Breaking Into the Beauty Industry
If you want to be a hairstylist or aesthetician, your career path is going to include a stint in cosmetology school. Before an employer is going to put his or her valued clientele in your hands, it's vital that you prove that you have the credentials to take good care of them. Word of mouth is very important in the beauty industry, and your only chance of succeeding in it is to have the ability to generate good word of mouth and boost your boss' business.
What You'll Learn in Cosmetology School
Typically, a general school of cosmetology will offer courses in hairstyling, skin and nail care, and makeup art. Most schools will give you the opportunity to specialize in one of these disciplines, or learn them all. A school for cosmetology commonly leads to a recognized diploma which will be valued by potential employers.
Program durations vary from school to school, and also depend on which cosmetology specialization or discipline you're interested in. Typically, though, you should expect cosmetology school to require a commitment of one year of full-time study. As for the cost, cosmetology school price depends on the type of program, where you live and the reputation of the school. Ranging from a few thousand dollars to over $10,000 for a full program, cosmetology school can be a serious investment and so you should compare programs carefully before making your choice.
Cosmetology School Advice: Selecting the Right Place to Study
Careers in cosmetology can be competitive, and to give yourself the best chance of landing a good job coming out of school, it's important that you choose your educational institution wisely.
One thing you can do when you're trying to decide on a school is to contact the type of salon where you'd like to work after graduation and ask if they have any recommendations. You can then set your sights on getting into that school and distinguishing yourself as hard-working and skilled student.
It's also important to pay a visit to every cosmetology school you're considering before you make a final decision. Look at class sizes; how many students are there per instructor? Are the facilities clean and well-managed? Does it look like a comfortable learning environment, or is it cramped or in poor repair?
If you're not sure how to meet your tuition costs, ask about financial aid for cosmetology school before you apply. Many academies have in-house financing options which can help make the cost of your education more easily digestible.
