What Training Do You Need for Becoming a Cosmetologist?
A cosmetologist offers personal services to make people look and feel more attractive. She cuts, colors and styles hair. She may also include additional services, such as facial treatments. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2008 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES), hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists earned an average salary of $26,660. If you are interested in a career as a cosmetologist, you'll need to meet certain qualifications that are necessary for state licensure.
Other People Are Reading
-
Requirements
-
Requirements vary by state, so it is important to review state laws before entering the program. General qualifications for a cosmetologist license includes having a high school diploma or its equivalent, a GED; being a minimum of 16 years old; and graduating from a state licensed cosmetology program. Those who are completing a cosmetology program during high school may take the examination after graduation.
Education and Training
-
According to Collegeboard.com, a non-profit organization that connects students to higher educational opportunities, aspiring cosmetologists must graduate from a state-approved cosmetology school. Programs last approximately nine months or longer. Completion of the program leads to an associate degree or certificate. Training to expect in a cosmetology program include clinical practice; facial treatment, skin care and makeup; hair coloring; hair cutting; introduction to cosmetology; manicuring; permanent waving, shampooing and hairstyling; and salon business practices. If you plan on one day opening your own salon or choosing the path of self-employment, consider taking courses in business, marketing and sales.
-
Licensing Exam
-
A license is required for practice in every state. After graduating from a program, students take the licensing exam. The exam consists of a written test and practical skills. Most states require additional licensing examinations for nail technicians and skin care specialists. A fee is required for the license. The written test includes questions from the following general areas: scientific and basic concepts; physical services; chemical services; and hair designing. The practical exam includes hair shaping, chemical waving, hair lightening, hair coloring, chemical relaxing, shaping and pin curl placement, thermal curling and blow-dry styling.
Job Prospects
-
After completing educational and licensing requirements, job opportunities for entry-level positions are good. Employment for personal appearance workers are projected to grow faster than average at a rate of 20 percent through 2018.
Career Opportunities
-
Consider gearing your training toward desired career objectives. Some personal appearance workers are independent contractors who rent booth space. According to Collegeboard.com, 44 percent of workers are self-employed. After years of experience, some cosmetologists choose to open their own salons. Others teach at cosmetology schools. Some advance to become sales representatives for salon products, become fashion or image consultants or take jobs as examiners for the state licensing boards.
-
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Barbers, Cosmetologists and Other Personal Appearance Workers
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2008: Hairdressers, Hairstylists adn Cosmetologists
- College Board: Cosmetology (Major)
- College Board: Barbers and Cosmetologists (Career)
- Cosmetology Certification Exam, 3rd Edition; Learning Express Editors; 2006
Resources
- Photo Credit hairdresser"s image by Aleksandr Lobanov from Fotolia.com
