• Cosmetology may require you to put makeup on a client.make up image by Alexander Zhiltsov from Fotolia.com
  
  A job in cosmetology requires workers to help clients maintain or improve a client's beauty. This may include giving pedicures, manicures, facials and chemical peels; cutting hair; and applying makeup. Although this may sound like a fun job, there are still some drawbacks in cosmetology.
  
  

Salary and Benefits

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage of a cosmetologist is not that high--around $27,070, as of 2009. The website also says the mean hourly wage is $13.02. Another disadvantage in this business is the lack of traditional benefits. Because cosmetologists are usually self-employed or independent contractors, they do not get the benefits employees might get from a company or that teachers might get from the government. These include health coverage, sick pay, vacation pay and retirement benefits. This can be discouraging for workers who are interested in job promotions, perks and other benefits.
  
  

Health Safety

• Cosmetologists often do the same type of work over and over again, which may cause strain on body joints and other types of health concerns. For example, a cosmetologist may have to bend her back while giving a client a facial makeover or kneel down while giving a client a foot pedicure. While dealing with a client's hair, she may unexpectedly find contagious health issues like head lice. Additionally, the odors of certain facial or chemical peels, or hair dye, are hazardous to the health when breathed in. These various demands and needs of patients can wear down a worker's health in unexpected ways.
  
  

Client Demands

• Being a cosmetologist can be very demanding because clients who come in may have a particular style that is specific only to them. This can pertain to women who need their hair done a certain way, which requires precision and accurate skill. Also, because first-time clients may feel uncomfortable with you putting your hands into their hair, in case of a hair cut, you have a dual responsibility of putting them at ease through good verbal communication skills as well as making sure they are satisfied with your performance once you're finished. Not only is dealing with a new person's personality and appearance highly demanding, but you will need to know how to work under pressure and developed a certain amount of tact and tolerance to be successful in this field.