10 Myths About a Career in Cosmetology

Friends of Beauty, let’s chat. There’s a lot of opinion around a career in cosmetology, esthetics and nails, but we’re ready to take those myths on for you and clear some things up. In short, a career in cosmetology is a powerful one. How? Let’s debunk some myths together –  

Myth #1: YOU WON’T MAKE ANY MONEY 

The beauty industry is a multi-billion-dollar industry and if you are passionate, dedicated, and motivated your earning potential is unlimited. In this industry, your success is literally in your hands – now that’s good news.  

The key is making sure you view it as a career and not as a hobby. For example, everyone takes photos, you take multiple daily on your phone, but there is a photographer out there who is getting paid lots of money to take photos while you’re not.   

Myth #2: BEAUTICIANS AREN’T SMART ENOUGH FOR COLLEGE  

Would you consider chemistry, microbiology, and diseases and disorders easy avenues of study? Yeah, we wouldn’t either. 

Cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology require a lot of science and resourcefulness. You’re responsible for your clients’ hair, skin, and nails and, of course, the cleanliness of your space and business. One of the best things about becoming a cosmetologist is the wide range of study and the various skills you learn. Cosmetologists often are the first to recommend a client see a doctor because they notice a change in hair, skin, or nails which can be the first indication of a health issue. 

Myth #3: IT’S NOT A REAL JOB 

Cosmetology is a career! The real beauty of the beauty industry is that cosmetologists can set their schedule according to their lifestyle and determine the income level they wish to be in. Cosmetologists are entrepreneurs – owning, marketing, and growing their own businesses. 

Remember during the Covid lockdown when salons were closed? I know, I’m sorry I brought it up. But society quickly found out the importance of careers in the beauty industry during this time. 

Beyond the technical side of the trade, stylists are also great listeners and take clients through many (if not all) stages of their life.

Amanda (shown below) was our very first graduate. She stepped right into business, opening her own nail lounge and has been living her best life ever since.

Myth #4: YOU WILL NEVER SEE YOUR FAMILY 

One of the best things about this industry is that, unlike any other profession out there, you can be in charge of your schedule. Especially once you become a seasoned hairdresser, you can have the freedom to decide how many hours and days you want to work. 

Having a license in this industry also means that you could even be your own boss one day. A career in this industry allows you a balanced life like no other profession—you can go after your personal and professional goals without missing out on quality time at home with family and friends. 

Myth #5: YOU WILL NEVER GET PROMOTED OR GROW 

The beauty industry is an ever-growing industry. There will always be new products, trends, and techniques to learn and grow in. How exciting is that? There are extra certifications you can add to your license, such as lash extensions, hair extensions, and more. 

Even now, luxury services are growing fast—specialized skincare and facial treatments are spreading and increasing both opportunity and earning potential for beauty professionals. In fact, most salons and spas will offer opportunities for continued education throughout your career.  

Myth #6: YOU CAN ONLY WORK “BEHIND THE CHAIR” 

Did you read our blog where we shared what past student Madisyn is up to? Ok, well hang tight and read that one next! 

A beauty career is a specialized one, with jobs from a stylist to a salon owner, to a wedding or brow specialist, or even a platform artist. Don’t see a pathway that suits your goals and dreams? Make your own! All cosmetologists are entrepreneurs in this sense, because your career–its length, possibilities, and growth–is truly within your own hands. 

Below we have Madi who is now a full-time content creator and cosmetologist, Kayla and Dianna who were not only teachers with their licenses, but now own this school, Libby who is a licensed esthetician and now works in Dermatology, and Heather who is a licensed nail tech and esthetician working and managing Spa Lapis. 

Myth #7: YOU WON’T GET A JOB BECAUSE THE MARKET IS OVER SATURATED 

It’s never been a better time to invest in a beauty industry license! There is high demand in the industry for beauty professionals. Even now, Noe’ Noonan receives more phone calls from salon and spa owners requesting students than we have students to fill their openings. The industry extends far beyond the salon too, with numerous positions open in beauty companies.

Myth #8: COSMETOLOGY IS JUST FOR WOMEN 

The personal care market is no longer considered a female-only market. Some of the most famous hairdressers in history were men—Vidal Sassoon, John Frieda, Frederic Fekkai, etc... While males make up just 16% of the industry currently, that statistic is quickly growing as opportunities for male stylists are popping up every day. Both the first electric curling iron and electric barber clippers were invented by a man, Marcel Grateau, in the early 1900s. 

Myth #9: NATURAL TALENT IS A REQUIREMENT  

Ask any stylist to show you their first haircut or color, and we guarantee you will see how easy this myth is to debunk. Skill is learned and for those who are passionate about beauty, the skill will follow their passion.  

I can’t even tell you how many students we’ve had come in who felt this struggle. Worried that they didn’t know how to braid, so how could they possibly grow in the industry? Or stressed that they could barely curl and blow-dry their own hair let alone someone else’s. Skil can be taught. As long as you work for it, growth will be added to you. 

 Myth #10 I CAN’T DO IT

The biggest myth of all, “I can’t do it.” We’re here to remind you that you can. Your dream is within reach.

Are you feeling the power now? Well, I’m here to tell you, you’ve got the power (did anyone else just get a flash of SNAP!?). 

The average person will spend 90,000 hours at work over a lifetime, according to Andrew Naber. That is roughly 10.2 years. That’s why, here, at Noe’ Noonan School of Cosmetology we have this saying, Invest in Living your Best Life.  

There won’t be another today, so why waste a second of it investing in a job that does not fulfill you when you can step into a career that allows you to live your best life professionally and personally. We’re here to help you find the exact right program and pathway for you. Explore our cosmetology program here: www.noenoonan.com/cosmetology  

And, as usual, I hope you have the “Best Day Ever!”