When it comes to beauty, Las Vegas is the place to be. The Nevada Workforce Research and Analysis Bureau states that the number of beauty professional jobs in the state is expected to grow by 15.5% between 2012 and 2022, resulting in almost 200 job openings every year.
An oasis in the midst of the desert, Vegas is home to two of the best salons in the nation. Canyon Ranch SpaClub and COLOR Salon by Michael Boychuck were both voted as two of “The Top 100 Salons in the US” by Elle Magazine.
Guidelines to Become a Cosmetologist in Nevada | |
How to Become a Nail Technician in Nevada | |
Qualifications for Aestheticians in Nevada | |
Becoming an Electrologist in Nevada | |
Guidelines for Barbers in Nevada |
Canyon Ranch SpaClub is one of the largest day spas in the world, and it is home to high-end cosmetologists, manicurists, aestheticians, and barbers that provide all types of beauty and spa services. Cosmetologists offer exclusive hair treatments, such as specialty enhancements, Brazilian blowouts, and the canyon ranch hair and scalp treatment. Nail technicians, or manicurists, offer the ultimate manicure, complete with Shellac gel, which is a breakthrough UV3 gel technology. Expert aestheticians offer microdermabrasion and all types of facials, combining high-tech ingredients with the best botanicals and vitamins.
The barbers at Canyon Ranch provide masculine grooming at its finest, offering traditional, classic services such as mustache and goatee trims, straight-razor shaves, and all-guy Barber Suites.
Not to be left behind, the electrologists in Nevada certainly make their mark, as well. No one in Nevada has time for the constant shaving ritual, and electrologists have the answer. Cerulean Skincare and Electrolysis, located in Incline Village, offers natural, fruit and botanical based skin care, as well as permanent hair removal services. Along with electrolysis, Cerulean offers free consultations and demonstrations, so clients can experience electrolysis before committing.
Finally, Ashton’s Classic Barbershop has been mentioned by CBS Las Vegas as the Best Men’s Haircut and Straight Razor Shaves in Vegas—and that’s saying something. Walk into Ashton’s, and you’ll find a classic barbering atmosphere, dedicated to precision cuts and shaves, and offering straight razor shaves, deluxe hot lather shaves, and the “damn good haircut,” which includes a haircut, hot towel treatment, vibrating shoulder massage, and a straight razor neck cleanup.
Clearly, whichever type of beauty professional career you’re interested in, Nevada is the place to be. If you’re looking to become a cosmetologist, nail technician, aesthetician, or electrologist, you will start by being licensed with the Nevada Board of Cosmetology. If you’re looking to become a barber, you’ll start by being licensed with the Nevada Barber’s Health and Sanitation Board. Both of these Boards regulate the education and exam license requirements for beauty professionals throughout Nevada.
Guidelines to Become a Cosmetologist in Nevada
Cosmetologists are beauty professionals who excel in all aspects of beauty, including hair, skin, and nail services. In this, they are the most all-inclusive and well-rounded of all the beauty professionals.
Education Requirements for Nevada Cosmetologists
To become a cosmetologist in Nevada, you will start by enrolling in an 1800-hour cosmetology training program. Throughout your beauty school experience, you will learn both the theory and practices of cosmetology, including at least 250 hours of theory. These training hours will include training on the following cosmetology subjects:
- Blow-drying
- Dispensary
- Extensions and wrapping of nails
- Facials, arching, skin and make-up
- Finger waving
- Hair coloring
- Haircutting
- Manicuring
- Miscellaneous practical and technical instruction, including, without limitation, field trips relating to the practice of cosmetology
- Modeling
- Pedicuring
- Permanent waving and chemical straightening
- Reception desk training
- Salon management
- Scalp treatments
- Shampooing and rinses
- Skipwaving
- Thermal straightening, curling and marcelling
- Wet hairdressing
- Wigs and hairpieces.
