Education Needed for Cosmetology

Cosmetology careers have specific educational requirements.

Specific educational training is required for careers in cosmetology. The cosmetology field incorporates personal appearance jobs such as hair stylist, hair colorist, nail technician, skin care specialist and makeup artist. State laws require cosmetology workers to obtain an occupational license, and in most cases that means taking an exam. Cosmetology schools prepare students for their chosen job and provide guidelines for acquiring a license.

Schooling

Educational requirements for cosmetology jobs usually include a high school diploma or GED. In some states, high school graduation is required for all cosmetology careers. Future cosmetologists acquire career-specific training via state-licensed cosmetology programs found at a beauty school, vocational school or community college. Most cosmetology training lasts an average of nine months when attending full time. Community college cosmetology programs generally take two years and may result in an associate of science (A.S.) degree.

Qualifications

Cosmetology training requires a few general qualifications, however these vary greatly between schools. Most programs have a minimum age requirement of 16, but this varies from state to state. There is no age limit to attend beauty school, and the Beauty School Directory reports that people in their 80s have graduated from cosmetology school. Many cosmetology programs require the student to have a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED, but this also varies by state.

Coursework

Cosmetology courses provide students with comprehensive training in their chosen personal-appearance field. Classes can include hair cutting, color theory and basic chemistry, just to name a few, along with in-depth nail and skin-care techniques. Programs may focus more on a particular subject area if the student is interested in a specific position, such as custom hair coloring. Beauty school students read text books, take exams and undergo hands-on training throughout their cosmetology education.

Benefits

College degree programs can be beneficial for students interested in owning or managing a beauty salon since they provide training in business, accounting and interacting with employees. Cosmetology schools do not come with a degree and may not include business training, but these programs provide fast and focused training to those wanting to begin working in the field of cosmetology quickly. Private schools like the Aveda Institute offer salon affiliation plus brand-specific training and opportunities.

Cost

Beauty school costs vary depending on the type of program and where it is located. Attending a high-profile school in New York City can cost up to $10,000 or more, while programs in smaller cities, community colleges or vocational schools may be less than half that amount. Many cosmetology schools offer financial assistance in the form of grants, student loans, scholarships and payment plans. Accredited beauty schools may provide government financial aid programs as well.

References

• Aveda Institute
• Beauty Schools Directory
• Degree Directory