How to Become a Cosmetologist?

5 minute read

With the increase in body consciousness and the rise of social media, people now focus immensely on ways to beautify themselves. The advancements in technology have made skin enhancement procedures much easier and feasible. Among the many certified professionals, cosmetologists are people who study and application of beauty treatments. In this blog, we will discuss how to become a cosmetologist along with the basic requirements to obtain a degree.

What is Cometology?

The study and practice of beauty care are known as cosmetology. Making people appear good is science’s main goal. It has various branches, including those for face, hair, body, and general health care as well as beauty therapy.

Who is a Cosmetologist?

Cosmetology is the study and application of beauty treatment. A cosmetologist is a person who learns and applies these treatments to enhance physical features. They are trained and licensed to perform cosmetic treatments after evaluating the client’s skin, hair, etc. Branches of speciality for cosmetology include skincare, cosmetics, manicures/pedicures, non-permanent hair removal such as waxing and sugaring, and permanent hair removal processes such as intense pulsed light (IPL). These procedures improve physical health and appearance. 

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Cosmetology Responsibilities

  • Hair can be shampooed, styled, coloured, curled, or straightened.
  • Give clients advice on the best hairstyles and colours for them depending on the texture, condition, and colour of their hair as well as their skin tone.
  • Shave facial hair and trim beards.
  • Use makeup to improve or alter the appearance of the performance or actor.
  • Treat skin conditions by assessing skin health and administering therapies after weighing available options.
  • In some states, barbers are permitted to dye, bleach, and straighten or curl hair using chemicals.
Cosmetologist

Eligibility

The minimum requirements to become a cosmetologist are mentioned below

  • The candidate must have a 10+2 degree from a recognised board.
  • For non-medical cosmetologists, a Diploma or certificate course in cosmetology after 12th and graduation. 
  • For medical cosmetologists, a professional degree after the 12th such as MBBS/BDS/BAMS/BHMS/PGDC degree and license.

Skills Required

The cosmetologist must possess these skills to become a popular professional.

  • Knowledge of the physiology of skin, hair and nails
  • Understanding of chemistry of colours
  • Understanding the effects of beauty products
  • Good communication skills
  • Good consultation skills

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Courses

The various domain specialisations offered in the field of cosmetology include beauty, makeup, therapy, facials, hair styling, nail art, and many more. Students can either pursue medical or non-medical courses for pursuing cosmetology. The degrees offered are listed below.

Courses LevelDurationCourse Name
Bachelor (medical course)4-5 yearsMBBS
BDS
BAMS
BHMS
Master (medical course)1-2 yearsPG Diploma in Cosmetology (PGDC)
Diploma (non-medical)6 months- 1 yearDiploma in Fashion Media Makeup
Diploma in Cosmetology
Diploma in Makeup
Diploma in Hairdressing
Certificate (non-medical)3 to 6 months
Massage Therapy
Beauty Culture
Herbal Beauty and Therapy

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Course Fees

The average fee in a beauty educational institution to become a cosmetologist is around INR 20,000 to 1,00,00 per year. The difference in fee ranges depends on the type of cosmetology course pursued. The diploma and certificate courses are shorter hence the fees are comparatively low compared to a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree.

Cosmetologist

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Top Institutions in India

The most renowned beauty educational institutions in India are mentioned below.

  • Pearl Academy of fashion, Jaipur
  • International Women’s Polytechnic, New Delhi
  • VLCC Academy of Beauty Health and Management, New Delhi
  • Shahnaz Husain International Beauty Academy, New Delhi
  • National and Regional Vocational Training Institutes for Women, Noida
  • Habib’s Hair Academy, New Delhi
  • London School of Trends, New Delhi
  • Sandip University, Nashik
  • LTA School of Beauty, Mumbai
  • North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon

Top Institutions Abroad

The best Institutions abroad offering courses in cosmetology are mentioned below:

