The main job of a cosmetologist is to shampoo, cut and style hair. They also give their customers tips on how to take care of their hair. Cleaning and styling of wigs and hairpieces may also be in the job description, depending on the services provided by the salon they work in. More and more cosmetologists are becoming specialized, with the largest of these groups being manicurists, who work exclusively on nails, providing manicures, pedicures and nail extensions. Another specialty group is estheticians, who beautify the skin by giving facials, full-body treatments and removing body hair through waxing.
All states require cosmetologists to be licensed.
According to Josephine Sarkis, cosmetology student at Continental School of Beauty Culture, cosmetologists in New York must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and pass a written test and then a practical test to get the license. Sarkis says the course she is taking at Continental consists of 1,000 hours of training, of which she's completed 700. She adds that students practice hairstyling techniques using mannequins but must pass the practical part of the licensing exam on a real person. She says a full-time student can complete Continental's course in approximately eight months. The WeMoCo Vocational Technical Center in Spencerport also offers a program in cosmetology.