Licensed cosmetologists provide a variety of personal services that help clients look and feel their best. These services primarily include the care and treatment of hair, nails and skin. It can also involve consultations on health and wellness (such as diet and nutrition, fitness and health and wellbeing).

Personal appearance is not only a key factor in keeping one's morale high, but is also a factor in enhancing one's chances for a successful career. A career in cosmetology means you will devote your talents to making others look and feel their best. A cosmetology degree and license is necessary for pursuing a career as a hair stylist/designer/barber, nail technician, esthetician or makeup artist. Licensing requirements vary from state to state for each area of expertise.
 
Services Performed
The primary goal of a successful licensed cosmetologist is creating an experience for the client that he or she will enjoy and want to repeat. Cosmetologists keep pace with the fashion world and stand ready to meet the constantly changing career skills vital to success. Today's cosmetologists must possess, and continually upgrade and refine, a wide range of skills to meet the needs of a diverse clientele. Continuing education is a must! Cosmetology offers opportunities for personal growth and many career options. For example:

Hair Stylist/Designer/Barber. Because hair comes in many different lengths and textures (kinky, curly, wavy, or straight) , a  licensed cosmetologist must be able to “prescribe” the appropriate style and treatment for each individual client. The services most typically performed by hairstylists/designers/barbers include but are not limited to shampoo, hair treatment (condition/color/perm), haircut or trim, hairstyle and finish. In addition, barbers typically offer facial shaves and trims (beard, moustache, eyebrows, etc.) to male clients.

Esthetician
Esthetician.  This is one of today’s fastest-growing segments of the salon and spa industry. Estheticians perform facials, hair removal and other body treatments such as massage. They must be adept at using a wide variety of products (cleansing agents, lotions, wraps, oils, to name a few) and tools (lighted mirrors, steam machines, saunas and spas, rinsing apparatus, to name a few.) in order to provide the client with a positive experience.  Estheticians must be able to recognize abnormalities in the skin and recommend effective treatments to correct those abnormalities. Estheticians must also be able to communicate well in order to establish, build and maintain a trusting relationship with each client.  One also needs to be well organized and a team player.