Is it Too Late to Change Careers by Going to Beauty School?

Deciding to change your career can feel daunting, especially if you've been in your current role a long time. It requires careful consideration and personal reflection—but it could be the best decision you ever make. Read on to learn more about starting a beauty career at any age, with information on scholarships, skill sets, and more.

How Do I Know if Changing My Career is a Good Idea?

Often, you'll sense when it's time for a career change. Perhaps you feel stifled, or you've hit that infamous glass ceiling. Maybe you no longer enjoy the industry you're in, or you want to try something more creative. Some people realize that they have never much cared for the job they have and want to pursue something they're passionate about instead.

Life is short, and on average, we spend one-third of it at work. This translates to roughly 90,000 hours over a lifetime. Feeling happy, fulfilled, and invested in your career is important—so if you're feeling stuck in a rut, perhaps that's your sign that it's time for a change. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), by age 50, the average person has held 12 jobs in search of their perfect match. So don't fear trying something new! You never know where it might take you.

Can My Job's Skills Transfer to a Beauty Career?

You might think that your current career doesn't have much in common with the beauty industry, but there are plenty of transferable skills that are ideal for roles like cosmetologist, esthetician, manicurist, and more. Take the following examples.

Hard Skills

Sales and Marketing: As a beauty industry professional, you market yourself and your services. Good sales skills, managing your social media presence, and creating marketing materials are all vital to building your reputation and reaching new customers. It also helps you sell products, which can be another lucrative income stream.

Time Management: Keeping on track of your appointments and ensuring you run on schedule is essential when performing multiple treatments and juggling clients. Careers that rely on good timekeeping, such as project management roles, may transfer well.

Customer Service: Hair and beauty is almost entirely customer-based, so any job where you're used to dealing with the public and servicing clients should transfer well—this includes retail, the service industry, sales, and more. 
 
Entrepreneurial Skills and Finance: Many beauty industry workers are self-employed, so the entrepreneurial spirit is critical to your new career's success. The same goes for being financially savvy, which is essential for freelancing.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: This is a must when working in hair and beauty, especially when performing treatments such as makeup application and nail art and ensuring cleanliness within your working environment. If you're moving to beauty from nursing or another medical career, you might already have this skill.

Creativity: Hair and beauty is an incredibly creative career, so jobs that revolve around that side of your personality, such as artist, architect, or designer, may transfer well.

People Skills: You'll constantly interact with people when working in hair and beauty. A friendly demeanor so you can easily chat with your clients and make them feel comfortable will go a long way to getting repeat business. This is transferable from various jobs—from retail and service industry positions to school teachers.

Teamwork: While you may work on your own a lot of the time, it's also possible that you'll be part of a larger team in a salon or spa. Collaborating and building friendships with other beauty professionals is a great way to expand your skill base and share technical knowledge. It also makes the job more fun!

Will I Fit in With Other Beauty Professionals as an Older Newbie?

Absolutely! You can fit in with other beauty professionals at any age. In fact, according to recent research, the average age of beauty salon employees in 2022 was 39.7 years! The beauty industry is incredibly diverse and attracts individuals from all walks of life. Age can be a significant asset, with older professionals bringing a level of maturity, reliability, and a well-rounded perspective that's highly valued by clients and colleagues alike.

No matter which beauty career you choose, you're likely to study alongside people from various educational backgrounds—from GEDs and high school diplomas to advanced degrees and beyond.

What's more, the beauty industry values continuous learning and skill development. Many professionals regularly attend workshops and other courses and pick up new certifications. Committing to your education won't be frowned upon—if anything, it'll be celebrated!

How Can I Pay for Beauty School?

Paying for beauty school can be difficult, especially if you have existing college debt, childcare expenses, and other financial responsibilities. However, there are several ways you can manage the costs.
 
 Scholarships: Many scholarships are available to beauty industry students, including some specifically for older learners. For example, the Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund is available to low-income women aged 35 or older and applies to any beauty field. Don't forget to check your state's education department and local community organizations, too.

Other Financial Aid: You can find a lot of loans, grants, and other financial aid options for beauty school. If you're eligible, federal student loans often offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than private companies. Career-specific grants may also be available, with some supporting those who start new roles later in life.

Working Part-Time: Many beauty schools offer classes on a full-time, part-time, or night-time basis, which frees up the rest of your schedule for other commitments.

Payment Plans: Some schools offer in-house payment plans that allow you to pay tuition in installments rather than in one lump sum.