Gone are the days when students were running only after becoming a doctor or an engineer. With the onset of the internet, students have become aware of many offbeat industries that require the skillset they already have and pay well, too. And thanks to the internet, because the fashion and beauty industry has boomed amazingly, creating plenty of job opportunities in the market, cosmetologists are one of them. A cosmetologist is a person who specializes in cosmetology and offers a variety of beauty treatments to people. In this blog, we are going to understand in detail about the definition of cosmetology, career scope, colleges and eligibility criteria. So, without any further ado, let’s get started.
This Blog Includes:
- What is Cosmetology?
- Skills Required
- Specialisations in Cosmetology
- How to Become a Cosmetologist?
- List of Cosmetology Courses
- Top Universities Offering Cosmetology Courses Abroad and Fees
- Top Educational Institutes in India for Cosmetology Courses and Fees
- Career in Cosmetology: Job Profiles and Roles
- Popular Books on Cosmetology
- FAQs
What is Cosmetology?
Cosmetology is the study and application of beauty treatments and therapies. Although it is a field of healthcare, cosmetologists are not regarded as doctors. This study focuses on accentuating the physical appearance of a person, which makes them confident on the outside. With the skincare industry on the boom and people becoming conscious of the way they look, a career in cosmetology has become a prominent choice. Depending on their interest, students can choose from various cosmetology programs available in different colleges and universities.
Skills Required
To follow a career in Cosmetology, one needs to get the right training and obtain the requisite skills. For a specialized field like this, there are some skills that you must have in order to excel in your career. Here are some of the major skills required to build your career in Cosmetology:
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Understanding of the effects of various beauty products on human skin.
- Creativity
- Dexterity
- Great grooming habits
- Knowledge of the physiology of the skin, nails and hair.
- Familiarised with skincare and haircare treatments
Must Read: Difference Between BSc and BSc Honours
Specialisations in Cosmetology
Cosmetologists can specialize in different subsets of cosmetology, like skincare, skin analysis, nail care, art, hair care, hair coloring, hair styling, anatomy, and physiology. Here are some of the broad specializations in cosmetology for specialization:
- Aromatherapy
- Nail Art
- Hair styling
- Hair removal
- Skincare
- Cosmetics
- Herbal beauty care
- Facials
- Professional makeup
- Beauty therapy
- Hair Transplant
- Skincare treatments and masque
- Manicure & Pedicure
How to Become a Cosmetologist?
Cosmetology is broadly segregated into two categories, i.e. a medical and non-medical domain. Medical or clinical cosmetology is concerned with the treatment of skin ailments, while non-medical cosmetology focuses on training related to skincare, beauty treatments, and therapies. In order to pursue your career in medical cosmetology, you first need to complete your degree in Medicine, such as MBBS, and then take a specialization in Dermatology, Clinical Cosmetology, among others. For this, you can choose from a certification or diploma program of around 1 year to begin your practice.
For those opting for Non-medical cosmetology, you can opt for a beautician course or a certification program in Beauty or skincare treatments. Generally, non-medical cosmetology courses don’t require a bachelor’s degree and only need the candidate to have completed their senior secondary education, i.e. 10+2.
Recommended Read: How to Become a Skin Doctor?
List of Cosmetology Courses
The following are the popular cosmetology courses:
- Diploma in Professional Makeup
- Diploma in Cosmetology
- Diploma in Beauty Culture
- Diploma in Hair Styling
- Diploma in Aesthetics
- Diploma in Laser Aesthetics
- Diploma in Beauty & Spa Management
- Advanced Diploma in Cosmetology
- Advanced Diploma in Aesthetics
- Certificate Course in Artistry Makeup
- Certificate Course in Basic Hair Designing
- Certificate Course in Basic Beauty
- B.Tech in Cosmetic Technology
- B.Sc in Cosmetology
- Bachelor’s in Aesthetic Practitioner
- B.Voc in Cosmetic Technology
- M.Tech in Cosmetic Technology
- M.Sc in Cosmetology
Top Universities Offering Cosmetology Courses Abroad and Fees
There is a vast range of institutions and universities around the world that offer specialized medical and non-medical programs in Cosmetology with a plethora of specializations. The following table enlists some of the prominent universities as well as colleges and their prospective courses in Cosmetology.
| Institute | Estimated Fee |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University | USD 56,500 per year |
| Durham College | CAD 7,442 per semester |
| Seneca College | CAD 3,929 per semester |
| Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning | CAD 3,500 – 4,000 per semester |
| Centennial College of Applied Arts and Technology | CAD 3,500 – 4,000 per semester |
| Northern Lights College | CAD 5,055 per year |
| TAFE Western Australia | AUD 6,042 per year |
| The Gordon Australia | AUD 4,431 per year |
| Kangan Institute | AUD 4,800 per year |
Must Read: Maths Books for Competitive Exams 2025
Top Educational Institutes in India for Cosmetology Courses and Fees
Several colleges and universities in India offer a variety of courses in Cosmetology. Let’s have a look at them below, along with their estimated fee structure.
