If you’re considering a career in beauty, you may be wondering: Is cosmetology growing or declining? The good news for aspiring beauty professionals is that current employment projections point toward continued growth.
From hairstyling and skincare to lashes and other specialized beauty services, the personal care industry continues to evolve as consumers invest in their appearance and seek new treatments. For students considering beauty school, this growth can create opportunities to develop valuable skills, build a clientele, and potentially pursue entrepreneurship.
At Raw Beauty Skin and Lash Academy, we believe education and hands-on training can help prepare students for an industry where techniques, services, and client expectations are constantly changing.
Explore Your Opportunities in the Growing Beauty Industry. Learn how the right beauty education and hands-on training can help you develop practical skills and prepare for a career in today’s evolving beauty industry.
Is the Cosmetology Industry Growing?
Yes. The cosmetology industry is projected to grow over the next decade.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), overall employment of barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is projected to increase 5% from 2024 to 2034, compared with 3% growth for all occupations.
When looking specifically at hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists, the outlook is even stronger. BLS projects employment to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, increasing from approximately 575,200 jobs to 607,400 jobs. That’s an estimated 32,200 additional jobs over the decade.
These numbers suggest that cosmetology isn’t disappearing. Instead, the industry is continuing to develop alongside changing beauty trends and consumer preferences.
Thousands of Beauty Career Openings Are Expected Each Year
Growth isn’t the only encouraging sign for aspiring cosmetologists.
BLS projects approximately 84,200 openings for barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists each year, on average, during the 2024–2034 period. Many of these opportunities are expected to result from professionals changing occupations or leaving the workforce.
For someone thinking about attending beauty school, this demonstrates that new professionals will continue to be needed throughout the industry.
Learn More About Careers in Cosmetology: Explore career opportunities in the beauty industry and learn what continued demand for barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists could mean for students considering a career in cosmetology.
Why Is the Beauty Industry Growing?
Beauty and personal care aren’t limited to getting a basic haircut anymore. Clients increasingly have access to specialized treatments, techniques, products, and personalized services.
BLS expects continued demand for basic hair care as well as hair coloring, straightening, and other advanced hair treatments. The agency also expects employment growth as demand for personal appearance services increases.
The Brillare Beauty Institute discussion of the future of cosmetology also highlights the evolving nature of the beauty industry, including the influence of changing trends and the variety of career opportunities available to trained beauty professionals.
Today’s beauty professionals can build careers around services and specialties that match their interests, skills, and long-term goals.
Cosmetology Offers More Than One Career Path
One of the appealing aspects of entering the beauty industry is that there isn’t necessarily one career path everyone must follow.
Depending on training, licensing requirements, experience, and specialization, beauty professionals may eventually pursue opportunities in areas such as:
- Salons and beauty studios
- Spas
- Hair styling and coloring
- Skincare
- Makeup
- Lash services
- Specialty beauty treatments
- Freelance beauty services
- Salon or studio ownership
- Beauty education
- Beauty product sales
BLS notes that cosmetologists may provide hair services as well as facial and scalp treatments, makeup analysis, skincare, and nail services, although licensing and scope-of-practice rules vary by state.
Self-Employment Is a Major Part of Cosmetology
For students interested in eventually becoming their own boss, another statistic stands out.
According to BLS, 48% of hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists were self-employed in 2024. Some professionals lease salon space, while others may eventually manage a salon or open their own business.
This makes business knowledge increasingly valuable alongside technical beauty skills.
A talented beauty professional may know how to perform an incredible service, but building a sustainable career can also involve learning how to attract clients, retain customers, manage appointments, promote services, and develop a professional brand.
BLS specifically notes that beauty professionals interested in opening their own businesses may benefit from education in sales and marketing.
Social Media Has Changed the Beauty Industry
Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Pinterest have transformed how consumers discover beauty trends and professionals.
Before-and-after photos, tutorials, transformations, new techniques, and beauty trends can reach large audiences quickly. For beauty professionals, social media can also serve as a portfolio that showcases their work and helps potential clients discover their services.
This means tomorrow’s beauty professionals aren’t limited to waiting for customers to walk into a traditional salon. Developing technical skills alongside branding, customer service, and marketing knowledge can provide a stronger foundation for building a modern beauty career.
Learn more about How Beauty Professionals Can Build a Modern Career Explore how technical skills, social media, personal branding, and client engagement are shaping opportunities for today’s beauty professionals.
Continuing Education Matters in a Trend-Driven Industry
The beauty industry changes quickly. Techniques that are popular today may evolve as new products, equipment, styles, and client preferences emerge.
That’s one reason education doesn’t necessarily end after completing your initial training.
BLS notes that professionals may continue taking advanced courses throughout their careers to stay current with the latest hairstyling and personal appearance trends.
Learning new techniques can also allow professionals to expand their skill sets and potentially offer additional services as their careers progress, subject to applicable licensing requirements.
Do You Need Beauty School to Become a Cosmetologist?
If your goal is to become a licensed cosmetologist, formal training is generally an essential part of the process.
BLS states that all states require barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists to be licensed. Candidates typically need to graduate from a state-approved program and pass the applicable licensing examination. Requirements vary by state.
Cosmetology programs generally combine classroom education with practical, hands-on training designed to help students develop technical skills while preparing for professional work.
Learn About Cosmetology School & Licensing Requirements: Understand the education, hands-on training, and licensing steps typically required to pursue a professional career as a cosmetologist. Explore Training Options
Is Cosmetology a Good Career for the Future?
There isn’t one career that’s right for everyone, but the numbers indicate that cosmetology continues to have a place in the future workforce.
With 6% projected growth for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists from 2024 to 2034, continued consumer demand for personal appearance services, and a substantial percentage of professionals working for themselves, the industry offers several possible career directions.
For people who enjoy creativity, working directly with clients, staying current with beauty trends, and developing hands-on skills, cosmetology and related beauty careers may be worth exploring.
Start Your Beauty Education at Raw Beauty Skin and Lash Academy
The beauty industry isn’t standing still—and your education shouldn’t either.
Raw Beauty Skin and Lash Academy provides students with beauty education designed to develop practical skills and prepare them for opportunities within today’s evolving beauty industry.
Whether your long-term goal is to work with clients, develop specialized beauty skills, build your own brand, or eventually pursue entrepreneurship, professional education can be an important first step.
Explore the programs available at Raw Beauty Skin and Lash Academy and take the next step toward turning your passion for beauty into professional skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the cosmetology industry growing?
Yes. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is projected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034. This indicates continued demand for beauty professionals.
2. How many cosmetology jobs are expected to open each year?
The BLS projects approximately 84,200 openings each year for barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists between 2024 and 2034. Many openings are expected as professionals leave the workforce or change occupations.
3. Is cosmetology a good career for the future?
Cosmetology can be a promising career option for people who enjoy working with clients, developing creative skills, and keeping up with changing beauty trends. The industry also offers opportunities for employment, specialization, self-employment, and entrepreneurship.
4. Do you need beauty school to become a cosmetologist?
Yes, formal training is generally required to become a licensed cosmetologist. Requirements vary by state, but candidates typically need to complete an approved cosmetology program and pass the required licensing examination.
5. Can cosmetologists be self-employed?
Yes. Self-employment is a significant part of the cosmetology industry. According to the BLS, 48% of hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists were self-employed in 2024. Professionals may eventually pursue independent services, salon ownership, or other business opportunities.
