Career Options
A license of cosmetology open the door to an extensive variety of career options. The typical career path for hairstylists/designers begins with an entry-level salon/spa position where you may begin by shampooing and gradually, service by service, work your way up the levels.
A cosmetology license can take you in any direction, depending on the depth of your passion for your career and craft and how much you are willing to invest in continuing education. You will be able to build a loyal clientele, help your team succeed, help the owner grow the business, and become involved in competitions, photo shoots, trade show and industry platform presentations, educational presentations, and more.
If you desire, you can become affiliated with a distribution or manufacturing firm and assist them with education, product training, marketing, sales and more. You could also own your own salon/spa, and no one is stopping you from trying to build a career in the entertainment industry - television programs, music videos and movies could not be made without the skills of hairdressers, nail technicians, and makeup artists. For any career, in order to be successful, one must have ambitions and pursue goals in a methodical and ethical manner.
Education and Training
Educational and training requirements vary both by state and with the individual schools. Sometimes, one must be a high school graduate in order to apply for a cosmetology license. For others, a GED is acceptable. If you have not gotten a high school diploma or GED yet, it is possible that you can be accepted into cosmetology school as long as you are pursuing your diploma or GED at the same time. To ensure, find out the requirements from your local cosmetology school and/or your State Board of Cosmetology.
Cosmetology classes are offered in many public high schools, vocational and technical schools, community colleges and private schools. Tuitions vary widely as do the minimum hour requirements. An overall requirement of 2,000 hours is not unusual and depending on whether you attend full or part-time, it can take anywhere form six months to two years to complete your education.
Be ready for taking classes in anatomy, physiology, hygiene, infection control, chemistry and other technical and business-related courses. Other training may include various hair-styling techniques, permanent waving, chemical relaxing, hair color, scalp treatments, esthetics, makeup application, manicuring and pedicuring, and the care and styling of wigs and hair extensions. Classes for business-building may include professional ethics, sales techniques, and more.
Licensure
Each state require cosmetologists to be licensed, and requirements vary from state to state. In addition to having a high school diploma, you must meet an age requirement and pass a medical exam. You will also be required to complete a designated number of hours in instruction and practice at a licensed cosmetology school. Consider taking a State Board examination and pass both written and practical tests administered by a State Board of Examiners.
Demand and Earnings
The typical salon is a small full service salon with five stations, two or three full-time professionals, and one part-time professional. Salon landlords report an average of 174 clients per week.
Employment prospects are good for those interested in re-entering the field and for recent cosmetology program graduates.
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