What Careers Can I Have as a Cosmetologist?

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your creativity and passion for beauty into a full-time career, cosmetology could be your calling. At Michigan College of Beauty, we believe in empowering our students to succeed in a variety of exciting beauty industry roles—and cosmetology can offer one of the most versatile and rewarding career paths out there.

Whether you’re fresh out of high school, considering a career change, or exploring a new passion, the cosmetology field can be rich with opportunities that go far beyond what you may expect. From working behind the chair as a hairstylist to launching your own beauty brand, your license can open the door to an incredible range of possibilities.

Let’s explore some of the most popular—and some lesser-known—careers you can have as a cosmetologist.

1. Hairstylist

A Classic and Creative Career Path

One of the most common careers for licensed cosmetologists is becoming a hairstylist. In this role, you’ll offer clients a variety of services, including:

• Haircuts for men, women, and children
• Coloring techniques (balayage, highlights, root touch-ups, and vivid colors)
• Styling for special events (weddings, proms, photoshoots)
• Treatments for damaged hair or scalp health
• Texture services like perms, relaxers, and keratin treatments

Why it can be rewarding:
As a hairstylist, you don’t just give people great hair—you help them feel more confident. Every day is different, and every client gives you a chance to use your creativity.

Where you can work:
Salons, blowout bars, spas, resorts, or even your own home studio.

2. Salon Owner or Manager

Take Charge of Your Future

Once you’ve built experience in the salon world, you might be ready to run your own. Owning or managing a salon allows you to take control of your schedule, hire your dream team, and create the beauty space you’ve always envisioned.

Responsibilities include:

• Overseeing daily operations
• Hiring and mentoring staff
• Creating service menus
• Handling finances and inventory
• Marketing and customer relations

Why it can be rewarding:
You’ll have the power to shape the culture and values of your business—and be a leader in your community.

Training Tip:
Business skills are just as important as beauty skills in this role. At Michigan College of Beauty, we incorporate career readiness and business education into our training.

3. Makeup Artist

Let Your Creativity Shine

If you love bold transformations, artistry, and working with color, makeup artistry could be your perfect fit. As a licensed cosmetologist, you can provide makeup services in a wide range of settings.

Career options include:

• Bridal makeup
• Editorial and fashion shoots
• Film, TV, and theater productions
• Makeup counters or cosmetic brands
• Freelance and mobile makeup services

Why it can be rewarding:
You can help clients feel their best on important days—and express your own creative vision along the way.

4. Skincare Specialist

Help Clients Look and Feel Their Best

Although estheticians typically focus solely on skincare, cosmetologists are also licensed to perform certain skincare services, including:

• Facials
• Makeup removal and application
• Basic waxing
• Scalp treatments and exfoliation

If you’re drawn to the world of skincare but want to offer hair and makeup too, cosmetology gives you a strong foundation to build on.

Why it can be rewarding:
You help clients address their concerns, boost their self-confidence, and practice self-care.

Want more advanced training?
You can always return for a specialized esthetics program to expand your skincare services.

5. Color Specialist

Master the Art and Science of Hair Color

Hair color is both a creative and technical specialty. As a colorist, you’ll develop advanced expertise in color theory, application techniques, and corrective color services. Many professionals choose to specialize in:

• Balayage and highlighting
• Creative color (fashion shades)
• Color corrections
• Gray blending and coverage

Why it can be rewarding:
There’s a huge demand for talented colorists who can create customized, dimensional looks for every hair type and tone.

Pro Tip:
Some colorists even work for product brands, educating other stylists or representing the company at trade shows.

6. Bridal and Event Stylist

Make Special Days Even More Memorable

Wedding days and major milestones are when many people want to look their absolute best. As a bridal and event stylist, you might specialize in:

• Updos and formal hairstyles
• Airbrush and long-wear makeup
• On-location services
• Coordinating large bridal parties

Why it can be rewarding:
You get to be part of one of the most important days of someone’s life—and your work will be captured in photos and memories for years to come.

Flexibility:
This is a great path for freelancers or part-time pros who want to work weekends or seasonally.

