Research found the cosmetology industry is expected to grow 8 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than other occupations.
Apart from being in high-demand, cosmetology is a fantastic career. It lets you flex your creativity, meet likeminded people, and start your own business. If you’re eager to attend cosmetology school but know little about it, you’ve come to the right place.
Here’s everything you need to know about cosmetology school.
What is Cosmetology School?
Before answering “what is cosmetology school?”, know cosmetology involves various beauty services like:
- Hair cut, color, and style
- Nail care
- Makeup artistry
- Skincare
You can specialize in one area or take courses in several depending on your desired career path. Going to a school for cosmetology lets you develop these skills so you can apply for a license and establish yourself in the beauty industry.
Why Attend Cosmetology School
Apart from your obsession with hair styling or nail care, there are plenty of benefits of attending a cosmetology school. For instance, cosmetology lets you show off your creativity whether it’s giving a client a new hairstyle or nails. Watching clients transform and discover a newfound confidence in their appearance is priceless.
Cosmetology is a heavily regulated occupation so you’ll need licenses and there’s no way you can dodge this. This means to start your career, you must attend cosmetology school to receive your license.
Cosmetology School Requirements
Every state has its own requirements so research your state before applying to a cosmetology school.
The two main qualifications are that you must be over 16-years-old and have graduated from high school or have a similar diploma.
Cosmetology schools also ask for a state-issued picture ID like a driver’s license. Some require a personal essay or letters of recommendation with your application while others may ask you to take an aptitude test.
How Long is Cosmetology School?
If you can attend cosmetology school full-time, most courses last nine months maximum. Don’t worry if you already have commitments, you can attend cosmetology school on a year-and-a-half or part-time basis and still receive your license.
Depending on your preference, research to find out the average number of days a cosmetology student is required to do.
What You Learn in Cosmetology School
First, it’s important to highlight the difference between cosmetology and beauty school. They both look similar but cosmetology school teaches students about business management so they can start their own company.
Beauty schools don’t always provide this training to their students. For example, beauty schools may offer specialized programs in only barbering or makeup artistry. So before signing up for a school for cosmetologists, choose a niche but know that receiving a wide range of training gives you more opportunities.
How to Find the Right Cosmetology School
The easiest way to find the best cosmetology school is by researching. Look for ones that align with your personality and career goals by checking out the school’s website and social media channels.
This will teach you about the school’s culture and what attending will be like. When you find your top three, schedule a tour so you can see the establishment. This is your chance to ask questions about courses and see what students think about attending school.
You can also ask:
- What will I learn in your cosmetology program?
- How big are your classes?
- Do you offer multiple scheduling options?
Depending on your situation, you can ask whether they offer scholarships or financial aid. And because there’s so much information, bring along a pen and paper to record it.
What a Cosmetology School Curriculum Looks Like
Checking out a school’s curriculum is the most exciting part about attending the school. In these classes, you’ll have hands-on experience and training so you can develop a variety of skills.
The main courses include:
General Cosmetology
When you learn cosmetology, regardless of your specialty, the general cosmetology course is mandatory.
Here you’ll learn about patient ethics, personal grooming, safety, sanitation, and about the cosmetology equipment. This foundation is crucial and will be relevant throughout your cosmetology career.
Hair Care
You’ll learn about the different types, proper hair and scalp maintenance, and hair care tips. Plus, there’ll be classes on hair cutting and styling like competition styles. This course also covers wedding styles, wigs, and hair extensions.
Hair Coloring
This course teaches you how to apply coloring chemicals like highlights and lowlights. You’ll also learn how to find a hair color that complements the client’s skin tone so you can make recommendations. Once you have this knowledge, you’ll have the basics of running a hair salon.
Nail Care
If you’re interested in giving manicures, attend a nail care course. The curriculum covers nails diseases, disorders, and infection control practices so you can protect your patients. You’ll also learn how to apply acrylics, repair broken nails, and properly polish nails.
Skin Care and Makeup
Students learn about skin disorders, skin types, and how to properly cleanse the skin. Alongside this, cosmetology students interested in makeup can enjoy classes that cover color theory, basics makeup tools, and the equipment. Cosmetology school also covers esthetics such as waxing and body wraps.
Salon Management
This is an important course if you want to start your own business and find your own clients. Salon Management teaches students how to follow business laws, market their services, and overcome the everyday challengs of running a salon.
That’s Everything About Cosmetology Schools
Now you know everything about cosmetology schools from how to find the right establishment to the different courses.
You must attend cosmetology school to earn your license so you can further your career and even open your salon. It’s a fantastic industry to join as it’s steadily growing so you can spend every day doing what you love. Good luck!
Did you find this article helpful? If so, check out our articles on everything from Career to Social Media.