Education Needed for Beauty School
Preparation for beauty or cosmetology school consists of a high school diploma or grade equivalency diploma (GED) in most states. You can study to be a hairdresser, barber, manicurist, or skin care specialist. States differ regarding requirements and licensing examinations for the various areas of cosmetology. All positions, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, are expected to have a higher than average level of growth.
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Hairdresser/Hairstylist
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Hairdressers cut, color and style hair. Prospective hairdressers must complete a set number of hours of learning or apprenticeship in many states. In order to become licensed, they must take a practical and written exam. A basic understanding of math, science and visual art is important for this field, especially when coloring a client's hair.
Barber
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The barbershop has a longtime tradition in the United States. Depending on the state, the barber's exam may be separate from the hairdresser's. Barbers tend to work with male clients and their tasks including cutting hair, trimming beards and shaving.
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Manicurist/Pedicurist
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Nail technicians use a variety of tools to render a perfect manicure. The manicurist or nail technician usually has a shorter apprenticeship than a hairdresser or barber. Many clients flock to their favorite salon for weekly manicures as part of a regular grooming routine.
Skin Care Specialist
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Many spas and salons employ skin care specialists to administer facial treaments. The skin care specialist or aesthetician prepares facials, body masks, scrubs and other therapeutic treatments.
Makeup Artist
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The makeup artist uses many types of cosmetics to create special looks. Makeup artists may work in the movie and television industry, the theatrical arts (such as theater, ballet and opera) or as freelance workers for individual clients.
Traits of Successful Wworkers
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In the area of cosmetology and personal grooming services, most workers have some artistic ability, fashion sense and good manual dexterity and fine motor skills. They also typically enjoy the social aspects of their work when dealing with clients.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit hairdresser's image by Aleksandr Lobanov from Fotolia.com hairbrush image by Leonid Nyshko from Fotolia.com barber shop pole image by Tammy Mobley from Fotolia.com manicure tools image by cico from Fotolia.com beauty salon #11 image by Adam Borkowski from Fotolia.com cosmetic assortiment over black image by Julia Britvich from Fotolia.com