What Can I Do with a Cosmetology License in Michigan?

To become a cosmetologist in Michigan you'll need to complete the five basic beginner steps below. Once these steps are complete, there are many options as far as careers go for you to enjoy.

1. Cosmetology Education and Training. We offer all of the necessary training at David Pressley.
   
2. Cosmetology License and Examination Applications for the state of Michigan.
   
3. Pass the Examinations and Receive Your Michigan License. We can help you get there!
   
4. Maintain Your Cosmetology License to Continue Practicing in Michigan.
   
5. Find Your Dream Career as a Cosmetologist in Michigan.

Once you have your cosmetologist license in Michigan there are many avenues for careers. We'll go over a few below but remember, this is a field that is constantly evolving and changing so be sure to do your own research and apply for the positions you want out there.

• Hairstylist - A hairstylist is the #1 job for a person obtaining a cosmetology license in the state of Michigan or anywhere for that matter. Hairstylists cut, style and color hair for both men and women. This job is flexible in that you can work from your home, a salon or rent a chair. You can also do this career on the go for special events; for example: weddings, proms and religious ceremonies.
• Cosmetology Instructor - Simply put, a cosmetology instructor helps to teach students about cosmetology. They help students obtain and become cosmetologists by getting their license but also teach the different methods. These folks need to be both outgoing and patient as they educate others on the art of cosmetology and navigate the beginnings of their career in cosmetology.
• Shampoo Assistant - A shampoo assistant is responsible for helping a cosmetologist with simple tasks around the salon. This is a great position for someone just starting out or for a student looking to make extra income while in training. The job duties for this might include: shampooing hair, working the reception area, answering/relaying messages to guests, helping to clean the salon and even some photography for social media.
• Nail Technician - As a nail technician, you'll give manicures and pedicures but also stay on the cutting edge trends within the nail arts. Dip powder, gel nails and upgraded "spa-like" nail services will be apart of your repertoire. It's also beneficial to learn how to do designs on nails since these styles are constantly changing depending on trends. You'll also be helping your customers find the perfect color or shade depending on what they are looking for so an eye for color is a necessity.
• Esthetician - An esthetician is a skincare expert and health enthusiast who will be responsible for helping others feel their best about their skin. Some common practices include: helping with picking and testing skincare products, microdermabrasion, facials and waxing. This career is a feel-good choice in that you really have the ability to help transform a persons confidence about their skin whether it is treating acne, fine lines/wrinkles, pigmentation or helping to hydrate skin.
• Salon Owner/Manager - As a salon owner or manager you'll be responsible for training and hiring staff, dealing with customer relations, opening and closing the salon, paying bills and other business-related duties. With this type of role it will be entirely up to you as to whether you use your cosmetology degree to help the beauticians or attend to clients yourself. Most salon owners and managers do both: work with the business relations and help with clients.
• Makeup Artist - As a makeup artist, you'll need to be a highly creative individual with a love for interpersonal relations. You'll need to be ok with criticism and the ability to take instructions from clients and design briefs for makeup. As a makeup artist you might do makeup for weddings, proms, theater/movies or fashion shows.
• Barber - Barbers work specifically with male clientele styling, cutting and trimming hair. You may also be responsible for helping to shave and sharpen up facial hair. Similar to a hair stylist, a barber will need to be good with communication, personal skills, have great hand-eye coordination and time management.
• Fashion Show Stylist - As a fashion stylist, you'll work with photographers, models and other professionals in the industry to help perfect a look for a fashion show model. Most of the time you'll be given a design brief or outline to follow so this career requires you being able to work with others well and take instructions well. This is a really fun job and can require some travel to each event.
• Beauty Consultant - As a beauty consultant you may work in a store such as Sephora or Ulta to help folks find the right products and test products. You might also help consult different spas and salons into business decisions. Most beauty consultants have a wealth of knowledge and experience in cosmetology.

For more information on careers within Cosmetology in the state of Michigan visit the Michigan Legislature website.