Cosmetologist
How to Become a Cosmetologist
Cosmetology is the broadest license in beauty — covers hair, skin, and nails. Most flexible career path for new pros.
Income range
$32k–$95k/yr
Training
1,000–2,100 hours (varies by state)
Who it's for
People who want options. With a cosmetology license you can do hair color, cuts, basic skin care, and basic nails.
What you'll do
- Haircuts, color, highlights, balayage
- Blowouts, styling, extensions
- Basic facials and skincare
- Basic manicures and pedicures
- Bridal and event styling
Pros
- Broadest scope of work
- Easiest to switch specialties
- Strong demand in every city
- Booth rental and commission paths
Cons
- 1,000–2,100 training hours depending on state
- Physically demanding (standing all day)
- Income highly variable in year 1
The path, step by step
- 1
Finish high school or GED
Required to enroll in cosmetology school in every state.
- 2
Enroll in a state-board approved program
Public and private schools both qualify — verify state-board approval before enrolling.
- 3
Complete required training hours
Most states require 1,500. Texas: 1,000. New York: 1,000. California: 1,000. See your state below.
- 4
Pass the state board exam
Written + practical. Pass rates typically 70–85%. Study guides from Milady are the industry standard.
- 5
Apply for your license
Fee usually $50–$150. Includes background check in most states.
- 6
Build your book
Start as an assistant or apprentice at a busy salon — fastest way to learn speed and consistency.
Top stylists in major metros clear $120k+ with a full book and retail commission.
State licensing requirements
Each state sets its own training hours, fees, and exam structure.
See Cosmetologist licensing by state →After you're licensed
Built for every beauty pro — solo, booth renter, mobile, or salon
Take bookings, build a website, and get paid — free to start, card required.
Ready to grow your beauty business?
Whether you rent a booth, work from home, run a mobile business, or own a multi-chair salon — join thousands of beauty pros using Beautifyx to take bookings and get paid.
Everything Beautifyx actually does
One place to run bookings, payments, clients, staff and marketing — built for beauty, wellness and birth professionals.
Online booking
A booking page clients can use 24/7, with deposits, reminders and no double-bookings.
Payments & checkout
Take cards, cash, tap to pay and payment links, with receipts sent automatically.
Client records
Visit history, notes, photos, consent forms and intake forms in one client file.
Marketing & reminders
Automatic appointment reminders, review requests and campaigns to past clients.
Inventory & costs
Track product use per service so you can see the real profit on every appointment.
Your own website
A booking-ready site and public profile that gets you found by new clients.
Start free, grow into the full platform
Pick the door that fits where you are today. All three lead to the same place: a business that books itself.
Claim your free profile
Free profile: add your services, photos and hours so clients can find and book you.
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