Let’s talk about beauty for a moment. The beauty world presents itself to be all glitz and glam, but have you ever wondered who is making all of the magic happen? Leave it to the professionals to make it to “Vogue’s Best Beauty Looks From the Met Gala.” Hollywood is flooded with some of the most skilled cosmetologists in the world. What defines a cosmetologist you may ask? Someone who is licensed to perform treatment on hair, skin, and nails. Here are the top behind the scenes magicians that pull the red carpet looks together.

1. Jen Atkin

Jen Atkin is a professional hairstylist who has done looks on celebrities such as Gigi Hadid, Jennifer Lopez, and Hailey Bieber. She is the co-owner of the well-known hair care line OUAI, which is a big hit in Hollywood and beyond. Atkin also takes her work to the Middle East, where she cuts hair in locations such as Dubai, Bahrain, and Qatar.

2. Chris McMillan

Chris McMillan is another celebrity hairstylist who has paved the way for modern looks today. A top career highlight of his was the iconic hairstyle done on Jennifer Aniston’s ​Friends​ character, Rachel Green. McMillan has also worked with actresses Anne Hathaway, Olivia Wilde, and Julia Roberts.

3. Mario Dedivanovic

You may recognize this name best from his brand, “MAKEUP BY MARIO.” His best known client, Kim Kardashian, has worked with the artist since 2008. Just one year later, Mario launched a master class to share his skills with people worldwide. He has served as an educator to those in South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

4. Ariel Tejada

Surprise, surprise—another famous Kar-Jenner makeup artist. Ariel Tejada can likely be found doing Kylie Jenner’s makeup, as well celebrities including Gwen Stefani and Shay Mitchell. Tejada describes Jenner as his ‘muse’, as he has been able to grow as an artist by working with her. One of his greatest collaborations was in 2021 when he created makeup brushes with Morphe.

5. Tom Bachik

Nail technician, Tom Bachik, works closely with celebrities Selena Gomez, Britney Spears, and Camila Cabello. Bachik has been in the beauty industry since the early ‘90s when he found out his wife was pregnant. His original career goal was to paint race car helmets, hockey masks and jet skis, but quickly turned to nail art to gain financial stability. He began with mastering the skill of acrylic nails, and has been part of the evolution of manicures ever since.

Full-Time Cosmetology in Los Angeles

California is the entertainment capital of the world. For a career path as a full-time cosmetologist, Los Angeles has a multitude of opportunities to work in the entertainment industry. Award Shows and the frequent public appearances finds Beverly Hills hotel lobbies with waiting stylists to prep celebrities for their time on screen.

The State Board in California requires licensed cosmetologists [link: https://www.barbercosmo.ca.gov/applicants/index.shtml] and you can transfer your license from other states. So if you are licensed in New York City, and see a job posting to work in West Hollywood, explore the license transfer option.

What Are the Typical Beauty Experiences Provided?

Wellness and Spas may offer the below, but stars love house calls. Traveling to the Beverly Hills homes to provide secluded private experiences often pays well. Many full-time workers in the beauty industry, moonlight as part-time traveling cosmetologists.

• Facials
• Pedicures
• Haircuts
• Hair Color
• Skin Care
• Manicures: Manicurists to the stars is a far more private experience than the loud, noisy places most experience.
• Eyelashes
• Hair Design

Cosmetology Schools will help you earn a cosmetology license. There are no beauty school dropouts in LA–those who pursue a career in the beauty world are in it for life. Afterall, one of the top beauty schools in the United States is located in Los Angeles, California. Aveda Institute offers salon and spa training, which includes classes for aspiring cosmetologists, estheticians, and makeup artists. Aveda can also be found in other locations across the country, such as Minnesota, New York, and Arizona.