Upon receiving their license, graduates are ready for employment in a variety of positions in barber shops or beauty salons. The cosmetologist practices the science of caring for the hair, fingernails, and skin. Scientific principles are applied through grooming of patrons. Cosmetologists perform such services as shaping and tinting eyebrows and lashes, applying makeup, permanent waving, coloring and straightening hair, manicuring, and giving scalp and facial treatments. Graduates may find employment in independent shops and salons, in hair styling departments of large firms and hotels, or with manufacturers of cosmetic or hair products.
Some graduates open their own shops.