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How to Become a Beautician

Beauty and appearance are a major component of American society. The demand for beauty services is constantly increasing as many people wish to improve and enhance their appearance. Beauticians are beauty specialists that offer many different services and treatments to clients.

What does a beautician do?

Beauticians are beauty care experts that specialize in providing beauty services. They analyze the needs and desires of clients and then recommend the most appropriate treatment. They offer many beauty therapy treatments such as treatments to the face, skin, hair, and body. Treatments include facials, massages, eyebrow threading, manicures, pedicures, and skin treatments. Some beauticians also offer more advanced treatments such as permanent make-up, electrolysis, and laser therapy. They also offer advice to their clients regarding health/fitness, skin care, make-up, hair care. They offer a variety of products for clients to purchase. Beauticians often suggest cosmetics and other products depending on the skin type and lifestyle factors of the client. Beauticians also often help clients with applying make up and styling hair for special occasions. They are usually trained in several areas, but most generally practice one specialty.

What kind of training does a beautician need?

Beauticians must have at least a high school diploma. They usually attend vocational cosmetology schools and training includes hands on experience in beautician specialties such as skincare techniques and hairdressing. Some beauticians complete apprenticeships after they complete their training. Apprenticeship positions often last 1 to 3 years. Beauticians must also stay up to date on the current trends, techniques, and products. They frequently attend seminars, training programs, and beauty shows.

All states require beauticians to be licensed. Licensing requirements vary by state by typically include at least a high school diploma and completing formal training at a state-licensed institution. Licensing examinations usually have a written and practical component that evaluates a beautician specialty.

What are the prospects for a career as a beautician?

Employment of beauticians is projected to grow as fast as average, increasing 10% from 2006 to 2016 (1). The increased demand for beauty services will drive job growth.

Job prospects should be good, but there will be high competition at high paying salons. Beauticians that provide a wide range of services will have the best opportunities. Job openings will also stem from the need to replace beauticians who retire, transfer, or leave the field for other reasons.

How much do beauticians make?

As of September 2009, beauticians with 1 to 4 years experience earned hourly wages between $7.65 and $12.08. Those with 10 to 19 years experience earned hourly wages between $9.69 and $13.32 (2).

A career as a beautician is a great choice for people interested in providing a wide range of beauty services to clients. Beauticians must have a clean attractive appearance and be up to date on the current fashion and design trends. They must be friendly and have excellent communication. Flexibility, confidence, dexterity, and physical stamina are also desirable characteristics.

Now what? The next step is easy!

Take the first step today and request free information from our selected top online nursing and healthcare schools, or simply use the form below to find the program that is right for you!

(1) SOURCE: The Occupational Information Network (O*Net), online.onetcenter.org
(2) SOURCE: Payscale.com, Salary Survey Report