Examination Requirements for License as a Nevada Cosmetologist
After graduating from a cosmetology training program in a local beauty school, you will be able to take and pass the Nevada cosmetology licensing examinations, listed as follows:
- National Cosmetology Theory Exam, provided by NIC Testing, administered by the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology
- National Cosmetology Practical Exam, provided by NIC Testing, administered by the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology
- Infection Control Exam given by the Nevada Board of Cosmetology
- Nevada State Laws, Rules, and Regulations Exam given by the Nevada Board of Cosmetology
Upon completion of these exams, you will be able to receive your Nevada cosmetology license.
Job Opportunities for Cosmetologists
As a cosmetologist in Nevada, you will be able to look for part-time or full-time jobs as a hairstylist. These jobs will either pay an hourly, base wage or a commission-based wage, with the most competitive jobs offering an hourly pay plus commission. Many jobs offer benefits, as well. Once you are an experienced cosmetologist with strong skills in sales and marketing, you may even benefit from renting your own chair within a salon.
If you thought you knew what salon sophistication was—think again. Vegas is home to yet another one of Elle’s “Top 100”— COLOR Salon, located within Caesars Palace’s Augustus Tower. COLOR has served a seemingly endless list of celebrities, including Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Fergi, Mandy Moore, the Kardashians, Anna Nicole Smith, JLO, Zowie Bowie, and many, many more. Why do all these celebrities come here? It’s all about the atmosphere. With endless sleek and chic sophistication, COLOR’s interior is adorned with crystal chandeliers, vintage Fendi fixtures, and carved mirrors. And it doesn’t hurt that the cosmetologists at COLOR are constantly on the cutting-edge of hair, style, and fashion trends, techniques, and products, as well.
For other top salons throughout Nevada, consider some of the following:
- The View Salon – Mesquite
- Shear Bliss Salon & Spa – Reno
- A Salon 7 – Reno
How to Become a Nail Technician in Nevada
Manicurists are the beauty professionals who specialize in the care of nails, hands, and feet. In the dry, desert climate of Nevada, they specialize in softening and hydrating the hands and feet of their clients.
Nail Technician Education Requirements
To become a nail technician in Nevada, you start by enrolling in a 600-hour manicurist training program, which can be found as a specialized track within a larger beauty school or beauty college. Throughout your beauty college experience, you will learn both the theory and practices of manicuring, including at least 80 hours of theory. These training hours will include education on the following nail technician subject areas:
- Manicuring
- Modeling
- Pedicuring
- Wraps and extensions for nails
- Any other nail technician practical service deemed necessary by the Board
Nail Technician Examination Requirements for a Nevada License
After graduating from your nail technician training program in a local beauty school, you will be able to take and pass the Nevada nail technician licensing examinations, listed as follows:
- National Nail Technician Theory Exam, provided by NIC Testing, administered by the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology
- National Nail Technician Practical Exam, provided by NIC Testing, administered by the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology
- Infection Control Exam given by the Nevada Board of Cosmetology
- Nevada State Laws, Rules, and Regulations Exam given by the Nevada Board of Cosmetology
Upon successful completion of these exams, you will be able to receive your Nevada nail technology license.
Job Opportunities for Nail Technicians
As a manicurist in Nevada, you will be able to look for part-time or full-time jobs as a nail technician at nail salons, full-service salons, spas, or hotels and resorts that offer nail services. These jobs will generally pay an hourly, base wage or a commission-based wage, with the most competitive jobs offering an hourly pay plus commission. Nail technicians are able to rent their own booth, as well, working as an independent contractor. If you are working off of commission or as an independent contractor, you’ll want to hone your marketing skills to build a strong clientele. Another way to build a strong clientele is to look for jobs in full-service salons or spas, where you are likely to get overflow clients.
Hotels and resorts are, again, a large source of spa and nail services in Nevada. Atlantis Casino Resort and Hotel, located in Reno, offers a casino, lodging, and spa services, as well. Among the estheticians, providing moor mud detoxifying wraps and aromatherapy massages, are the manicurists, providing services such as the effervescence spa pedicure, which includes coconut milk soaks, exotic sugar scrub exfoliation, and a scented paraffin treatment. Not only are these manicurists on the cutting edge regarding what services they provide, but they are in the perfect location for gaining new clients.
