How to Become a Cosmetologist

By eHow Careers & Work Editor

Rate: (142 Ratings)

Cosmetologists are licensed beauty professionals, specializing mostly in hairdressing. In some states, a licensed cosmetologist may also provide services related to skin care, nail care and makeup; in other states, separate licenses are required.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Obtain a high school diploma or GED.
Step2
Check the licensing requirements for cosmetologists in your state. If you want to do hair, but also have an interest in related areas, make certain you work toward obtaining separate licenses if necessary.
Step3
Enroll in an accredited cosmetology or vocational school. Download the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences Web site (see naccas.org) for a list of schools. Visit several to see which offers the best combination of classroom and practical training.
Step4
Look for internships at salons that will provide you with course credit.
Step5
Get ready for the state board examination, which you will take after graduation. It is part written, part practical. Your school should be willing to give its students mock exams.
Step6
Look for jobs through your school, classified ads, the Internet and hair salons you have visited in the past.

Tips & Warnings

  • Put together a portfolio of photographs showing hairstyles you created while you were in school. Bring it with you to job interviews.
  • Subscribe to fashion and hairstyling magazines to keep current with trends.
  • Own several pairs of comfortable shoes; you'll be on your feet most of the day in this career.
  • Improper use of chemicals can result in a lawsuit.
  • Be aware that you will be exposed to a variety of hair-coloring and nail polish chemicals, some of which may be harmful to your health.
  • Your evenings and weekends will have to be open for your clientele.

Comments

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kaykay14

kaykay14 said

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on 5/14/2007 well... i think this site should have more information about cosmetologist...but i do like it and it is really good!!
Thank you designer

cj_5_98

cj_5_98 said

Flag This Comment

on 1/5/2007 I mistakenly flagged comment from cj_5_98 as "offensive", and it should not be.
Thanks
Michael Adams

cj_5_98

cj_5_98 said

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on 1/5/2007 A Cosmetologist's License may lead to many career choices. You can pursue skin care, nail care, specialize in color or chemical services, government, education in private, public, or college level, management, plateform work, manufacturing and sales. Everyday can be different at work. A love of people can be important.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 4/19/2008 If you think the hairstyle is too hard, then you don't know what you are doing. You had the opportunity to learn, unless you didn't go to Cosmetology school.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 1/25/2006 It takes time and effort to succeed in this career, so if you don't have patience; you're going to need it!

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