What is cosmetology?

Cosmetology is the study of cosmetics and their use in hair, nails and skin care. Cosmetology services include hair styling, applying make-up, analyzing and cosmetically treating skin and nails, beautification and adornment.
Practicing cosmetology is a public-service profession for which you must obtain a license from the state.

Career prospects for cosmetology

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for professional nail technicians, hair dressers, hair color technicians, aestheticians, and makeup artists are rising. Experts predict a 35% increase in cosmetologist jobs by 2016. Depending on specialization and experience, average annual salaries of cosmetology professionals in 2009 fell in the range of $27000 to $56000 in the US.

Prerequisites for getting a license to practice cosmetology are a 10th grade pass and a diploma in cosmetology. License seekers should have spent 1200-1700 hours in cosmetology training and work or 3000 hours in less than three years as an apprentice in a salon. Licensing rules vary across states. Contact your state's licensing board for details.

Types of cosmetology trainings

Cosmetology schools prepare students for state licensing exams by providing trainings at basic and advanced levels. Good cosmetology schools also teach students about health and safety, disinfection and sanitation, chemistry and basic anatomy, and compliance to legal rules.

Cosmetology trainings can cover one or all of these skills:

Hair care cosmetology training

Hair care cosmetology training teaches students how to cut, style and color hair. Cosmetologists should be able to create custom colors and enhance looks based on skin tone and preferences of the client. Students also learn shampooing, chemical treatment, and facial and body hair removal techniques such as waxing and electrolysis. They get tips on making the process less painful for clients. Students may choose to specialize as hair dressers or hair color technicians.

Skin care cosmetology training

Skin care cosmetology training equips students with the knowledge to analyze skin and recommend treatments, and skin care regimes. Skin treatments include pore cleansing, exfoliation or microdermabrasion, facials, massage, body wraps, hydrotherapy and more.

Make-up cosmetology training

Make-up cosmetology training can also be part of the skin care cosmetology training. Students are taught the skills of beautifying and glamorizing faces. Make-up artists can be specialists in creating looks for weddings, fashion-shows, theatre, film and television. They can freelance or work with saloons and agencies.

Nail care cosmetology training

Students learn about manicures, pedicures, application of gel nails and acrylic nails. Special skills such as nail adornments, airbrushing patterns into nails can also be taught in this training.

What to look for in a cosmetology school or training institute?

There are many online and offline training programs in cosmetology, many of which are scams. Decide on whether you want training for one or all of the cosmetology skills and look around for a training school that will work best for you. Online training programs are also available, but you need to be prudent. Here are some tips on selecting the right cosmetology training provider:

1. Quality over price
Do not opt for a cosmetology training school based on its low fees alone. Do a thorough check on the range and quality of their training and pay more if they look good.

2. Apprenticeship offers
Check if the training center offers apprenticeship opportunities. Though rare, some saloons offer it to retain the best talent.

3. Assistance with job placement
Many cosmetology schools assist students with job placements by holding job placement fairs, on-site interviews and offering career advice. Based on your preferences, the training school can even keep you informed of job openings.

4. Financial aid
Many accredited cosmetology schools offer grants, scholarships, loans and payment options. Federal aid can also be availed if the school is in the approved list.

5. Add-on services

Many cosmetology schools also offer advice and training on:

• customer service
• saloon and retail management
• business development
• personal development
• special instruction
• career development

6. Ask questions

Last but not the least, ask questions. Stay away from a cosmetology training school that does not answer questions freely. Ask questions such as:

• Is the school accredited?
• What skills will be included in the training?
• What is the qualification and experience of the trainers?
• What are the prerequisites if any?
• Does the school offer part-time schedules?
• What is the length of the training?

What does a cosmetology training cost?

The cosmetology trainings fee vary with the type and duration of the training; and the repute and location of the school. Specific training courses can cost between $4000 and $8000. Comprehensive packages can be priced from $9000 to $20000. Prices will vary across states in the US.

Make an informed decision to start or improve your career as a professional cosmetologist.