Cosmetologist do more than cut hair. They are experts in styling and coloring hair for events, skilled in makeup and skincare. As a cosmetologist you can work independently, in a salon, or even open your own salon.
Where can I find a good online cosmetology school?
Have you considered attending an online cosmetology school, but you’re having a difficult time trying to find one that suits your needs? There may be a reason for that. Currently there isn’t an online cosmetology school that offers a licensing program. All cosmetology schools that offer online courses have courses that are for continuing education only. In other words, the courses are catered to those who already have a license in cosmetology. For those who already have licenses, taking online courses is a very good option. Whether it’s in cosmetology or a more focused industry like nails or skin care, students can further their cosmetology training with beauty schools online with programs for continuing education. Many online cosmetology schools offer 8 to 12 credit hours that can expand your knowledge about blood borne pathogens, sanitation, business skills, new techniques, etc.
How do I get a license in cosmetology?
Due to the hands on nature of cosmetology, there aren’t any programs that currently offer cosmetology licenses through online classes. There are, however, many cosmetology schools across the nation which offer licensing programs, and you can most likely find one in your local community. Most schools require a high school diploma or GED for admission. Full-time programs in barbering and cosmetology usually last 9 to 12 and may lead to an associate’s degree, but training for manicurists, pedicurists, and skin care specialists require significantly less time.
If there isn’t an accredited school in your community, you can also earn a cosmetology license by doing an apprenticeship with a local cosmetologist. Not all cosmetologists are licensed to do apprenticeship training, though, so before you start making plans, make sure that the cosmetologist you decide to work with is qualified to help you receive your license.
What can I do with a cosmetology license?
Many people believe that cosmetologists only cut and style hair, but there are many things that you can do with a license in cosmetology. Some of the most common career paths that cosmetologists go into aside from barbering and hair styling include nail care, makeup, and salon management. No matter which area of cosmetology you are interested in, you will be able to find steady work with a decent pay check once you have received your license.
There are other professions in beauty and well being that require licenses other than a cosmetology license. Two of those professions which offer steady jobs include massage therapy and electrolysis (laser hair removal). In order to get a license in massage therapy, you must enroll in a massage therapy school and pass a licensing exam. Since laser hair removal has become so popular in recent years, there are also schools that now specialize in training people to become electrologists (also known as laser hair removal technicians). Some programs can be completed in as little as four weeks, and they will prepare you to pass the state licensing exam.
How much do cosmetologists make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for cosmetologists (which includes shampooing, cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May apply makeup, dress wigs, perform hair removal, and provide nail and skin care services and excludes makeup artists, manicurists, and pedicurists) in May, 2010 was $22,760. The middle 50 percent earned between $18,320 and $30,490. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $16,350, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $41,540.
The states with the highest average annual salaries for cosmetologist in 2010 were the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Washington, Vermont, and South Carolina. They paid out a combined average annual salary of $33,600.
