Friday, March 29, 2024

Cosmetology, esthetics virtually ‘recession-proof’

By Lauren Caggiano

The future is bright for those pursuing an education in the beauty/wellness industry. Kaydean Blackman Geist, co-owner of Masters of Cosmetology in Fort Wayne, Indiana said many career paths exist for students wanting to make people look and feel great. Masters of Cosmetology is committed to providing an education to both female and male students in the art and science of beauty.

That includes everything from hair, to skin and body massage. In regards to hair, color correction is always in demand, Geist said. But some students want to do more than just scratch the surface — literally. Instead, they might seek employment at a medical spa or similar facility. “We see a lot of (students) wanting to work in the medical field, alongside doctors,” Geist said. Others wish to take a more entrepreneurial approach, going into freelance makeup or hair design.

Geist specifically cited a trend in special effects/theater makeup. For example, graduates can create scars and other scary elements for theatrical productions or Halloween events. Another common theme Geist sees is the need to be a well-rounded graduate. A lot of students have prior education when they come to Masters, and it’s common for students to take business classes during or after their beauty school education.

“So many students don’t want to just be a hairdresser, but want to run their own business,” Geist said. Regardless of the career path, Geist says business classes can provide a solid foundation, so you can learn instead of making amateur mistakes on the job, and a cosmetology or esthetics background can come in handy, even if it’s not the chosen career path. That’s because it’s virtually a recession-proof field. Geist said Baby Boomers tend to be focused on health and beauty, so there’s a market for catering to their needs. And the statistics back Geist’s anecdotal comments.

Although growth rates vary by specialty, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment in this sector will grow by 12.7 percent. Demand to receive extensions, hair color, straightening and more could translate to 77,600 new cosmetologist positions by 2022. There are also the benefits of unlimited earning potential and freedom. Hairdressers and estheticians aren’t typically salaried employees; most are self-employed and many work part time. The BLS reports the median hourly wage for hairdressers in 2013 was $11.12, which translates to $23,140 a year. The best-paid earned approximately $44,220, while the worst-paid made about $17,010.

Brittany Schnare, who will graduate in November from Masters, is one who will enter the workforce shortly. She plans to pursue a career in a salon or become a freelance wedding cosmetologist. The 25-year-old said she has long known cosmetology was her calling. “I’ve always loved makeup and hair… making people beautiful,” she said. Masters of Cosmetology is one of several options in Indiana for those seeking training in the art and science of beauty.

There are many reputable institutions across the state. Here are a few, by region:

Northeast Indiana Ravenscroft Beauty College
4530 Lahmeyer Road
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46835
(260) 486-8868

Rudae’s School of Beauty Culture
5317 Coldwater Road
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46825
(260) 483-2466

Central Indiana Empire Beauty School

3810 E. Southport Road Indianapolis, Indiana 46237

(317) 489-5656

Regency Beauty Institute

5939 E. 82nd St. Indianapolis, Indiana 46250

(800) 787-6456

Northwest Indiana Don Roberts School of Hair Design
152 E. US Route 30
Schererville, Indiana 46375
(219) 864-1600

Merrillville Beauty College
48 W. 67th Place
Merrillville, Indiana 46410
(219) 769-2232

Southern Indiana The Salon Professional Academy
5545 Vogel Road
Evansville, Indiana 47715
(812) 437-8772

Roger’s Hair Academy
105 N. Green River Road
Evansville, Indiana 47715
(812) 402-1100

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