6 Destinations Every Cosmetologist Should Visit and Why

Traveling can give you more than just a new profile picture. Beauty professionals can travel to improve their skills and gain inspiration from exploring new places around the world.

We all have photo albums dedicated to our favorite trips and travel memories. Exploring new places gives us refreshing experiences and allows us to grow from these new destinations. As a beauty expert, your next vacation can also be an educational one. Here are some travel events and destinations that can help feed your inspiration as a professional cosmetologist. Additionally, many of your favorite venues are now leading virtual and online events.

1) Visit a Cosmetology Trade Show in New York City, Chicago, or Las Vegas. 

Makeup, hair, and skincare trade shows are an excellent way to network, connect with leading industry professionals, and learn more about the products and services that are out there. Some of the biggest meet-ups in the game are actually located in the United States. Head to New York City or Chicago to attend events like The Makeup Show or catch a flight to Vegas for the International Beauty Show. The good news is many of these events are also hosting online sessions, so you can even join from home if you can’t make it in person.

2) Catch a Fashion Show in Paris, France

One thing is certain—the fashion and beauty world will forever be intertwined. Paris has long been synonymous with timeless fashion icons. For a makeup artist, hairstylist, or nail technician there are endless sources of inspiration throughout the city but especially in the fashion district. Paris hosts multiple fashion weeks throughout the year. Some will be available to the public so that people can book a ticket to watch the runways. The beauty choices on Paris runways are sure to awe and leave you creatively inspired. If you are interested in working in the background of the fashion industry, attending these shows are essential—each designer meticulously selects the hair and makeup for their show along with the artists that create them. This is the stage where you will see trends and groundbreaking styling choices at their birthplace.

3) Walk Through “The Black Hair Experience” Art Installation in Atlanta, Georgia 

Pop-up art installations and interactive displays are part of the latest phenomena in travel activities. However, most people may not realize there are tons of artists creating work centered around hair, makeup, and nails. One art installation series in Atlanta has particularly inspired its guests—The Black Hair Experience. This walkable museum and art exhibit is all about celebrating the hairstyles of African Americans as an affirmation of self-love and as significant cultural icons. Walk through the exhibits and take photos of art pieces devoted to the beauty of different hair types and styles.

4) Explore Pop Art Hair and Makeup Styles in the Harajuku District in Tokyo, Japan

If you have an interest in cosplaying, wig design, or creating elaborate art hair techniques, exploring the Harajuku district of Tokyo might be for you. This unique and colorful neighborhood in Tokyo, Japan, has long been celebrated for its niche street style and creative looks. Explore the nearby streets to soak up the atmosphere or purchase your own fashion, jewelry, or hair.

5) Visit the Makeup Museum in New York City 

When most people think of museums, they naturally think of old pottery, tapestries, and historic statues, but contemporary museums are popping up everywhere—celebrating the cultural items we know and love today. There are now even museums and exhibits devoted to elements of the beauty industry. For cosmetologists, you should check out the Makeup Museum in New York City. This museum takes you on a journey of cosmetic history with 5,000 years of cosmetic artifacts and displays about historical makeup artists and inventors.

6) Tour the Local Street Art in Mexico City, Mexico.

As a beauty industry professional, you should always be closely in tune with art and artistic inspirations. For makeup artists, colors and shades hail from those on a canvas. Nail artists recreate the patterns and shapes they see in print and media. In Mexico City, get inspired straight from the source. Visit a local art museum or take a walking tour to see graphic street art around the city. The rich colors and sense of cultural identity from La Roma or Calle Zacatecas are sure to inspire your next creation.

The wonder of travel is that your memories and experiences will be there to inspire you for years to come. Community and trade events are fantastic ways to connect with others in your industry. If you are interested in taking your hobby for hair, makeup, or nails to the next level, cosmetology schools can help you reach the next step. At PJ’s College of Cosmetology, we believe in using our community and its diversity as a source of inspiration. In our cosmetology, nail tech, and esthetician programs, we strive to celebrate how beauty is defined in different cultures. Enrollment advisors are currently available to help you discuss your options and enroll today. Connect with us online or call directly at 800-62-SALON (72566).