A cosmetologist is a beauty professional who is trained and licensed to perform cosmetic treatments to the hair, skin, and nails. They are experts in applying cosmetic procedures, therapies, and treatments to beautify ones outer appearance. Cosmetology is a regulated, state-licensed industry, and each state in the US has slightly different cosmetology licensing requirements. Some of the services that cosmetologists can perform include:

• Haircutting, styling, coloring, and chemically treating hair
• Skin care, including facials and skin analysis
• Nail care, including manicures and pedicures
• Makeup application
• Hair removal, including waxing and sugaring
• Permanent hair removal processes such as electrology and intense pulsed light (IPL)

Cosmetologists must undergo extensive study and training and be licensed by their states certifying board to practice their craft. In the United States, an occupational license is required in all states to be a cosmetologist, with the average cost of a certificate from a for-profit school being $17,000 and 1,500 required hours. The beauty industry is currently one of the most popular topics on all social media platforms, making it easy for a cosmetologist to market themselves virtually, exercise their creative genius, and potentially make a popular name for themselves.