As the epicenter of style in America, it is no surprise that New York is home to 6 of the top 100 salons in America, according to Elle Magazine. One of Elle’s top 100, EDRIS Salon, located in the Flatiron District, hosts expert stylists who are all trained to cater to the individual needs of diverse hair types, including Asian, Caucasian, African American, and mixed hair types.
John Barrett Salon, located on 5th Avenue, is another one of Elle’s top 100. The hairstylists, manicurists, and skin care specialists here make this salon one of a kind, as it offers a range of hair styling services, such as braids, color, exclusive conditioning treatments, and Kérastase FUSIO-DOSE Deep Conditioning Rituals. Along with this, the salon is home to skin care specialists who are experts in makeup application, eyebrow tweezing and waxing, and eyelash application. The salon’s manicurists specialize in French and paraffin manicures, along with the new keratin rejuvenation and exclusive neroli portofinio manicures and pedicures.
New York is also home to three of the “Manliest Barbershops in America” according to Men’s Health Magazine. Walk into Neighborhood Cut & Shave in West Village or Prospect Heights, and you will melt into a classic-contemporary barbershop atmosphere, replete with the rich fragrance of homemade organic Bay Rum.
Whether you’re aspiring to become a cosmetologist, nail specialty professional, esthetician, or barber, New York is the place to be. Your career as a beauty professional in New York starts with being licensed by the New York Division of Licensing Services. This Division is responsible for maintaining the different licensing standards for cosmetologists, nail specialty professionals, estheticians, and barbers.
How to Become a Cosmetologist in New York
As a cosmetologist in New York, you will be able to perform a wide range of beauty services, such as hairstyling, natural hairstyling, hair coloring, facial and esthetic services, nail services, and makeup application.
In order to be eligible for the New York State cosmetology license, you should be at least 17 years old.
Education Requirements
You will take your first step toward qualifying for a cosmetology license in New York by enrolling in a 1000-hour cosmetology program. These programs, offered at cosmetology schools or general beauty colleges, teach the theory and hands on skills required to become an expert cosmetologist. You will take the following courses, shown here with required clock-hours:
- Professional Requirements 24 hours
- Safety and Health 26 hours
- Anatomy and Physiology 15 hours
- Hair Analysis 10 hours
- Hair and Scalp Disorders and Diseases 10 hours
- Chemistry as Applied to Cosmetology 5 hours
- Shampoos, Rinses, Conditioners and Treatments 30 hours
- Hair Cutting and Shaping 175 hours
- Hair Styling 245 hours
- Chemical Restructuring 180 hours
- Hair Coloring and Lightening 180 hours
- Nail Care and Procedures 40 hours
Examination Requirements
After completing a cosmetology program, you will be able to obtain your cosmetology license by taking and passing the licensing exams, including:
- New York Appearance Enhancement Written Exam through New York Division of Licensing Services
- Cosmetology Practical Exam through New York Division of Licensing Services
Employment Opportunities
To meet the expectations of the discriminating clientele that frequent New York’s top salons, many employers are willing to offer hourly pay plus commission, bonuses, and flexible schedules to retain the most qualified stylists. You also always have the option of going into business for yourself by renting a station in an established salon.
To excel as a cosmetologist in New York, you will get to immerse yourself in high-end designer fashion and use your creativity to stand out among the rest.
One of Elle’s top 100 salons in America is the Oscar Blandi Salon on Madison Avenue. Oscar Blandi is known for bringing old-Italian culture inspired by his hometown of Naples to establish one of the most elegant and chic salons in New York. In New York, his salon is known as an empire, and the stylists within have served celebrities such as Jennifer Garner, Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Faith Hill and Kelly Ripa. When you think New York hairstyling, you think red carpet.
Some of the other top salons in New York include:
- Woodley & Bunny – Brooklyn
- Nunzio Saviano Salon – New York
- Hale an Organic Salon – New York
Qualifications for Becoming a Nail Specialist in New York
As a nail specialist, you will be an expert in the health and beatification of nails, hands and feet.
Education Requirements
Completing a 250-hour nail specialty training program, provided by a general beauty school in New York, is your first step toward obtaining a license.
In this program, you will learn how to cut, shape, and enhance nails on the hands and feet in courses such as these (shown with clock-hours required for licensure):
- Orientation 4 hours
- Safety and Health 8 hours
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Nail, Hand, Arm, Foot and Leg 10 hours
- Bacteria and Infectious Diseases; Nail, Foot, Skin Disorders and Diseases 10 hours
- Methods of Infection Control 10 hours
- Client Consultation 4 hours
- Manicuring and Hand/Arm Massage 20 hours
- Pedicuring 15 hours
- Tip Application and Design 12 hours
- Nail Wraps 25 hours
- Liquid and Powder Nail Extensions 50 hours
- Gel Nails 20 hours
- Nail Art 4 hours
- Retailing Techniques 6 hours
- Business Practices 8 hours
- Job Skills 6 hours
- Unassigned Hours 38 hours
Examination Requirements
After completing a nail specialist training program, you will then simply pass the written and practical manicurist exams, and receive your New York nail specialty license.
