You probably already know that most states require beauty professionals to obtain a cosmetology license in order to perform any beauty services for a fee — or even in exchange for other goods and services. But along with the legal implications of not getting that all-important licensing, you’d be cheating yourself of the extensive opportunities that a cosmetology license brings.
Staying on the Right Side of the Law
Each state has specific regulations for who can and cannot provide beauty services. In New York state, for example, a cosmetology license requires completing 1,000 hours from an approved program, as well as passing written and practical exams.
Does that mean that there aren’t people making money without a cosmetology license in small shops or home-based salons? Unfortunately, no. But they — and anyone who employs them — runs the constant risk of getting “busted” by the authorities.
Insuring Your Future
Both salons and individual beauty professionals can be held liable for injuries sustained during services such as eyelash extensions, spray tanning, complexion treatment, coloring and pedicures. (After all, even a simple shampoo carries the risk of scalding or a neck injury.)
That means that it’s crucial for those who work in the industry to determine what type of insurance they’ll need. In order to get reliable insurance, however, both stylists and salons need to have the proper licensing first. A cosmetology license will be one of the first steps in order to be truly protected.
Creating Better Opportunities
It probably goes without saying, but reputable salons and discerning freelance clients not only prefer or require a cosmetology license, but will pay better for a professional who has attained that level.
In order to advance your career as an esthetician, hairstylist, makeup artist, or nail technician, you’ll definitely need to make sure you have your cosmetology license. Of course, you may be able to find an establishment with “relaxed” rules about working there without a license. But chances are, it won’t be the kind of business that pays its employees well, or that charges a fair price to rent a station.
Did you know that you can use that cosmetology license into other careers? In these beauty-adjacent professions, a cosmetology license isn’t legally required, but will certainly catch the eye of the person reading your resume.
A cosmetology license can open doors for you in fields like fashion show or editorial shoot stylist, artistic director, a professional in the entertainment field, or as someone who travels the globe demonstrating beauty products.
At the Long Island Beauty School, we can help you kick-start your career in cosmetology. Our programs are designed to provide students with the hands-on training and in-depth education that they need in order to succeed in this growing field. For more information about our cosmetology programs, contact us today.