For other top-notch salons, spas, and hotels for manicurists, consider some of the following options:
- Aura AVEDA Salon & Spa – Reno
- Bel Capelli Salon – Nevada City
- Bellagio Las Vegas – Las Vegas
Qualifications for Aestheticians in Nevada
Aestheticians are the beauty professionals who are dedicated to purifying, stimulating, and hydrating skin, making even the most dry and dull skin glow.
Aesthetician Educational Requirements
To become an aesthetician in Nevada, you start by enrolling in a 900-hour aesthetician training program, which may be found as a specialized track within a larger beauty college or in a skin care clinic. Throughout beauty college, you will learn the theory and practices of aesthetics, including at least 150 hours of theory. These hours will include training on the following aesthetician subject areas:
- Massaging of the body
- Removal of hair of the body, including the face
- Treatment of the skin
- Packs and masks
- Application of make-up
- Application of false eyelashes
- Arching of eyebrows
- Tinting of eyelashes and eyebrows
- Lightening of hair on the body, except the scalp
- Training in the use of electrical or mechanical devices that are approved by the Board for the care and treatment of skin
- Miscellaneous practical and technical instruction, including, without limitation, field trips relating to the practice of an aesthetician
- Any other practical or technical instruction that the Board may require
Aesthetician Examination Requirements
After graduating from your aesthetician training program in beauty college, you will be able to take and pass the Nevada aesthetician licensing examinations, which are listed as follows:
- National Aesthetician Theory Exam, provided by NIC Testing, administered by the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology
- National Aesthetician Practical Exam, provided by NIC Testing, administered by the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology
- Infection Control Exam given by the Nevada Board of Cosmetology
- Nevada State Laws, Rules, and Regulations Exam given by the Nevada Board of Cosmetology
Upon passing these exams, you can receive your Nevada aesthetician license.
Aesthetician Job Opportunities
As an aesthetician in Nevada, you will be able to look for part-time or full-time jobs as a makeup artist, skin care specialist, facialist, beauty advisor, or even skin care product salesperson. Oftentimes, you can find these jobs at day spas, medical spas, full-service salons, or hotels and resorts that offer spas. These jobs will either pay an hourly, base wage or a commission-based wage. Because many aestheticians benefit from commission-based pay, you will do well to hone your sales and marketing skills, selling your favorite skin care products to your clients.
Vegas is full of high-end hotels and resorts that offer spa services. The Mandarin Oriental hotel, which was named as one of the “Best Hotels in the USA” in 2014 by U.S. News, offers a full-service spa, spread out over two floors and including private spa suites. This spa offers cutting-edge facial and body treatments, such as the Diamond Brilliant Facial, the Jade Enzyme Facial, and even signature Time Rituals, where guests can book time, rather than a service, so that the aesthetician can provide personalized services to fit the guest’s exact needs.
For more great spa, medical spa, and hotel options in Nevada, consider some of the following options:
- Tangerine Aveda Lifestyle Salon | Spa – Reno
- Ageless Zone Reno – Reno
- Four Seasons Hotel – Las Vegas
Becoming an Electrologist in Nevada
Electrologists are the professional permanent hair removal professionals, who remove hair through one of the only FDA-approved methods—electrolysis.
Education Required for Electrologists
To become an electrologist in Nevada, you start by enrolling in a 500-hour electrology training program in an electrolysis or laser hair removal training school. Throughout your education, you will learn both the science and practices of electrolysis. These training hours will include education on the following electrologist subject areas:
Electrology and Thermology
- Sanitation and sterilization
- Protection of patrons, including draping
- Use of equipment and instruments
- Insertion of instruments, single and multiple
- Precautionary measures before and after treatment
- Immediate aftercare
- Home care
- Destruction of the papilla
- Observation of demonstrations; and
Theoretical and practical training
- Ethics
- Conduct
- Courtesy
- Telephone etiquette
- Neatness
- Salesmanship
- Professional attitude
Instruction in Theory
- Sanitation and sterilization
- Electricity
- Electrology
- Thermology
- Dermatology
- Trichology
- Bacteriology
- The peripheral vascular system (capillaries)
- The sensory nervous system (nerve endings)
Modeling for Electrology and Thermology
Examinations Required for Electrology License
After graduating from your electrology training program, you’ll be able pass the Nevada electrology licensing examinations, listed as follows:
- National Electrology Theory Exam, provided by NIC Testing and administered by the Nevada Board
- National Electrology Practical Exam, provided by NIC Testing and administered by the Nevada Board
- Infection Control Exam given by the Nevada Board of Cosmetology
- Nevada State Laws, Rules, and Regulations Exam given by the Nevada Board of Cosmetology
After passing these exams, you’ll be able to get your Nevada electrology license.
