
The beauty and wellness industry in India is growing rapidly. With increasing awareness about skincare, haircare, grooming, and personal appearance, the demand for professional cosmetologists is higher than ever. If you love helping people look and feel their best, a career in cosmetology can be both exciting and rewarding.
This article provides a complete step-by-step guide on how to become a cosmetologist in India. We will cover everything you need to know — from required qualifications and cosmetology courses to job roles, salaries, top institutes, and career scope.
Who is a Cosmetologist?
A cosmetologist is a trained professional who provides beauty treatments related to skin, hair, and nails. Cosmetologists use various techniques, products, and tools to improve a person’s appearance and offer beauty solutions.
Cosmetologists may specialize in:
- Skincare (Facials, Peels, Treatments)
- Haircare (Styling, Coloring, Treatments)
- Makeup (Bridal, Fashion, Film)
- Nail care (Manicure, Pedicure, Nail Art)
- Spa and wellness therapies
Why Choose Cosmetology as a Career?
Here are some reasons why many students choose cosmetology:
- High demand in beauty and fashion industry
- Creative and people-centric profession
- Flexible working hours and self-employment options
- Opportunity to work in glamour, media, or wellness sectors
- Low academic pressure compared to medical or engineering fields
- Fast career start (you can begin earning early)
How to Become a Cosmetologist in India: Step-by-Step Guide
There are different pathways depending on your interests, budget, and educational background. Here’s a general roadmap:
Step 1: Complete Class 10th or 12th
There are no strict eligibility criteria to become a cosmetologist in India. However, most professional courses require:
- Minimum Qualification: Class 10 or Class 12 (any stream)
- Recommended Subjects: Biology (for medical cosmetology), but not mandatory for general beauty cosmetology
Tip: If you’re interested in medical cosmetology, completing 12th with PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) is essential.
Step 2: Choose a Specialization
Before selecting a course, decide what area of cosmetology you’re most passionate about:
Specialization | Focus Area |
Beauty Cosmetology | Makeup, hairstyling, grooming |
Clinical Cosmetology | Advanced skin, anti-aging, cosmetic procedures |
Medical Cosmetology | Skin & hair treatments using medical techniques |
Trichology | Hair and scalp health |
Aesthetic Medicine | Non-surgical beauty procedures |
Nail Art | Manicure, pedicure, nail design |
Step 3: Join a Cosmetology Course
Depending on your education level and goals, you can choose from the following types of courses:
1. Certificate Courses (3–6 months)
- Quick and skill-based
- Ideal for freshers or working professionals
- Examples:
- Certificate in Hair Styling
- Certificate in Makeup Artistry
- Certificate in Skin Aesthetics
2. Diploma Courses (6 months – 1 year)
- More in-depth than certificate courses
- Good for career beginners
- Examples:
- Diploma in Cosmetology
- Advanced Diploma in Hair & Skin Therapy
- Diploma in Clinical Cosmetology
3. Bachelor’s Degree (2–3 years)
- Ideal for those who want a strong academic foundation
- Suitable after Class 12
- Examples:
- B.Sc. in Cosmetology
- B.Sc. in Beauty and Wellness
- B.Voc in Beauty Therapy
4. Postgraduate or Medical Cosmetology Courses
- Requires an MBBS or BDS degree
- Examples:
- PG Diploma in Medical Cosmetology
- Fellowship in Aesthetic Medicine
- MD Dermatology (for certified medical doctors)
Step 4: Get Practical Training
Practical hands-on training is essential for every cosmetologist. Whether it’s a basic beauty treatment or an advanced laser therapy, real-time practice improves skills and confidence.
Tip: Choose an institute that offers internships, salon/lab experience, or real client exposure.
Step 5: Get Certified and Licensed
While there is no government licensing requirement for general cosmetologists in India, having certifications from reputed institutions builds trust and credibility.