7. Platform Artist or Beauty Influencer

Share Your Passion with the World

If you love being on stage or on camera, there are ways to take your beauty skills to a wider audience. Many cosmetologists become:

• Platform artists for product brands
• Beauty content creators on TikTok or YouTube
• Instagram influencers
• Live demo presenters at beauty shows and events

Why it can be rewarding:
You can inspire, educate, and entertain fellow artists—and grow your own personal brand in the process.

Build Your Skills:
Our curriculum at Michigan College of Beauty includes social media and marketing strategies to help you get started.

8. Cosmetology Educator

Teach the Next Generation of Artists

If you’ve spent time in the industry and want to give back, becoming a cosmetology instructor could be the next step. As an educator, you’ll train and mentor students in:

• Hair techniques
• Skincare and makeup fundamentals
• Sanitation and safety
• Client communication and professionalism

Why it can be rewarding:
You’ll shape the careers of aspiring beauty professionals—and keep your own skills sharp by staying current with trends.

How to get there:
Michigan College of Beauty offers an Instructor Program for licensed cosmetologists who want to become teachers.

9. Product Representative or Brand Ambassador

Combine Sales, Education, and Style

If you love talking about products and helping others discover the tools you use every day, you might thrive as a product rep or brand ambassador. These professionals work for beauty brands and often:

• Host demos and trainings at salons
• Attend trade shows and beauty expos
• Sell products to stylists or salons
• Educate on proper product use and benefits

Why it can be rewarding:
You get to travel, try new products, and connect with other industry professionals—while representing brands you love.

10. Fashion Show or Set Stylist

Get Behind the Scenes of Glamour

For cosmetologists who thrive in fast-paced, creative environments, working on set for fashion shows, television, or film can be an exciting path. These stylists must know how to:

• Work quickly under pressure
• Create looks based on creative direction
• Adjust styles to fit lighting or wardrobe changes
• Collaborate with wardrobe, makeup, and photography teams

Why it can be rewarding:
You’ll contribute to the final vision of major creative projects—and possibly even see your work on the runway, screen, or magazine covers.

11. Nail Technician (With Additional Training)

Combine Detail Work and Client Care

While full nail services require a separate license in most states, many cosmetologists choose to get dual-licensed in both cosmetology and manicuring. This allows them to:

• Offer gel, acrylic, and dip powder nails
• Perform manicures and pedicures
• Create nail art for clients
• Boost revenue with additional services

Why it can be rewarding:
You get to mix creativity and precision—and work in a calming, spa-like atmosphere.

12. Independent Contractor or Suite Renter

Be Your Own Boss

Many licensed cosmetologists choose to work independently, renting a chair or studio space and running their own mini-business.

What it involves:

• Setting your own schedule
• Managing your own client base
• Purchasing your own supplies
• Marketing your services

Why it can be rewarding:
You have full control over your income, your clientele, and your environment.

Tip for success:
Business and communication skills are key for independent stylists. At Michigan College of Beauty, we teach both.

Is Cosmetology Right for You?

If you’re passionate about beauty, enjoy working with people, and love seeing tangible results from your work, cosmetology could be a perfect fit. A career in cosmetology offers:

• Flexibility
• Creativity
• Earning potential
• Job security
• Opportunities for growth

You don’t have to choose just one path. Many cosmetologists combine services—like hair and makeup, or bridal and freelance work—to keep their schedules interesting and income diverse.

Why Choose Michigan College of Beauty?

Our Cosmetology Program covers everything from hair design and coloring to skincare, makeup, and client relations.

We provide:

• Hands-on learning in a real salon setting
• Instructors with industry experience
• Business and marketing training
• Financial aid opportunities for those who qualify
• A supportive, inclusive community

Whether you’re just starting your journey or ready to level up your skills, we’re here to help you reach your goals.

Ready to Get Started?

Your career in beauty starts with the right education. If you’re inspired by any of the careers we’ve mentioned—or want help finding your own path in the beauty world—Michigan College of Beauty is here to help you take the first step.

Contact our admissions team today to schedule a tour or request more info about our Cosmetology Program.

Your future as a beauty professional is waiting. Let’s make it happen—together.