Job Opportunities for Electrologists
As an electrologist in Nevada, you will be able to look for part-time or full-time jobs in local salons, spas, electrolysis clinics, dermatology clinics, or laser hair removal clinics. Your hours and pay will generally be based on your education, so you will want to attain as much experience and education as possible while in school.
You will be able to make your clients dreams come true as an electrologist, permanently removing their hair—as well as all of the time, energy, and money they had put into shaving. Nevada is home to many electrolysis clinics, such as New Finish Electrolysis, which is located in Las Vegas. New Finish provides permanent hair removal services to all types of clients—men, women, transgender, teens, and those with darker skin. Along with this, New Finish is able to service clients with difficult cases, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, that may not be able to obtain electrolysis treatments anywhere else. Finally, New Finish boasts of being able to permanently remove all types of hair, even light or red hair.
For other great electrolysis clinics throughout Nevada, consider some of the following options:
- Bare Radiance Electrolysis – Henderson
- Advanced Care Electrolysis – Las Vegas
- Ethel Greenspan Electrolysis – Las Vegas
Guidelines for Barbers in Nevada
Barbers are the professional hairstylists for men, bringing back the classic, traditional sense of masculine sophistication.
Barber Education Requirements
To become a barber in Nevada, you will start by enrolling in a 1500-hour barber training program. In your barber school education, you will get to learn the theory and practices behind the traditional, masculine art of barbering. Your training will include the following barber subject areas:
Theory – 200 hours
- Science of Barbering
- Barbershop Management
- Ethics
- Salesmanship
- State Laws and Regulations
Practical – 1300 hours
- Haircuts – 700 hours
- Shaves – 100 hours
- Shampoos – 75 hours
- Scalp Treatments – 50 hours
- Facials – 50 hours
- Tonic Application – 15 hours
- Hair Coloring – 15 hours
- Hair Straightening – 15 hours
- Styling – 50 hours
- Hairpiece Fittings – 15 hours
Barber Examination Requirements
- Apprentice Barber Written Exam administered by the Nevada Board of Barbering
- Apprentice Barber Practical Exam administered by the Nevada Board of Barbering
Passing these exams will allow you to obtain the Nevada apprentice barber license. Once you pass these exams, you will work as an apprentice barber for 18 months under the direct supervision of a licensed barber. Afterwards, you will take the full, registered barber licensing examinations:
- Barber Written Exam administered by the Nevada Board of Barbering
- Barber Practical Exam administered by the Nevada Board of Barbering
Upon passing these exams, you will be issued a Nevada barber license.
Barber Job Options
As a barber in Nevada, you will be able to look for part-time or full-time jobs as a barber in barbershops or local salons. These jobs will either pay an hourly, base wage or a commission-based wage. Once you are an experienced barber and have a strong clientele, you may benefit from becoming an independent contractor by renting a booth within a shop, or you may benefit from opening your own barbershop.
Figaro’s Barber Shop in Las Vegas offers classic leather chairs, internet access, free coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, shoe shining, and a walk-in-only classic barbershop feel. Additionally, customers love the classic, American memorabilia and the traditional barber pole, taking them back to the history and tradition of barbering.
For other great barbers throughout Nevada, consider some of the following options:
- Masterpiece Barbershop – Las Vegas
- Classics Barber Shop – Sparks
- Gentleman’s Barber Shop – Reno