2 answers
Callie
Student
Odon, Indiana
2
Questions
Asked
812 views
What is cosmetology?
It includes hair, makeup, and other beauty products.
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2 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1942
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Callie cosmetology encompasses a range of beauty-related practices focused on enhancing the appearance of others through treatments of hair, skin, and nails. This includes hair styling, coloring, and treatments; skin care services like facials and hair removal; and nail care such as manicures and pedicures. Additionally, some cosmetologists may also engage in desairology, preparing the deceased for burial.
HOW TO BECOME A COSMETOLOGIST
The first step to becoming a cosmetologist is completing an accredited cosmetology program. These programs are offered through some high schools, community colleges or private schools. Each state has different requirements for how many training hours you complete, all of which must be completed under the supervision of a school instructor. Once training hours are completed and you’ve graduated from your cosmetology program you will take the state board exam. These board exams often consist of a theory (written) and a practical exam, which requires you to perform a set list of tasks. Once you pass board exams and graduate from your program, you can apply for a state license to professionally practice cosmetology. Please note that a certificate and license are not the same and you cannot legally practice cosmetology without a license. For licensing applications and information, check with your state’s board of licensed professionals. When you complete all of the above tasks and have a license in hand, you’re ready to officially start your career as a cosmetologist.
CONCLUSION
The biggest perk of becoming a cosmetologist is having the option to work for yourself. While working for yourself is appealing for many reasons, it can also add a lot to your plate since it is your responsibility to deal with business finances, sales and client management. Thankfully, cosmetology school gives you plenty of opportunities to learn marketing and business fundamentals that pertain to the beauty industry.
Hope this was helpful Callie
HOW TO BECOME A COSMETOLOGIST
The first step to becoming a cosmetologist is completing an accredited cosmetology program. These programs are offered through some high schools, community colleges or private schools. Each state has different requirements for how many training hours you complete, all of which must be completed under the supervision of a school instructor. Once training hours are completed and you’ve graduated from your cosmetology program you will take the state board exam. These board exams often consist of a theory (written) and a practical exam, which requires you to perform a set list of tasks. Once you pass board exams and graduate from your program, you can apply for a state license to professionally practice cosmetology. Please note that a certificate and license are not the same and you cannot legally practice cosmetology without a license. For licensing applications and information, check with your state’s board of licensed professionals. When you complete all of the above tasks and have a license in hand, you’re ready to officially start your career as a cosmetologist.
CONCLUSION
The biggest perk of becoming a cosmetologist is having the option to work for yourself. While working for yourself is appealing for many reasons, it can also add a lot to your plate since it is your responsibility to deal with business finances, sales and client management. Thankfully, cosmetology school gives you plenty of opportunities to learn marketing and business fundamentals that pertain to the beauty industry.
Hope this was helpful Callie
Hannah Nicholson
Artist
5
Answers
Klamath Falls, Oregon
Updated
Hannah’s Answer
Hi, Callie!
Doc summed it all up very well, in that cosmetology is, in essence, the study and practicing of beauty, how to enhance someone’s appearance, be it their hair or their nails (manicurist, pedicurist, or “nail technician” as how the school in my town labels it) or their skin (esthetics).
But I’m also going to add that given it deals with the enhancement of hair, skin, and nails, it can overlap into other realms of study, from biology and dermatology to physiology and even fashion design. You are studying the human body and how it reacts in relation to outer enhancement.
You also assess your client’s needs, give them recommendations to help them care for their hair, skin, and/or nails, and you ensure that the workplace is clean and sanitary. You also manage appointments and continuously learn new techniques.
Your local community college will more than likely offer cosmetology, but check with your high school to see if they offer classes or even books about it—for the community college, there’s financial aid, grants, and scholarships to help pay for it without costing you a dime. Depending on where you live, you’ll have to clock in a certain amount of hours, but no matter where you go, you’ll then take a state board exam. As he says, a license and a certificate are different from one another: you can graduate with your certificate or your diploma, but you’ll have to apply for your license afterwards. Once licensed, you are free to practice as you wish, be it in a salon or your own gig.
True beauty is like life: it’s complex but worth every second.
Best of luck!
Doc summed it all up very well, in that cosmetology is, in essence, the study and practicing of beauty, how to enhance someone’s appearance, be it their hair or their nails (manicurist, pedicurist, or “nail technician” as how the school in my town labels it) or their skin (esthetics).
But I’m also going to add that given it deals with the enhancement of hair, skin, and nails, it can overlap into other realms of study, from biology and dermatology to physiology and even fashion design. You are studying the human body and how it reacts in relation to outer enhancement.
You also assess your client’s needs, give them recommendations to help them care for their hair, skin, and/or nails, and you ensure that the workplace is clean and sanitary. You also manage appointments and continuously learn new techniques.
Your local community college will more than likely offer cosmetology, but check with your high school to see if they offer classes or even books about it—for the community college, there’s financial aid, grants, and scholarships to help pay for it without costing you a dime. Depending on where you live, you’ll have to clock in a certain amount of hours, but no matter where you go, you’ll then take a state board exam. As he says, a license and a certificate are different from one another: you can graduate with your certificate or your diploma, but you’ll have to apply for your license afterwards. Once licensed, you are free to practice as you wish, be it in a salon or your own gig.
True beauty is like life: it’s complex but worth every second.
Best of luck!