How to Get Started in the Beauty Industry (Even If You’ve Never Held Scissors Before)
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By PAGE Editor
For many, the beauty industry brings to mind seasoned stylists and expert estheticians, but here’s the truth: you don’t need years of experience to get started. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists are expected to grow 8% from 2022 to 2032—faster than average. Whether you're considering a barbering program or another path, today’s training options are designed for total beginners, offering the hands-on practice and theoretical knowledge needed to build a career from scratch.
Why the Beauty Industry Is Booming
With an increasing focus on personal wellness, self-expression, and social media presence, beauty has become more than a luxury—it’s an integral part of modern life. In 2023, the U.S. beauty and personal care market was valued at over $91 billion, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.
But beyond the glamor, the industry offers something even more valuable: career security. Services like haircuts, skin treatments, and grooming are among the most recession-resilient, and licensed professionals often have the flexibility to freelance, rent a booth, or even open their own salon.
Why Experience Doesn’t Matter (If You Choose the Right Program)
One of the biggest misconceptions about entering the beauty industry is that you need to have experience—or at least a natural talent—for cutting hair, applying makeup, or working with clients. But that simply isn’t true. In fact, most students start their training with no prior experience at all.
The key to success isn’t starting with skill—it’s starting with the right education.
A well-designed beauty or barbering program assumes that you’re a complete beginner. From the first day, students are taught foundational skills from the ground up. You’ll learn everything from how to properly hold shears and sanitize equipment, to how to interact with clients and build your personal brand. It’s a gradual, guided process.
Take a barbering program, for example. You’ll gain both theoretical knowledge—like the anatomy of the scalp and hair, hygiene laws, and the history of barbering—as well as hands-on training. Most of your time is spent practicing under supervision: mastering fades, using clippers and razors, doing straight razor shaves, and working with real clients in a student barbershop environment.
This balance between classroom learning and practical application is what transforms a total beginner into a confident professional.
The same applies across cosmetology, esthetics, and nail tech programs. No matter where you begin, you’ll leave school with the skills and credentials you need to enter the workforce.
So if you’re hesitating because you’ve never cut hair or given a facial—don’t. A strong training program doesn’t just teach you the craft; it shapes your career, step by step.
First Things First: Choose Your Path
Getting started in beauty means selecting a focus area. The most common entry points include:
Cosmetology: A comprehensive program covering hair, skin, and nails. Ideal for those who want a well-rounded foundation and the flexibility to offer multiple services.
Barbering: Tailored for those who specialize in cutting, grooming, and styling men’s hair and facial hair. This is one of the fastest-growing areas, driven by demand for skilled barbers who combine classic techniques with modern flair.
Esthetics: Focuses on skincare, facials, waxing, and sometimes makeup. Perfect for those drawn to wellness and aesthetics rather than hair.
Nail Technology: A specialty that centers around manicures, pedicures, nail art, and nail health.
Each discipline comes with its own curriculum, practical training hours, and licensing requirements.
The Training: What to Expect in School
Beauty schools, like Cosmetology & Spa Academy in Illinois, offer structured programs designed to take beginners from zero experience to state licensure. Here’s what a typical journey looks like:
Cosmetology Programs usually require 1,500 hours of training, covering haircutting, coloring, skincare, nail care, sanitation, and business skills.
Barbering Programs generally require 1,500 hours as well, with a curriculum that includes fades, shaves, clipper techniques, and barbershop business management.
Esthetics Programs may require 750 hours, focusing on skin anatomy, facials, waxing, and spa treatments.
Nail Technology Programs can range from 350 to 600 hours, with a focus on hand and foot care, nail artistry, and safety standards.
Students learn through a blend of classroom theory, hands-on practice in student salons, and client services under supervision.
Licensing: Your Ticket to Work
In Illinois and most states, you can’t legally work in the beauty industry without a license. That means passing a state board exam upon completing your training hours. These exams typically include:
A written test on anatomy, safety protocols, and professional practices.
A practical exam, where you demonstrate core skills on a mannequin or live model.
After passing, you’re eligible to apply for your license and begin your career.
And here’s an insider tip: Many schools offer licensure exam prep and job placement assistance to help graduates take that crucial next step with confidence.
Career Opportunities After Graduation
Once licensed, graduates enter a field brimming with possibilities. Some of the most common career paths include:
Salon or Barbershop Professional
Spa Esthetician
Nail Technician or Nail Artist
Makeup Artist
Platform Artist or Educator
Beauty Influencer or Content Creator
Salon Owner or Manager
Some professionals even go on to specialize in medical esthetics, working alongside dermatologists and plastic surgeons, or become product representatives and beauty brand consultants.
And the earning potential? Licensed cosmetologists and barbers in Illinois earn a median annual wage of around $35,000–$45,000, with top earners making significantly more, especially with tips, commission, and self-employment.
Final Thoughts
The beauty industry is open to everyone—no matter your age, background, or prior experience. Whether you’ve spent years dreaming of becoming a stylist or you’ve just recently discovered an interest in skincare, there’s a path forward for you.
Programs like those at Cosmetology & Spa Academy are designed to support students at every step, from orientation to licensure and beyond. With the right training, tools, and mentorship, you’ll be ready to build a career as vibrant and dynamic as the industry itself.
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