What Can I Do with a Cosmetology License in Michigan?

If you’re considering pursuing a career in cosmetology in Michigan, you may be wondering what opportunities await you once you earn your cosmetology license. The beauty industry is constantly evolving and expanding, providing a wide range of career paths for licensed cosmetologists. In this blog, we’re going over the different career paths you can have as a cosmetologist!

How Do I Become A Licensed Cosmetologist?

Before we jump into what careers you can have, let’s talk about how to become a licensed cosmetologist! 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. Complete Cosmetology Education and Training.
2. Cosmetology License and Examination Applications for the State of Michigan.
3. Pass the Examinations and Receive Your Michigan License.
4. Maintain Your Cosmetology License to Continue Practicing in Michigan.
5. Find Your Dream Career as a Cosmetologist in Michigan.

Now that you know the steps needed to become a cosmetologist, let’s go over what careers you can have! 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!

Hairstylist

A hairstylist is one of the most popular career paths for cosmetologists. 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. Many hair stylists build up a loyal clientele, and over time, may have the opportunity to advance to a managerial or leadership position within a salon.

Cosmetology Instructor

Simply put, a cosmetology instructor helps to teach students about cosmetology. With your cosmetology license and additional training, you can become an instructor at a cosmetology school, providing hands-on training and education to aspiring cosmetologists. If you have a passion for teaching and sharing your knowledge with others, becoming a beauty educator may be the path for you.

Shampoo Assistant

In this role, you would be responsible for assisting stylists with washing and conditioning clients' hair, as well as other basic salon tasks. 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. Additionally, shampoo assistants often have the opportunity to build relationships with clients and may even have the chance to perform basic styling services under the supervision of a licensed stylist.

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 can be a part 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 is responsible for helping others feel their best about their skin. As an esthetician, you can provide a variety of skincare services, including recommending skincare products, microdermabrasion, facials, and waxing. This career can be a feel-good choice in that you really have the ability to help transform a person's confidence in their skin. Whether it is treating acne, fine lines/wrinkles, pigmentation, or helping to hydrate skin, you can make a positive impact on your clients' lives!

Salon Owner/Manager

With experience and additional training, licensed cosmetologists can also become salon managers or even salon owners. 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’s entirely up to you as to whether you use your cosmetology degree to attend to clients yourself or if you just want to stick to managerial tasks. Most salon owners and managers do both: work with business relations and help with clients.

Makeup Artist

With your cosmetology license, you can also specialize in makeup artistry. 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 can work in a variety of settings, including bridal and special event makeup, film and television, and even editorial photo shoots. With social media and the rise of influencers, there’s a growing demand for makeup artists who can create stunning looks that will photograph well for social media.

Barber

A cosmetology license in Michigan can also lead to a career as a barber. As a licensed barber, you would specialize in men's haircuts and grooming services, including beard and mustache trims, straight razor shaves, and hair styling. Similar to a hair stylist, a barber will need to be good with communication, personal skills, great hand-eye coordination, and time management.

Barbers often work in barbershops or salons that cater specifically to men and may have the opportunity to build up a loyal clientele over time. With additional training and experience, licensed barbers may also have the opportunity to become barbershop owners or even open their own chains of barbershops.

Fashion Show Stylist

In this role, you would work with fashion designers, models, and other members of the fashion industry to create unique and stunning looks for runway shows and other fashion events. As a fashion show stylist, you would use your knowledge of hair and makeup to create cohesive and visually appealing looks that complement the clothing being showcased. This career path can be fast-paced and demanding, but it offers the opportunity to work with high-profile clients and be a part of the fashion industry.

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 would use your knowledge of skincare, makeup, hair care, and other beauty-related topics to help customers choose products that will best suit their needs and preferences.

Additionally, you may have the opportunity to provide makeup application services or other beauty treatments in-store. This career path offers the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients and can be a great fit for those who enjoy sales and customer service.

Are You Ready To Pursue A Career In Cosmetology?

A cosmetology license in Michigan can open up a variety of exciting career paths in the beauty industry. No matter which career path you choose, a cosmetology license can provide a strong foundation for a fulfilling and rewarding career in the beauty industry.

If you’re ready to pursue a career in cosmetology, don’t hesitate to contact us! At David Pressley School of Cosmetology, we’re passionate about our students and want to see them succeed.