Cosmetology

Cosmetology Program Information

Note: Criminal history may disqualify individuals from obtaining or maintaining any cosmetology certifications.

Texas law:

restricts the issuance of occupational licenses based on a license applicant’s criminal history; and
authorizes the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), in some cases, to consider a person convicted, even though the person was only on probation or community supervision without a conviction.

Individuals who have been convicted of an offense or placed on probation might not be eligible for an occupational license issued by TDLR even after completing an educational or training program;

TDLR’s criminal history guidelines are available at www.tdlr.texas.gov/crimconvict.htm and include restrictions or guidelines TDLR uses to determine eligibility for an occupational license; and individuals have the right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from TDLR, which is explained in more detail at www.tdlr.texas.gov/crimhistoryeval.htm.

CSME-1308. Principles Eyelash Extension. (3 Credits)

This course provides the student with the practical skills necessary to safely and effectively apply eyelash extensions.

CSME-1310. Introduction to Haircutting and Related Theory. (3 Credits)

(3-1-7) This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. Introduction to the theory and practice of haircutting. Topics include terminology, implements, sectioning and finishing techniques. Lab fee.

CSME-1348. Principles of Skin Care. (3 Credits)

(3-2-4) This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. An introduction of the theory and practice of skin care. Lab fee.

CSME-1354. Artistry of Hair Design I. (3 Credits)

(3-1-7) This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. Introduction to hair design. Topics include the theory and applications of wet styling, thermal hair styling and finishing techniques. Lab fee.

CSME-1355. Artistry of Hair Design II. (3 Credits)

(3-1-7) This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. A continuation of hair design. Topics include the additional theory and applications of current trends in hair design. Lab fee.

CSME-1374. Principles of Nail & Skin Care. (3 Credits)

This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. Presentation of the theory and practice of nail and skincare technology. Topics include terminology, application, and workplace competencies related to nail and skincare services.

CSME-1401. Orientation to Cosmetology. (4 Credits)

(4-2-7) This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. An overview of the skills and knowledge necessary for the field of cosmetology. Lab fee.

CSME-1405. Fundamentals of Cosmetology. (4 Credits)

(4-2-7) This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. A course in the basic fundamentals of cosmetology. Topics include safety and sanitation, service preparation, manicure, facial, chemical services, shampoo, haircut, wet styling and comb out. Lab fee.

CSME-1407. Orientation to Eyelash Extensions. (4 Credits)

An overview of the skills and knowledge necessary for the field of eyelash extensions. Topics include the basic knowledge of chemistry, eyelash growth cycles, proper selection and application, supplies and equipment of the industry, safety, sanitation, and laws and rules of the state licensing agency as they relate to eyelash extensions.

CSME-1409. Application of Eyelash Extensions. (4 Credits)

This course provides the student with the skills necessary to perform client services using current techniques and business practices.

CSME-1421. Principles of Skin Care Technology I. (4 Credits)

(4-2-8) This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. An introduction to the principles of facial and skin care technology. Topics include anatomy, physiology, theory, and related skills of facial and skin care technology. Lab fee.

CSME-1430. Orientation to Nail Technology. (4 Credits)

(4-2-8) This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. An overview of the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary for the field of nail technology. Lab fee.

CSME-1431. Principles of Nail Technology I. (4 Credits)

(4-2-8) This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. A course in the principles of nail technology. Topics include anatomy, physiology, theory, and skills related to nail technology. Lab fee.

CSME-1434. Cosmetology Instructor I. (4 Credits)

(4-2-8) This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. The fundamentals of instruction of cosmetology students. Lab fee.

CSME-1435. Orientation to the Instruction of Cosmetology. (4 Credits)

(4-2-8) This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. An overview of the skills and knowledge necessary for the instruction of cosmetology students. Lab fee.

CSME-1441. Principles of Nail Technology II. (4 Credits)

(4-2-8) This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. A continuation of the concepts and principles of nail technology. Topics include professional ethics, salon management, client relations, and related skills of nail technology. Lab fee.

CSME-1443. Manicuring and Related Theory. (4 Credits)

(4-2-8) This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. Presentation of the theory and practice of nail services. Topics include terminology, application, and workplace competencies related to nail services. Lab fee.

CSME-1445. Principles of Skin Care Technology II. (4 Credits)

(4-2-8) This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. A continuation of the concepts and principles in skin care and other related technologies. Topics include advanced instruction in anatomy, physiology, theory, and related skills of facial and skin care technology. Lab fee.

CSME-1447. Principles of Skin Care/Facials and Related Theory. (4 Credits)

(4-2-7) This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. In-depth coverage of the theory and practice of skin care, facials and cosmetics. Lab fee.

CSME-1453. Chemical Reformation and Related Theory. (4 Credits)

(4-2-7) This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. Presentation of the theory and practice of chemical reformation including terminology, application and workplace competencies. Lab fee.

