Even though they may not always admit it, people are concerned with the way they look. A cosmetologist is someone who helps people look their best.

More information WeMoCo Vocational/Technical Center 3599 Big Ridge Road Spencerport, NY 14559 (716) 352-2400 Continental School of Beauty Culture 633 Jefferson Road Rochester, NY 14623 (716) 272-8060

The main job of a cosmetologist is to shampoo, cut and style hair. This ranges from "taking a little off the top," to coloring hair, to giving perms. They also give their customers tips on how to take care of their hair. Cleaning and styling of wigs and hairpieces may also be in the job description, depending on the services provided by the salon they work in.

More and more cosmetologists are becoming specialized, with the largest of these groups being manicurists, who work exclusively on nails, providing manicures, pedicures and nail extensions. Another specialty group is estheticians, who beautify the skin by giving facials, full-body treatments and removing body hair through waxing.

All states require cosmetologists to be licensed. According to Josephine Sarkis, cosmetology student at Continental School of Beauty Culture, cosmetologists in New York must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and pass a written test and then a practical test to get the license.

Sarkis says the course she is taking at Continental consists of 1,000 hours of training, of which she's completed 700. "We practice, practice, practice until we've learned what we need for the practical," says Sarkis. She adds that students practice hairstyling techniques using mannequins but must pass the practical part of the licensing exam on a real person.

She says a full-time student can complete Continental's course in approximately eight months. For those who want to specialize in nails, there is an additional 300-to 400-hour course at Continental. The WeMoCo Vocational Technical Center in Spencerport also offers a program in cosmetology.

Continued training is needed for cosmetologists to keep themselves abreast of the latest fashion trends and products being used. As they gain experience, cosmetologists build a client base which increases their earnings. They also may move up to managing a salon which involves additional duties such as hiring and supervising employees, record keeping and ordering supplies.

Nearly half of all cosmetologists work part time and 40 percent are self-employed. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook those who worked full time in 1996 made a median salary of $290 per week.