What Can Be Done With a Hair Certificate?
Hairstylists are trained to cut, color and style hair, and some also work with wigs and hairpieces. At hair beauty schools, also referred to as cosmetology schools, students learn from licensed professional hairstylists. Students also receive hands-on learning and must pass a state licensing exam before receiving their certification.
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Certification Programs
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Cosmetology certificate programs teach you both the creative side of hair care and maintenance as well as the science behind hair, including human physiology, the composition of cosmetics and cosmetic chemistry. You learn how to cut and style hair, and many cosmetology programs also offer instruction in skin care and nail care. You may also learn skills such as how to perform manicures, pedicures, scalp treatments and facials and how to apply makeup. Other important information covered includes sanitation procedures.
Licensing
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Each state has a Board of Cosmetology that requires you to pass a licensing exam before you can become a professional cosmetologist. Once you pass it, you are allowed to work in the state that issued the license. If you move to another state, a new state license is required if the current license doesn’t meet the requirements of the state. You must meet a predetermined amount of training hours before you can take the licensing exam. The exam includes both a written portion and hands-on portion. Most states require that students have either a high school diploma or GED and be at least 16 years of age to take the exam.
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Career Outlook
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According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of barbers, cosmetologists and other so-called personal appearance workers is expected to increase by 20 percent from 2008 to 2018 -- a rate faster than many other jobs. At the time of publication, more than 40 percent of these types of workers are self-employed. Often, hairstylists have to rent a booth from an existing salon, but they are their own boss and can create their own schedule.
Degree Programs
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For future salon owners, a degree is necessary. If you want to eventually manage your own salon, you will need management courses and must get educated in everything from hiring employees to maintaining business records and advertising. Many associate degree programs offer both cosmetology training and business courses, cutting out the need for a certificate from a cosmetology certificate program.
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References
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