A master cosmetologist is a cosmetologist who has fulfilled certain educational and work experience requirements. As a general rule, a master cosmetologist must complete a regionally-approved cosmetology course, become licensed, work for at least a year, and fulfill some continuing educational requirements to ensure that he or she is current with information in the field of cosmetology. Once someone becomes a master cosmetologist, he or she has many more career opportunities.
The first step in becoming a master cosmetologist is attending a cosmetology school. Most cosmetology programs last around a year, offering training in caring for hair, skin, and nails. Students learn about anatomy, physiology, and chemistry as they are taught about various skin, hair, and nail types and the products which can be used on them. While in school, cosmetology students also practice, to get hands-on experience in the field.
After completing an education, the master candidate must take a licensing exam, which typically consists of a written exam followed by a practical demonstration. If he or she passes the exam, it is possible to be employed in the field; after a year of work and around 16 hours of continuing education, he or she can apply for licensure as a master cosmetologist.
One of the advantages of working as a master cosmetologist is that it is possible to work on hair, skin, or nails. Many people choose to work in a specific field after they are licensed, but they enjoy having their options open. Their practical experience and training in hair, skin, and nails also allows them to work with other cosmetologists more easily, and to help their clients to make good choices about their beauty regimens.
Because a master cosmetologist is more experienced and better trained than some regular cosmetologists, he or she tends to be more employable. It is often easier to find work with a master cosmetology certificate, and to request a higher salary or negotiate a better contract. Some clients also actively seek out people with a master certification, to ensure that they can benefit from at least a year of experience in the field.
By law in many areas, a cosmetologist must display his or her credentials at his or her work station, and clients may ask to see a cosmetologist's license in areas where the license need not be displayed by law. Licenses must also be kept current; if you aren't sure about your cosmetologist's qualifications, take a look at his or her license, and you should be able to tell what kind of certification the cosmetologist has, and when it is due to expire.