Cosmetologist

Become A Cosmetologist

Did you grow up playing beauty shop with your friends or practicing hairstyles on the family pooch? If you're one of those people who not only takes pride in looking your personal best, but frequently has the urge to make over your friends or even strangers you pass on the street, you might be a natural-born cosmetologist.

Cosmetology in a Nutshell

As reality television shows like Beauty and the Geek and Extreme Makeover prove, cosmetology includes many specialties all aimed at helping people look their best. Cosmetologists specialize in areas such as manicures, pedicures, haircutting and styling, makeup, massage therapy and skin care, according to The National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences.

Education Requirements for Cosmetologists

So what do you need to start your career as a successful cosmetologist? First, it's helpful to pick your area of interest, such as manicurist, because each specialty has different training and licensing requirements. Also note that cosmetologists must be licensed in the state in which they work.

To earn your license, you've got a few things to look forward to:

• You must graduate from a state-approved cosmetology school, or successfully complete an apprenticeship. The length of cosmetology programs varies, depending on the school and specialty.
• Next, you must pass a state-sponsored written test and briefly demonstrate your new skills to a reviewer.
• Some states also require that cosmetologists have their high school diploma, while others require only an eighth grade education.

Day in the Life of a Cosmetologist

Once you're a licensed cosmetologist, it's time to make the world a more beautiful place. Cosmetologists are easily employed anywhere that people are longing to be pampered-day spas, nursing homes, vacation resorts, hair salons, even department stores.

As cosmetologists gain experience and regular customers, their incomes increase. Some cosmetologists eventually go back to school to broaden their specializations, while others branch out to open their own salons or become image consultants or instructors at cosmetology schools.

Job Growth for Cosmetologists

Even the smallest town has a resident salon or barbershop, although the highest concentration of jobs can be found in large cities. Employment for cosmetologists is expected to steadily increase with the national job market through 2014.

Become A Cosmetologist Today!