UniversityCourse
Vancouver Community College, CanadaCosmetology
Manukau Institute of Technology, New ZealandCertificate in Hairdressing 
Peralta Community College District, USAAssociate of Arts in Cosmetology
University of the Arts London, UKMSc in Cosmetic science
BA(Hons) in Fashion Styling and production
BA(Hons) in Hair and Make-up for fashion
BA(Hons) in hair Make-up and Prosthetics for Performance
Torrens University AustraliaDiploma of Beauty and Spa Practice
Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, New ZealandCertificate in Beauty Therapy
Alamo Colleges District, USAAssociate of Applied Science in Cosmetology Esthetician
Associate of Applied Science in Cosmetology Operator
Central New Mexico Community College, USACosmetology, Associate of Applied Science
Falmouth University, UKBA (Hons) in Fashion Styling & art direction
Charles Darwin University, AustraliaCertificate in Beauty services
Diploma in Beauty Therapy

Job Profiles

The different job positions available for a professional cosmetologist are mentioned below

  • Hairdresser
  • Makeup artist
  • Nail care artists
  • Beauty consultant
  • Fashion shows stylist
  • Beauty article writer
  • Cosmetology instructor
  • Skin therapist
Cosmetologist

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Top Recruiters

The best companies that recruit cosmetologists are mentioned below.

  • MAC Cosmetics
  • Lakme Salon
  • VLCC Cosmetics 
  • NARS Cosmetics
  • Sephora
  • Bobbi Brown
  • Nykaa
  • Toni and Guy
  • L’Oréal Salon
  • Urban Company
  • Clinique
  • Emami
  • Fortis Hospital
  • Kaya Clinic
  • Blossom Kochhar

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Salary and Scope

The career of a cosmetologist promises good earnings and a reputation. The range of salary depends upon the professional work experience and reputation in the market. Trained cosmetologists are paid well by the clinics and parlours. The average salary of a cosmetologist at the initial phase of a career is between ₹2,00,000 to ₹3,00,00 per year. With an increase in experience and reputation, the expected salary of a professional degree holder can be around ₹50,000 per month. The average salary of a cosmetologist overseas is $27,940 (INR 20,00,000) per year.

Professional cosmetologists are highly popular in the fashion industry. The demand for cosmetologists is high in beauty salons, parlours, luxury hotels and resorts. The film industries, advertising, modelling business require quality cosmetologists for their purposes. Professional degree holders can also work in skin clinics, beauty therapy salons, hospitals, and similar places. 

FAQs

How many years does it take to become a cosmetologist?

There are variations depending on the route opted. The average time taken to become a cosmetologist is around 4 to 5 years. 

Is a cosmetologist a doctor?

Cosmetologists are not physicians. They work on improving the physical appearance of clients. The medical cosmetologist works on deep-rooted skin therapies and treatments.

Is it hard to become a cosmetologist?

Since cosmetology is entirely based on acquiring beauty skills, it can be difficult sometimes. But it is not a very hard course to pursue.

Can you make good money as a cosmetologist?

It entirely depends on the reputation and skillsets of a cosmetologist. Earning a six-figure salary by becoming a cosmetologist is possible. Hard work and knowledge are key to success here.

This was all about how to become a cosmetologist. Hope this blog helped you with the various details and courses required to excel in this field. If you are unsure about finding the right course in the field of Cosmetology, our Leverage Edu experts will guide you in selecting the right program and university that aligns with your interests.

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2 comments
    1. Hey Surabi. A professional degree after the 12th such as MBBS/BDS/BAMS/BHMS/PGDC degree and license is required to become a medical cosmetologist. Therefore, you might not be eligible for the course. For further information connect with the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.

    1. Hey Surabi. A professional degree after the 12th such as MBBS/BDS/BAMS/BHMS/PGDC degree and license is required to become a medical cosmetologist. Therefore, you might not be eligible for the course. For further information connect with the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.