Certifications to Consider:
- NSDC-approved certificate (Skill India)
- CIBTAC (UK)
- CIDESCO (Switzerland)
- IAO (International Accreditation Organization)
- ISO-certified institute certificate
Top Institutes for Cosmetology in India
Here are some reputed cosmetology schools and training academies:
Institute | Location |
VLCC Institute of Beauty & Nutrition | Multiple Cities |
Lakmé Academy (Aptech) | Nationwide |
Pearl Academy | Delhi, Mumbai |
Shahnaz Husain Beauty Academy | Pan India |
Orane International | Pan India |
JD Institute of Fashion Technology | Pan India |
Dr. Paul’s Institute of Cosmetology | Kolkata |
AIIMS (Medical Cosmetology after MBBS) | Delhi |
Institute of Laser & Aesthetic Medicine (ILAMED) | Delhi, Mumbai |
Skills Required to Become a Successful Cosmetologist
- Creative thinking and visual skills
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of skin and hair types
- Patience and customer service skills
- Knowledge of beauty products and ingredients
- Hygiene and safety awareness
- Willingness to learn new techniques
- Marketing and business skills (if self-employed)
Career Options After Cosmetology in India
Cosmetologists have numerous exciting career opportunities:
Job Role | Description |
Hair Stylist | Hair cutting, coloring, styling |
Skin Care Specialist | Facials, cleanups, advanced skin therapy |
Makeup Artist | Bridal, fashion, film, event makeup |
Nail Technician | Nail art, acrylic nails, extensions |
Beauty Therapist | Combination of all beauty services |
Clinical Aesthetician | Work with dermatologists for skin treatments |
Cosmetology Instructor | Teaching at academies |
Salon/Spa Owner | Entrepreneurial opportunity |
Medical Cosmetologist | Botox, fillers, lasers (for MBBS holders) |
Employment Areas
- Beauty salons
- Spas and wellness centers
- Skin clinics and dermatology centers
- Cosmetic product companies
- TV, film, fashion industry
- Freelancing and home services
- Start your own salon or beauty clinic
- Hospitals and aesthetic surgery centers (for medical cosmetologists)
Average Salary of Cosmetologists in India
Experience Level | Monthly Salary (INR) |
Fresher | ₹15,000 – ₹30,000 |
2–5 Years | ₹30,000 – ₹60,000 |
5–10 Years | ₹60,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
Celebrity Cosmetologist | ₹1–5 Lakhs+ |
Medical Cosmetologist (MBBS) | ₹80,000 – ₹2 Lakhs+ |
Note: Freelancers and salon owners may earn much more depending on their clients and services offered.
Scope of Cosmetology in India
India’s beauty and wellness industry is expected to reach ₹2 lakh crore by 2025. With rising disposable income, social media influence, and awareness about grooming, cosmetology offers excellent scope.
Growth Factors:
- Rising demand for certified professionals
- Expanding urban beauty culture
- Increase in men’s grooming and wellness
- Scope in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities
- Boom in cosmetic dermatology and non-surgical aesthetic treatments
Career Opportunities Abroad
Cosmetologists from India can find work opportunities in:
- UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)
- USA and Canada (after certification)
- UK, Australia, New Zealand
- Singapore and Malaysia
- Cruise ships and international hotel chains
Tip: You may need to pass local certification or licensing exams in other countries.
Pros and Cons of a Career in Cosmetology
Pros:
- Creative and fulfilling profession
- Flexible working hours
- Early career start
- High earning potential
- Global career options
- Low academic pressure
Cons:
- Physically demanding work (long standing hours)
- Requires constant skill upgrading
- Income may be unstable in early career
- Irregular working hours (especially for freelancers)
- Competition is high in urban markets
Tips for Aspiring Cosmetologists
- Choose certified and reputed institutes
- Focus on skill-building, not just theory
- Stay updated with latest beauty trends
- Learn client management and soft skills
- Practice hygiene and safety protocols
- Build a portfolio of your work (especially for makeup artists)
- Get internships and practical training
- Use social media for marketing your services
Conclusion
Becoming a cosmetologist in India is a great career choice for creative individuals who are passionate about beauty and wellness. Whether you want to become a hair stylist, skincare expert, makeup artist, or medical cosmetologist, there are plenty of courses, institutes, and job opportunities to help you achieve your goals.
With proper training, skill, and dedication, you can build a rewarding career in this fast-growing and glamorous industry.
FAQs
Yes, you can join certificate or diploma courses in beauty and cosmetology after Class 10.
No, NEET is not required unless you want to become a medical cosmetologist (which needs an MBBS degree).
It can take 6 months to 3 years depending on the course — certificate, diploma, or degree.
You can take a certificate or diploma in makeup artistry from institutes like Lakmé Academy or VLCC.
Medical cosmetologists can earn between ₹80,000 to ₹2 Lakhs per month or more.