Home » Blog » 5 Promising Beauty Careers You May Not Know About

by Lorraine Letcavage

Once you decide to attend beauty school, chances are your goal is to become a hairstylist. There’s nothing wrong with that, of course. But…did you ever consider an alternative career in beauty? Perhaps one that quenches your desire to do something different?

There are actually a number of job options perfect for beauty school graduates who think outside the box. Why? Well, a comprehensive cosmetology education teaches students many transferable, marketable skills that employers seek. These skills can lead to lucrative, exciting opportunities beyond the chair.

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular options:

1. Skin Care Specialist

You can just skim a magazine or see a few TV ads to realize the high demand these days for a beautiful complexion. You, as a beauty professional in skin care (also known as an esthetician), will be ready to deliver results. With so many potential clients, the future employment of skin care specialists is projected to grow 40 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. You may have the savvy to join the network of cosmetologists trained to provide relaxing skin care treatments to enhance an individual’s appearance.

2. Makeup Artist

Do you have an eye for makeovers, or a love of cosmetics? You can perfect these instincts in beauty school to become a makeup artist, making people truly look and feel their very best. The rise of full-service salons has increased the need for trained specialists to apply makeup for special events or as an add-on to a skin care treatment. There are openings in specialty stores, spas, cruise shops, and the exciting world of fashion modeling. TV and movie work is a possibility as well for theatrical makeup artists.

3. Product Sales

Once you gain excellent communication and marketing skills in school, you may find that you enjoy trying out and recommending beauty products. A career in retail or vendor sales may be perfect for you, whether in a large department store or a beauty supplier. Good customer service can lead to jobs as a vendor consultant for well-known suppliers in the office or in the field. Unlimited earning potential exists for those skilled in sales- it’s up to you to give it a try.

4. Educator/Trainer

Were you inspired while in school to possibly lead a class of your own someday? If so, a very satisfying career choice may be to teach cosmetology and share your knowledge. This way, you can inspire others at vocational schools, beauty schools, and community colleges. Product manufacturers seek trainers to teach seminars in salons so stylists can learn the latest trends. This position is quite satisfying as it leads to making a difference in the lives of others. Learn more about it here.

5. Writer

That’s correct, a beauty school graduate can become hired as a writer. Think about all the beauty websites, blogs and articles online these days; many opportunities exist for cosmetologists with a knack for writing. A beauty school graduate has important assets such as hands-on experience coupled with knowledge to share beauty advice. This unique background can be useful to write tips, educational articles, and even assist in writing classroom materials. Who knows? Maybe you can be employed as a contributing writer or editor for fashion and beauty magazines. The combination of writing skills and beauty expertise can successfully lead toward a fascinating career.

No matter what area of the beauty world you choose to explore when graduating from beauty school, keep in mind that cosmetology is usually recession-proof. People will always want to look good and the craft can’t be phased out by technology. Can computers cut and color hair, give advice, or perform spa treatments? They can’t. You can, though. Find your niche and develop your skills for a beauty-ful future!