Cosmetology is a thriving field. After all, everyone wants to look beautiful. Celebrities pay thousands of dollars to appear perfect on the red carpet. Having the paparazzi chronicle every move would certainly cause Jennifer Aniston to want to look her best. However, everyday people, such as stay-at-home moms and college co-eds, also want to be beautiful, and they turn to cosmetologists for help.

Cosmetologists include a wide range of beauty professionals, such as hairdressers, skincare specialists and nail technicians. Whether a cosmetologist’s duties include creating the perfect coif, beautifying a client’s skin or designing a show-stopping manicure, he or she must maintain five essentials in order to be successful in the cosmetology industry. Look at the list below.

1. Come to Order!
The ability to maintain an organized service environment is paramount for successful cosmetologists. Not only is a clean, organized work area important, no client wants to wait hours for a beautification treatment. Some beauty technicians do accept walk-in clients. However, most professionals provide services to clients by appointment. Scheduling appointments and completing services in a timely manner are essential for success. In addition, bookkeeping and records management are required.

2. People Skills Needed
Customer service is necessary in cosmetology. Most beauty professionals work one-on-one with clients, and they frequently converse during beauty procedures. Beauty clients desire comfort and relaxation during their treatments. They do not want to pay money to be insulted by their cosmetologist. Successful professionals know that few customers will return after an unsavory experience.

Warm up to people by giving them a big friendly smile which will make make you more readily to approach. It will also make you feel and act more outgoing!

3. Salesmanship
Not only do cosmetologists perform beauty services, they also sell beauty products. Cosmetology professionals must be knowledgeable about the products and services they offer. In addition, they must be able to help clients make appropriate selections to meet client needs and expectations.

4. Training, Training and More Training!
People who desire a profession in cosmetology must acquire the proper training. Many training programs are available throughout the country, and the programs must be completed before students are eligible to take state licensing exams. After licensing, continuing education courses are required to help cosmetologists stay abreast of the latest industry advancements.

5. Dedication
Dedication is important to the success of a cosmetology professional. Cosmetologists typically begin their career in an entry-level position. Eventually, they may advance to more complicated services, such as multi-tonal highlights or intricate nail art. Over time, some cosmetologists even open their own salons.

About 357,000 people worked in the personal care service industry in May 2011 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2011). However, only a fraction of these workers will become successful in the field of cosmetology. By mastering the five essentials listed above, personal care professionals can help ensure that they perform at optimal levels.

Have you ever thought about going to cosmetology school? Many people who do not want to go to a traditional university for four years, six years, or even eight years end up considering cosmetology as an alternate route.
It’s a hands-on profession; cosmetology school consists of a little training and a large amount of practice. Many schools offer discounted or free haircuts to those who are willing to let a student practice their craft. Typically, a cosmetologist can become licensed in around a year, although the amount of time it takes to finish the required number of practice hours to attain certification varies depending on the student.

If you’re undecided about cosmetology as a career versus other professions that do not require a college degree, it’s helpful to consider your options. It used to be that certain medical assistants, nurses, and dental hygienists could practice their craft without a four-year degree. The market for these jobs, however, is increasingly competitive, with more and more people opting for at least a bachelor’s degree in such fields.

Trade professions continue to offer viable options. Plumbers, electricians, carpenters, mechanics, and landscape professionals often need special training or certification, but are not necessarily required to have a typical college degree. Certain office jobs, like secretarial or paralegel work, might require only an associate’s, or two year, degree.

Those working in computer science or the arts can certainly benefit from a degree in their field, but talent, skill, and know-how often trump everything. If you know what you’re doing, there are jobs to be had. A number of specialized computer courses that do not require a degree are offered (where else?) online, allowing aspiring computer specialists to hone their skills and acquire new knowledge without having to attend a college.

After reviewing all of the options, it’s clear that there is still a way forward for those looking for an advanced education and viable profession outside of traditional college. To be sure, a college degree is useful, and many people choose to go that route. But if you’re seeking different direction, there are still plenty of options out there.

If you’ve looked at your options and decided on a career in cosmetology, it can be a quite satisfying and productive job. There is often opportunity for advancement, and the level of pay can often depend on your skill and hard work. What’s not to like?

Thinking of a future in cosmetology? Most people only think of working from home, going to cosmetology school, then proceeding to a salon. And it’s true that many cosmetologists go this route. But did you know that cosmetology can lead you into the exciting world of fashion, the heat of a political race, or even the set of of a movie? If you keep an open mind and seek opportunities, there are lots of ways to use your craft! Let’s take a look at a few “big-time” cosmetologists who have found another route to success:

Oribe Canales is so successful that he needs only go by one name. The stylist does hair and make up for photo shoots for models and magazines around the world, including Vogue. Supermodels and celebrities are his clients. He has his own product line. Oribe is at the pinnacle of his profession.