| Institute | Estimated Fee |
| VLCC Institute | INR 30,000 – 1,50,000 |
| London School of Trends, New Delhi | Not publicly available |
| Sandip University, Nashik | INR 40,000 – 80,000 |
| Pearl Academy, Mumbai | Not publicly available |
| Jawed Habib Hair and Beauty Academy, Pune | INR 25,000 – 79,000 |
| LTA School of Beauty, Mumbai | Not publicly available |
| International School of Aesthetics & Spa | Not publicly available |
| Nagpur University | INR 50,000 – 1,00,000 |
| North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon | INR 30,000 – 80,000 |
Career in Cosmetology: Job Profiles and Roles
There is a multitude of opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in Cosmetology. Moreover, cosmetologists help clients to identify their skin or hair type and tell them how and what cosmetics to apply. After completing a course in this field, you can discover job prospects at the following:
- Skin treatment clinics
- Beauty Parlors
- Nail Salon
- Hotels and restaurants
- Beauty Therapy Clinics
- Hospitals & Health Centres (Medical Cosmetology)
Popular Job Profiles
Pursuing a course in Cosmetology can open a variety of job opportunities that offer a lucrative package as well. Let’s have a look at some of the job profile and their average salary below.
| Job Profile | Average Salary |
| Fashion Show Stylist | 3.5 LPA |
| Clinical Cosmetologist | 3 LPA |
| Makeup Artist | 3.2 LPA |
| Brand Manager | 11.5 LPA |
| Beauty Magazine Writer | 3 LPA |
Must Read: Career as a Makeup Artist
Top Recruiters
Given below is the list of top recruiters that will give you a good head start in your career after a course in Cosmetology. Let’s have a look at them one by one:
- Lakme Salon
- VLCC Cosmetics
- L’Oréal Salon
- Kaya Clinic
- Blossom Kochhar
- Urban Company
- Clinique
- MAC Cosmetics
- NARS Cosmetics
- Sephora
- Bobbi Brown
- Nykaa
- Toni and Guy
- Emami
- Fortis Hospital
Must Read: Scope of Computer Science: High-Demand Careers and Emerging Trends
Popular Books on Cosmetology
Some of the popular books on Cosmetology are listed below. These books will enhance your knowledge on the course and provide you with the knowledge required to upskill yourself.
- Cosmetology and Dermatology by Deb Willis
- Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual: For Everyone from Beginner to Pro by Bobbi Brown
- Hair By Sam Mcknight
- Making Faces by Kevyn Aucoin
- Essentials in Dermatology, Venereology, Leprology Cosmetology by Bansal Ramesh
FAQs
Cosmetologists are beauty experts who specialize in skincare, hair care, and nail care. They are trained professionals with degrees in courses by BSc/Btech in cosmetic technology, MSc/Mtech in cosmetic technology, diploma in hair styling, etc. Cosmetologists study skin analysis, hair treatment, hair styling, manicure, pedicure, anatomy, and physiology.
Cosmetology encompasses the study of the application of beauty treatments and therapies. Cosmetology is seen as both a medical as well a non-medical discipline, and there is a wide range of cosmetology courses available at degree, diploma, or certification level, ranging from 3-4 years to short-term programs having 9-18 months of duration.
Cosmetologists are not doctors. They are professionals who specialize in beauty treatments and beautician courses in areas like skincare, hair, and nail care.
An average person with a degree in cosmetology can expect a salary of INR 21,400 per month. The average salary is likely to increase with work experience as well as position and company. Experienced professionals can expect salaries of over INR 50,000 per month and more.
Related Reads
Thus, this blog has helped you understand what a career in cosmetology entails as well as the courses and scope it offers. If you are planning to study for a degree in cosmetology or any other specialization, reach out to our Leverage Edu experts, and we will help you find the right course and university, thus guiding you towards a rewarding career in this field.
-
“Thank you for sharing such great information.
It has help me in finding out more detail about-
Happy to know that! You can register with your email id on our website and get notifications related to the latest blogs.
-
One app for all your study abroad needs






60,000+ students trusted us with their dreams. Take the first step today!

2 comments
“Thank you for sharing such great information.
It has help me in finding out more detail about
Happy to know that! You can register with your email id on our website and get notifications related to the latest blogs.