The prevalence of beauty salons and barber shops in the U.S. is second only to that of grocery stores and gas stations. And for good reason – the vast majority of human beings want to look their best and are willing to pay professionals with cosmetic training and beauty skills to make it happen.

Read on to learn about specific career paths in areas like permanent cosmetics, hair styling and beauty therapy. We will define some basic cosmetics terms and discuss options for training such as makeup artist courses, vocational cosmetics courses, online beauty schools and more. You can let your inner artist flourish and move beyond fixing your girlfriend’s hair and makeup before a night out by diving into makeup artist school, online beauty schools and cosmetic classes.

After about one year of courses, be prepared for flexible but long hours on your feet and work on evenings and weekends. You’ll also need great people skills and sales savvy to see your dreams come true.

Cosmetology
Men and women whose lives are focused on beauty and its application and study are classically known as cosmetologists. In fact, the term originates from ancient Greek and the profession is likely as old as cave-painting and music-making. If you want to be a cosmetologist, you will probably attend cosmetic training in a vocational school or private school for about a year before being licensed by your state. Upon completion of your courses, you’ll have a strong foundation in customer services like coloring, rolling and applying permanents, applying makeup and cutting and styling hair. During training, you will likely get extensive practice on guests who visit your school of beauty.

Nail Technician/Hand & Foot Therapist
As a professional in the field of hand and foot beauty, you can start exercising your talents and creativity with relatively minimal training. However, state licenses are usually required. When you graduate from a school of beauty, a local vocational school or online beauty course, you will know how to shape and fill fingernails and how to  paint them so your clients can look their best. You will also learn how to give pedicures, apply acrylics and gels and give muscle massages to satisfy and pamper your customers feel their very best. Many technicians work from home or are self-employed while others work in salons, spas or shopping malls. The hours can be very flexible but client care and retention is a must.

Esthetics/Skincare
Grand masters in the skincare industry, estheticians, specialize in waxing, laser hair removal, facials, resurfacing peels and body treatments. Massage work is also common, as is a variety of other techniques aimed at perfecting the human body’s largest organ, the skin. Beyond providing one-on-one treatments, estheticians can work in dermatology offices, sell skincare products and must stay current on new trends and technologies. They also must look great themselves and have great communication skills. As an esthetician, you may work at top beauty salons, at spa getaways or in the homes of the wealthy.

Hair Design/Barbering
Artistic work in trimming, shearing and shaping the hair of men and women has been well-respected, and profitable, since at least 2,500 years ago. The profession almost always requires state licensing and knowledge of salon chemical products as well as consumer products for the hair. If you choose this career path, jobs will be plentiful, but earnings may not accrue until you’ve set up a solid customer base. You might open your own salon, rent chair space in an established parlor or work for a low-cost haircut chain with strict quality standards. Barbers sometimes have to get different licensing than stylists and usually work with men. Either way, full and part-time work is expected to be readily available for up and coming hair designers for the next few decades, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Makeup
Artists who specialize in applying mascara, blushers, bronzers and lipstick can be hired or work independently with little training or can become experts through schooling from professionals. However, as a makeup specialist you must show talent and quality in your work and have strong business skills. You might work behind the scenes for magazines, movies and television sets or specialize in providing makeup for weddings, graduations or formal dances. You could also get special training from cosmetics manufacturers and work in shopping malls to educate and market to the public. Classes are also available through makeup artist schools, art institutes, salons and even video feeds.