Additional Information
Education requirements vary depending on where you live and plan to work.
It is important to find out the standards for your state. In general, cosmetologists
get training with a lot of hands-on experience. Schools with cosmetology curriculum
usually offer classes in hairdressing, skin care, nail care and make-up. Students
may choose to concentrate in one area.
Students should ask a lot of questions before choosing a post-secondary
program. Find out if the school is registered with the local cosmetology association.
Sofia Pacino of a cosmetology association recommends talking to graduates
of the program and interviewing the school. She says programs for hair should
be 1,500 hours in length. Esthetics programs should be 800 hours. Nair care
programs should be 400 hours. She does not recommend attending a school that
offers these courses in fewer hours.
Completion of high school is always a good idea, but not necessarily required.
There are some programs that allow students to study cosmetology while in
high school. Some high schools even offer cosmetology courses.
"I completed my cosmetology education while I was in high school. I am
very driven and hard working, and I decided to complete my classes and work
toward my degree at the same time. It is a lot of work, but the feeling you
get once you receive the paper that says you have passed your license is amazing,"
says Kristin Ploof. She is a cosmetologist in Rochester, New York. While she
was studying, her days began at 7 a.m. and didn't end until 9:30 p.m.
Continuing education is important for cosmetologists. Trends are always
changing and cosmetologists need to stay on top of the fashion scene. Find
out if your employer will pay for workshops or classes to learn new skills.