach the next class of cosmetologists so they can go out into the industry and make a difference.
Requirements for becoming a beauty-school instructor vary by state and the subject being taught. Prospective instructors may need professional credentials, industry experience, teacher registration, or additional instructor training. Check the requirements where you plan to work.
Being an instructor can be a fulfilling career for anyone who wants to help a new generation of beauty professionals. Learn more about our instructor program here!
Get Excited About Cosmetology!
At Phagans School of Hair Design, we help students follow their passion for beauty. Our mission is to teach why knowledge is beautiful, especially in the beauty industry. If you’re interested in learning more about beauty education, contact Phagans to ask questions about available programs. You can also schedule a tour to see if we are a good fit for you!
