Top 6 Tips for Finding the Right Program for You
Cosmetology school seems like the right place for you to pursue your passion in the beauty industry, but there are a lot of options out there. Don’t choose the first cosmetology program that appears in your search results. Look at these tips on how to choose the right school for you, so you can get started on your path to becoming a cosmetologist today!
Find a Cosmetology School Accredited by Your State
If you want your education to be taken seriously when you graduate from cosmetology school, then you need to find an institution that’s accredited. While unaccredited schools may have the same education, they haven’t undergone the rigorous inspections of your state.
Your state’s board of cosmetologists are experts in client care and salon standards. When you get your education from an accredited cosmetology school, it shows that you can meet the high standards of your clients and know what it takes to keep a salon running the right way.
Learn on Mannequins and Clients
It may not seem like a big deal, but it’s important that you find a cosmetology school that allows you to work on both mannequins and clients. When you work with hair on a mannequin, you can learn by making mistakes, try new products, and find out what techniques you need to improve on before you work with clients.
Working with clients on a student salon floor allows you to refine your communication skills and basic techniques, like the ability to hold your comb and shears at the same time. It’s also a good way to figure out if you would like to specialize in a specific area of cosmetology. For instance, you might like hair color more than hair cuts, or want to learn more about cosmetics.
Make Sure You Can Get There
When you go to cosmetology school, you’re required to spend a certain amount of hours in the classroom and on the salon floor. That means you need to be able to reliably get to your school, even if it means you have to find a cosmetology school that’s closer to your residence.
The best way to find the closest cosmetology school to you is by searching for “cosmetology school near me.” Make sure you’re not choosing a school based on location alone, because there are many other factors you need to consider before you enroll.
Is It a Price You Can Afford?
It doesn’t matter what school you decide to attend, if you want a quality education, you need to pay for it. The average cost of cosmetology school in the U.S. is anywhere between $5,000 and $20,000. Try to find a cosmetology school or esthetician school that offers scholarships and financial aid to help cover the cost of tuition and supplies.
The good news is that tuition for cosmetology school usually includes your curriculum materials and salon supplies. So you don’t have to worry about extra costs for essential items like textbooks, curling irons, combs, and shears.
Enroll in a Program That’s Right for You
Being a cosmetologist isn’t just about hair, it’s about skin and nails, too! If you want to focus your career on providing skin care services, look into esthetician school. Estheticians are experts in treatments like chemical peels, facials, body wraps, and more.
The hours required to complete an esthetician program are a little different, too. In order to learn more about esthetician programs in your state, search “esthetician schools near me,” and talk to a professional about enrolling in the right program for you.
Be Willing to Commit to Following Your Passion
The most important thing to consider about enrolling in cosmetology school is that you need to be sure it’s your passion. Becoming a cosmetologist takes more than graduating from an accredited cosmetology school. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to your craft, which means you need to put in the effort to take what you learn in cosmetology school to the next level.
It doesn’t end with cosmetology school, either. The world of beauty is constantly growing and changing. What was trendy yesterday may not be in style today. You need to dedicate time to continuing your education and investigating today’s hottest trends. That way, you can always offer your clients the best service possible.
So, What’s the Takeaway?
When you find an accredited program, that’s in your budget, it could be the springboard you need for an exciting career in cosmetology. However, you need to put in the hours on the salon floor, in the classroom, and after school, in order to build success as a cosmetologist.
If you’re willing to work hard in cosmetology school, you’ll see a world of opportunity present itself. All you need to do to begin your path to your dream job is to find the right cosmetology school for you.
