Frenchy may not have been ready for beauty school in the move, “Grease,” but if you are ready and cannot wait to get your hands on someone else’s hair to help improve their looks and self image, finding a cosmetology school is the next step to your career!
You’ll learn a variety of things in cosmetology school including how to shampoo, cut, style, color and apply permanent wave to hair. You will also learn about hair extensions, as well as treating the scalp and some basics of skin care. Some cosmetology schools also prepare you for manicuring and pedicuring nails as well.
You can start your career as early as high school, but unlike Frenchy, you don’t need to (and shouldn’t drop out of high school). Many high schools allow seniors to attend a trade school program, including cosmetology school while dual enrolled, as long as your credits and performance in high school is up to standards.
If you’re out of high school, it is never too late to begin your career as a cosmetologist. After choosing a cosmetology school, you can usually choose to attend classes on a full time, or part time basis. Normally, you can finish your education at a cosmetology school within a few months to a year. Financial aid is routinely available to those who qualify.
You can expect to complete courses in: Shampooing; cutting; hair styling; applying relaxers, highlights, lowlights, perms and color; manicures; pedicures; applying acrylics, gels, wraps and tips; facials; waxing and make-up application; chemistry, anatomy, physiology, bacteriology and your State’s health and safety rules and regulations.
During the program, you will be required to work in your school’s beauty salon, as well as possibly being required to complete an internship. All states require cosmetologists to be licensed, so when selecting a beauty school, make sure the school is accredited by the board in your state, as well as providing a program that will prepare you for the licensure exam.
If your goal is to own your own business, some business courses are also recommended, which may be offered through your cosmetology school, or could be completed at another accredited school, such as a junior or community college.
A Beautiful Career
What can you expect once you graduate from an accredited cosmetology school? A long and rewarding a career. Cosmetology is one of the professions that is recession proof, since people need to keep their hair cut and styled.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the job outlook for cosmetologists is expected to grow faster than average in the next 10 years. The median wage for a cosmetologist is over $11 per hour, which includes tips. However, this varies greatly by the size of the salon, how well you are known in the field and your geographic region. If owning your own business is a goal, your income potential is limitless.
Ready to get styling? Find a cosmetology school near you today!