Cosmetology Cosmetology is working with skin, hair and nails. Which includes things like hair styling, cutting, coloring, shampooing, manicures, waxing, facials, etc. "More than a half a million people work as cosmetologists." (Careers For Woman Without College Degrees 254) It is a great profession for people who would like to have a career in the beauty industry. It's a great career for a mother in a two income family or if you're just living on your own. This career is not only for woman, it is also great for men. The pay is not that bad, but usually wouldn't workout for a single mother with more than one kid, unless she owned her own business. A beginner will make between $12,000 and $13,000