- 1). Become trained in the field. Careers in several areas of cosmetology and barbering are filled with graduates of cosmetology and barber colleges. A full-time educational track generally will take about nine months for barbers and cosmetologists, but can be shorter for those specializing in manicuring and pedicuring and shampooing. The educational program can also include classes in marketing and sales, since more than 40 percent of all cosmetologists and barbers are self-employed.
- 2). Become licensed in your state. Even though the actual qualifications vary from state to state, cosmetologists and barbers must be licensed in the state they plan to work in. Most states require potential licensees to graduate from an educational program approved by the state, to become eligible to take the state exam. A state exam is typically written but also might require a verbal or physical demonstration of acquired skills.
- 3). Create your own opportunity by renting space from an existing shop. More than 40 percent of all barbers and cosmetologists find a job by creating their own business. Some of them rent booths and/or chairs within existing barber shops and salons. Others open their own salons and/or shops. Renting a booth or a chair is considered self-employment, since the barber/cosmetologist bears all of the expenses associated with operating the booth/chair, including paying for the space, purchasing supplies and managing their own tax liability and health care benefits.
- 4). Consult the job placement office at your school. Many of the cosmetology and barber colleges provide students and graduates with listings from local businesses, which use schools as a primary source of new talent. These schools also might have job placement offices, which maintain relationships with local shops to keep as many job resources on hand for students and graduates as possible.
- 5). Search the Internet for listings. Upon graduation from a cosmetology or barber college, professionals can utilize the specialized listings on sites such as SimplyHired.com and CareerPlanner.com, which include targeted employment opportunities for personal care professionals.
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