James Cornwell is the make-up artist for Nancy Pelosi, the House Minority Leader. Helping a major national politician get ready for appearances on national television, at press conferences, and on the campaign trail is no easy task, but Cornwell is up to it. Through this exciting and rewarding profession, a future cosmetologist like yourself just might help determine our future president!

Andre Walker is the personal hair and make-up artist for Oprah Winfrey, trusted for many years with the task of getting Oprah looking good for her many public appearances. Is there any job in this profession better than having one of the most famous women on the planet as your client?

Mary Ann Valdes reached the pinnacle of her profession when she received an Emmy nomination for her styling work in the comedy Ugly Betty. She started in television working on the set of the iconic 1980′s hit Miami Vice.

As you can see, there is plenty of room for excitement, variety, and advancement in your career as a cosmetologist. While you may start in a salon, continuing to work there is only one of a number of options. Through hard work and skill, you might find yourself doing make-up for magazine covers, or wearing that new dress on Oscar night for your “make-up effects” nomination!

It’s important to remember that few celebrity stylists become successful overnight. Most, if not all, of them have a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn and try new things. These are the keys to making it big!

Turns out, physical appearance does matter when it comes to your ability to succeed in the work place. (We imagine that’s especially important if you’re trying to get a cosmetology job!) This infographic covers how the public believes physical attractiveness may provide an advantage in getting a job or promotion, and some people even believe that looks matter more than your sense of humor or even education. Wha?! So confidence, experience and a great resume are still important to getting a job, but don’t discount the importance of spending a little time and money on your personal appearance if you’re hitting the pavement to find work.

Copy and paste the code below to embed this infographic into your website or blog!

<a href="http://www.beautyschool.com/blog/beauty-jobs/looks-matter-when-job-hunting" title="Looks Matter When Applying for Jobs" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.beautyschool.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/looks-affect-job-prospects-infograph-625x1024.png" alt="Appearance Matters When Job Hunting Infographic"/></a><br /><em>Via <a href="http://www.beautyschool.com/articles/how-is-the-cosmetology-industry-really-doing" title="Beauty Jobs Outlook">BeautySchool.com Beauty Jobs Outlook</a></em>

I’m frequently shocked by the vast number of people who ask, “Am I too old for cosmetology school?” Reality check! It’s never too late to achieve your dreams of becoming a beautician.

Diane Rickard was 59 when she enrolled in cosmetology school, unable to find work in another field in today’s rickety economy.  Now, just a few of years later, she is the proud owner of her very own beauty business – AvaShay, a natural nail spa in Brighton, Michigan.

If you are passionate about beautifying people and you’re ready for a change of scenery, switching to a cosmetology career may be perfect for you – regardless of your age. Some things to think about are balancing current career responsibilities with getting your beauty education, your family’s reaction, and facing your fear of the big change!

In today’s tough job market, jobs are hard to find – particularly for someone who is older or interested in switching careers.  But the beauty industry still offers opportunities for someone who is people-oriented and not willing to let anything stand in their way. Diane Rickard was the oldest person in her cosmetology class when she enrolled at Brighton Institute of Cosmetology – and now she’s her own boss.

Live the dream. Find out what it takes to enroll in cosmetology school - no matter how old you are.

Are you protected under the First Amendment when you express your opinions in an open forum like Facebook? When does freedom of speech go too far? Well, one beauty school in Illinois is testing that the limits of freedom of speech and the use of social networking sites like Facebook.

Salon Professional Academy of Elgin is suing one of its students for creating a Facebook page about the school where students could rant or vent about classes or instructors. The beauty school is suing Nicholas Blacconiere for unauthorized use of their logo and $50,000 for emotional damages caused by defamatory comments posted on the page. The lawsuit alleges that the defendents published “libel per se,” with statements that were unfounded, untrue and defamatory.

One has to wonder: can corporations or individuals start suing over Facebook posts? If so, this lawsuit could set a precedent on how students are held accountable for complaints or insults posted on the web.

What do you think? Should Nicholas Blacconiere be held legally accountable for his actions, or is this Illinois beauty school infringing upon his rights? Would the damage to Blacconiere’s reputation and future career in cosmetology be sufficient, or is paying financial damages necessary to punish him? BeautySchool.com wants to know!