These exams include the following:
- New York Appearance Enhancement Written Exam through New York Division of Licensing Services
- Nail Specialty Practical Exam through the New York State Division
Job Opportunities for Manicurists in New York
You will excel as a manicurist or nail technician in New York by perfecting the art of the manicure, and also by learning advanced manicuring services, such as UV gel nails, nail design, and even waxing or makeup application. You will be able to look for salon jobs at nail salons, day spas, or hair salons that offer nail services.
The Rita Hazan Salon is just one of the hair salons that also offer nail services. It was deemed one of Elle’s top 100 not just because of the excellent hairstyling and esthetics services it provides, but also because of their luxurious hand and feet services the salons resident nail technicians provide. They offer services such as spa manicures and pedicures, glycolic pedicures, and shellac manicures and pedicures.
Some of the other top nail salons in New York include:
- Delacqua Salon and Spa – New York City
- Kin Soon Natural Hand and Foot Spa – Manhattan
- Paintbox – Soho
Steps Toward Becoming a Licensed Esthetician in New York
As an esthetician in New York, you will be able to perform manual, mechanical, chemical, and electrical techniques to stimulate and enhance your clients’ face, neck, arms, legs, or shoulders.
Education Requirements
Completing a 600-hour approved esthetician training program is your first step toward obtaining a New York esthetician license.
These courses will include theoretical and practical instruction, shown here with the clock-hours required for licensure:
- Orientation 4 hours
- Safety and Health 8 hours
- Bacteriology 18 hours
- Anatomy, Physiology, and Nutrition 25 hours
- Structure and Functions of the Skin 12 hours
- Superfluous Hair 24 hours
- Chemistry 3 hours
- Chemistry as Applied to Cosmetics 21 hours
- Electricity and Machines 18 hours
- Facial Treatments 225 hours
- Body Procedures (No Machines) 48 hours
- Make-Up Techniques 84 hours
- Business Practices 50 hours
- Job Skills 6 hours
- Introduction to Paramedical Esthetics 18 hours
Examination Requirements
Your final step to obtain a New York esthetician license is to pass the State written and practical examinations, including the following:
- New York Appearance Enhancement Written Exam through New York Division of Licensing Services
- New York Esthetician Practical Exam through the New York Division
Job Opportunities
With a license as an esthetician, you can look for jobs as a skin care specialist, beauty advisor, massage therapist, eyebrow specialist, makeup artist, and more. You will find these positions at organizations such as hair and beauty salons, dermatology office, medical spas, high-end hotels, or even luxury residential communities.
To be a competitive applicant, you will want all of the experience and advanced education that you can get, learning cutting-edge techniques, such how to perform medial-level chemical peels. You will find that esthetician jobs are either hourly-based or commission-only positions; while you also have the option of working for yourself by renting a station in your favorite salon.
If you are working off of commission, you will want to have strong skills in personal marketing and sales.
The makeup artists at the Marie Robinson Salon on 5th Ave., another one of Elle’s top 100, are known for giving the best eyebrow shaping, brow grooming, lash tinting, and personalized makeup application services in the world. Some have even traveled the world, providing eyebrow and skin services for runway models and celebrities.
Some other top esthetics spas found in New York include:
- Bliss Spa – New York City
- Bluemercury – Broadway (between 83rd and 84th)
- Body by Brooklyn – Park Ave
Qualifications for a Career in Barbering in New York
As a barber in New York, you get to specialize in the cutting, trimming, styling, and designing of men’s hair and facial hair. Along with this, you will learn the skills associated with performing facials, facial massages, and shop management.
Education Requirements
Unlike the appearance enhancement professions, the New York State Licensing Division does not have a set requirement for the number of educational hours for a barber training program. However, the Division does license specific barber schools, which normally provide 288 hours of training.
You will be able to either attend a State-licensed barber school or complete a two-year barber apprenticeship to fulfill the education requirements for a license.
Examination Requirements
After completing a barber training program, you will be able to take the New York State licensing examination:
New York Barber Job Opportunities
As a licensed barber in New York, you will be able to look for part-time or full-time barber-stylist jobs. The most successful candidates will have a few years of experience, or advanced education in innovative men’s grooming services. You will normally get to work a flexible schedule, and find that you may either work for hourly pay, hourly pay plus commission, or commission only. You may also opt to rent a chair or station in one of your favorite barbershops.
Of the “16 Best Barbershops in America,” Details Magazine listed three of them in New York. Ben’s Barbers and Frank’s Chop Shop, both located in New York City, are rarities among barbershops in New York. They are known for being straight-forward and laid back, giving master cuts at low costs.
A few of New York’s other top-rated barbershops include:
- The Blind Barber – New York City
- Levels Barbershop – New York City
- Persons of Interest – Brooklyn