CSME-1505. Fundamentals of Cosmetology. (5 Credits)

This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. A course in the basic fundamentals of cosmetology. Topics include safety and sanitation, service preparation, manicure, facial, chemical services, shampoo, haircut, wet styling and comb out. Lab fee.

CSME-1547. Principles of Skin Care/Facials and Related Theory. (5 Credits)

(5-3-8) This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. In-depth coverage of the theory and practice of skin care, facials, and cosmetics. Lab fee.

CSME-2310. Advanced Haircutting and Related Theory. (3 Credits)

(3-1-8) This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. Advanced concepts and practice of haircutting. Topics include haircuts utilizing scissors, razor and/or clippers. Lab fee.

CSME-2401. The Principles of Hair Coloring and Related Theory. (4 Credits)

(4-2-7) This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. Presentation of the theory, practice and chemistry of hair color. Topics include terminology, application and workplace competencies related to hair color. Lab fee.

CSME-2414. Cosmetology Instructor II. (4 Credits)

(4-2-8) This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. A continuation of the fundamentals of instruction of cosmetology students. Lab fee.

CSME-2431. Principles of Skin Care Technology III. (4 Credits)

(4-2-8) This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. Advanced concepts and principles of skin care and other related technologies. Lab fee.

CSME-2441. Preparation for the State Licensing Exam. (4 Credits)

Preparation for the state licensing examination.

CSME-2444. Cosmetology Instructor IV. (4 Credits)

(4-2-8) This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. Advanced concepts of instruction in a cosmetology program. Topics include demonstration and implementation of advanced evaluation and assessment techniques. Lab fee.

CSME-2445. Instructional Theory and Clinic Operation. (4 Credits)

(4-2-8) This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. An overview of the objectives required by the Texas Cosmetology Commission Instructor Examination. Lab fee.

CSME-2449. Cosmetology Instructor III. (4 Credits)

(4-2-8) This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. Presentation of lesson plan assignments and evaluation techniques. Lab fee.

CSME-2541. Preparation for the State Licensing Examination. (5 Credits)

(5-3-7) This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. Preparation for the state licensing examination. Lab fee.

What Barbers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Do

Barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists provide haircutting, hairstyling, and a range of other beauty services.

Duties

Barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists typically do the following:

Inspect and analyze hair, skin, and scalp to recommend treatment
Discuss hairstyle options
Wash, color, lighten, and condition hair
Chemically change hair textures
Cut, dry, and style hair
Receive payments from clients
Clean and disinfect all tools and work areas

Barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists provide hair and beauty services to enhance clients’ appearance. Those who operate their own barbershop or salon have managerial duties that may include hiring, supervising, and firing workers, as well as keeping business and inventory records, ordering supplies, and arranging for advertising.

Barbers cut, trim, shampoo, and style hair, mostly for male clients. They also may fit hairpieces, perform facials, and offer facial shaving. Depending on the state in which they work, some barbers are licensed to color, bleach, and highlight hair and to offer permanent-wave services. Common tools include combs, scissors, straight razors, and clippers.

Hairstylists offer a wide range of hair services, such as shampooing, cutting, coloring, and styling. They often advise clients, both male and female, on how to care for their hair at home. Hairstylists also keep records of products and services provided to clients, such as hair color, shampoo, conditioner, and hair treatment used. Tools include hairbrushes, scissors, blow dryers, and curling and flat irons.

Cosmetologists provide scalp and facial treatments and makeup analysis. Some also clean and style wigs and hairpieces. In addition, most cosmetologists actively recommend professional hair care products or salon hair care products.

Summary

Barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologist
2021 Median Pay: $29,680 per year or $14.27 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education: Post-secondary non-degree award
Work Experience in a Related Occupation: None
On-the-job Training: None
Number of Jobs 2021: 608,900
Job Outlook: 11% (Much faster than average)
Employment Change: 2021-31: 65,000

Work Environment

Barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists work mostly in a barbershop or salon. Physical stamina is important because they are on their feet for most of their shift. Many work full-time, but part-time positions are also common.

How to Become a Barber, Hairstylist, or Cosmetologist

All states require barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists to be licensed. To qualify for a license, candidates are required to graduate from a state-approved barber or cosmetology program and then pass a state exam for licensure.

Pay

The median hourly wage for barbers was $14.41 in May 2021.

The median hourly wage for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists was $14.26 in May 2021.

Job Outlook

Overall employment of barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is projected to grow 11 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 93,800 openings for barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

SUGGESTED CITATION:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Barbers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists,
on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/barbers-hairstylists-and-cosmetologists.htm (visited February 14, 2023).

Some careers in this field will require a bachelor's degree.

TVCC's AA degrees are fully transferable to public universities in Texas. See an academic advisor or TVCC's university transfer webpage for more information on this transfer opportunity.
Many of TVCC's AAS degrees lead to an online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) degree with participating universities. See an academic advisor or the BAAS transfer website for more information on this transfer opportunity.