How to Become a Cosmetologist

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.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Comfortable Shoes
• School Catalogs And Applications
• Magazine Subscriptions
• Portfolios
• Online Career Search

1. Obtain a high school diploma or GED.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Look for internships at salons that will provide you with course credit.

5. 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.

6. 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.