Careers Beauty School Graduates Might Not Have Considered

If you attended beauty school, you probably followed a standard career path afterward. It likely involved applying makeup, cutting hair, or doing other work in a salon. But career paths in this field don’t always have to go this way. What if, instead, you could break out of traditional roles and turn your skill set into something more unique and rewarding?

With a little creativity, you can uncover a wide variety of opportunities within the beauty world. Whether you’re about to get your start or are looking to get back into the industry after becoming a mom, there are many exciting career options that all beauty school graduates should consider.

Beauty Blogger or Influencer

Are you a whiz with blending eyeshadow or nailing that flawless blowout? Channel your expertise into a career as a beauty blogger or influencer. Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok are packed with opportunities for beauty pros to demonstrate techniques, review products, or share tips. The best part is that you get to work your own hours (great for those who still have kids in the house) and potentially partner with big-name brands for collaborations that pay rather nicely.

Salon Manager or Owner

If you’ve got a knack for organization and leadership, managing or owning a salon could be your calling. You’ll oversee stylists, manage client bookings, and create a welcoming environment that keeps clients coming back.

If you prefer a male clientele, barbershops are also a possibility. Just make sure you familiarize yourself with the necessary barbershop equipment you’ll need to get started. No matter which direction you decide to go, owning your own salon means you can design your dream space while bringing your own creative flair to life!

Cosmetics Developer

For beauty grads interested in science or product innovation, cosmetics development could be a perfect fit. Imagine creating the next cult-favorite lipstick or cruelty-free skincare line. Brands everywhere—from indie startups to global giants—are always on the lookout for professionals who are ready to help formulate new, on-trend products. This path might require a bit more education to fully explore, but if it’s an undiscovered passion of yours, it’ll be well worth the extra effort.

Beauty Product Sales Representative

Love talking with people and sharing your favorite beauty finds? Channel that enthusiasm into a career as a beauty product sales representative. This is a role that many beauty school graduates don’t consider right away since it’s more on the business side of things, but it might be just what you’re looking for.

Whether you’re helping salons stock up on luxury shampoos or introducing individuals to the latest skincare must-haves, you can mix sales skills with a deep understanding of the industry’s top-performing products. When you’re passionate about what you’re selling, you’re bound to get outstanding results.

Artistic Director

This role brings creative leadership to the beauty scene in a major way. Artistic directors work for brands, magazines, or professional events to conceptualize shoots, trend pieces, or campaigns. You’ll collaborate with top stylists, photographers, and makeup artists to bring striking visual concepts to life. Think fashion shows, editorial spreads, and brand visuals that stay memorable—these are all things that you could have a hand in yourself.