A cosmetology license opens many doors for your future career, many of which you may not have even considered. To qualify for an Illinois cosmetology license, you need to undertake 1500 hours of training and education at a certified institution and then pass the licensing exam. The Illinois Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Board governs the examination and licensure of all professions within the cosmetology industry. After you have your license, you can start working in one of the following careers and many others.
Hair Dresser/Stylist
Many cosmetology school graduates go on to become hairdressers
Many graduates of cosmetology school that successfully pass the exam for their Illinois cosmetology license choose to become hairdressers or stylists. This is the career most associated with the industry. As a hair stylist, you handle a wide variety of hair types and wash, cut, dry, treat, style, and color the hair. You may choose to specialize in one area, such as coloring, or you may handle everything for your client. In this position, you typically work in a salon as either an independent contractor or employee.
Nail Technician
A nail technician handles manicures, pedicures, and other services associated with nail care. If you know beforehand that this is what you want to do, you can train just in nail technology for a total of 350 hours and get a special nail technician license. Cosmetology schools also cover nail technology courses, so you can typically pursue this even if you underwent the full training. You may work in a salon, day spa, or other places for personal care services, or you might work in a hospital or care facilities to help groom and otherwise take care of the elderly, sick, and disabled.
Makeup Artists
Makeup artists may work in fashion, applying makeup for photo shoots or shows
Makeup artistry is another subject you learn at cosmetology school, although you can also specialize in it in some schools. Makeup artists can work in a few different fields. Some work in salons and apply makeup to clients for special occasions, such as weddings, and may also teach them how to achieve the look themselves. Many makeup artists work in the performing arts or fashion industry, applying makeup for movies, television, fashion shows, and/or photo shoots. Some of these looks are very natural while others are more dramatic and may require more creativity.
Cosmetology Instructor
If you enjoy teaching others, then you may wish to use your Illinois cosmetology license to become a cosmetology instructor. You do need to undergo an additional 500 hours if you have two years of experience of 1000 hours if you do not in addition to passing another exam to qualify for this special license. In this career, you will teach students the skills and techniques they need to become cosmetologists, including book learning and practical education. You may also teach health and safety and sanitization practices.
Hair Braider
A popular career choice in the cosmetology field is a natural hair braider. In this job, you braid hair in the traditional African style using no chemicals. As a true natural hair braider, you do not offer any other services, such as washing, drying, cutting, coloring, or treating hair. If you only want to be a hair braider, then you need to undergo 300 hours relevant training and an exam for the special hair braiding license. However, you can also train to be a cosmetologist and include it as one of your services.
Esthetician
As an esthetician, you will provide skincare services such as facials
An esthetician offers skin care services, such as body wraps, waxing, and facials. You will learn some of these techniques when in school for your Illinois cosmetology license, or you can study to be an esthetician and only have to undergo 750 hours for that specialty license.
Salon Owner/Manager
Many beauticians decide to own or manage a salon at some point. It is a way to use your skills and increase your income potential. Many people find it beneficial to take some business courses to help them with the business side of ownership or management, although some schools incorporate this into the cosmetology education. Although you do not necessarily need a license if you are just managing a salon, it does help to have the training and knowledge. Additionally, you can continue to practice while overseeing everything if you maintain your license.
How Can Beauty Academy Help?
Once you have your Illinois cosmetology license, you have to renew it every two years, during which you must complete 14 hours of approved continuing education courses, according to Beauty Schools Directory. Cosmetology instructors need even more, for a total of 24 hours continuing education within the two-year period. Beauty Academy offers state-approved courses to help you with your requirements, including the maximum seven hours allowed by the Illinois board. You can do them on your own time to ensure you do not have any delay in your license renewal.
You have numerous options for your future with your cosmetology license
You have many options for careers with an Illinois cosmetology license. You simply have to choose what focus you wish to do and start your journey once you have your training and pass your exam.
Check out our courses that are approved by the Illinois board to help with your license renewal.