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A Glimpse into Cosmetology School
The decision has been made and cosmetology school is it, but now the questions start rolling in. What is cosmetology school like? How long are the programs? Will I have time to work and go to school?
The creative avenue of cosmetology offers myriad programs, program length and scheduling. Basic level services such as shampooing, cutting, coloring and styling are taught across the board. Other areas of interest such as nail care, makeup and skincare are also offered at most schools.
Program length varies depending on the school and schedule selected. Some students attend full time enabling them to complete their courses faster. Other students attend night classes while working a full-time day job, which takes more time. A set amount of hours will have to be completed in order to graduate from a cosmetology academy. Some of those hours are spent in class while others are on the clinic floor where students are taught styling techniques, color, etc. The good news is cosmetology school offers flexible scheduling making it possible to successfully complete a program on almost any schedule.
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Every school has its own teaching methods. For example, Daytona College provides hands-on training experience working with clientele and retail in a salon-like environment, while teaching the aspects of hair design and the basics of facials, manicures and pedicures.
Whatever school/program one chooses, the program should be preparing students for the state cosmetology board. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a state license is required for barbers, cosmetologists and most personal appearance workers, but qualifications do vary by state.
Cosmetology school is a creative schooling avenue that allows students to attend school with flexibility. The programs vary between schools but unique teaching approaches allow students to find the program that’s best suited for them
Office Life: A Salon
There is more to a salon than just hair. Beauty salons also provide nail, skin and even massage therapy services.
When you work at a beauty salon, your responsibilities will depend on your position, the type of salon and its size. In some hair salons you might have the opportunity to provide complete hair, nail and skin treatments. Or, you may focus on a particular area of care and then pass the customer along for other services.
Regardless of how the beauty salon you choose operates, expect that you will be responsible for maintaining your work station including sanitizing your tools and sweeping your area as well as building your own clientele.
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While new graduates will generally start as an assistant, some hair salons offer on-the job training programs or apprenticeships. For students who want to get familiar with working in a hair salon before graduating, being a salon receptionist is a great place to start. Whatever path you choose, be sure to visit several beauty salons while you’re a student to learn how different salon are run and operated.
Hair Care
When it comes to hair care, there are four main components: shampooing, coloring, cutting and styling.
While many hairstylists shampoo their own clients’ hair, at larger beauty salons there may be an assistant to do so.
At some salons, there are specific stylists for coloring and cutting; while at other salons each stylist does both. Colorists are responsible for highlighting, dying and performing chemical services,while cutting-specific stylists cut and style hair.
Skin Care
Estheticians, makeup artists and electrologists are responsible for skin care. Estheticians provide services such as skin analysis, facials, waxing, microdermabrasion and other such body treatments. Makeup artists, on the other hand, generally handle special occasion makeup and cosmetic tattooing, while electrologists use an electrolysis machine to permanently remove unwanted hair.
Nail Care
Nail technicians clean, smooth, massage and moisturize hands and feet before shaping and polishing nails or applying nail extensions, artificial nails and gel nails.
Whatever cosmetology career option you choose, remember the importance of a friendly face and great interpersonal and organization skills.
Career Opportunities in Cosmetology
So, you've toiled away as a student and finally earned a diploma in cosmetology, now what? Sometimes the hardest part of education is not graduating but deciding what to do after you're finished. Luckily, with a cosmetology diploma, the world is your oyster. From business to travel to teaching; there really is something for every cosmetology school grad. It's time to tap into a beautiful world of endless cosmetology career opportunities.
Esthetician
In a time when image is everything, a career in improving the long-term health and appearance of skin seems more important than ever. Estheticians perform waxing, facial and body treatment services. Esthetics employment opportunities are available in spas, salons, hotels and even on cruise ships.
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Cosmetology School Instructor
Often, cosmetology grads are inspired by professors and teachers and wish to become instructors themselves. Many instructors enjoy the rewards and challenges associated with teaching, while also fulfilling their love of cosmetics
Massage Therapist
Massage therapy is one of the most flexible careers. Massage therapists can not only make their own schedules but can also choose to work from home as well as in offices, spas or resorts.
Salon Manager
As of August 2007, there were 14,515 spas in the U.S. alone and in 2006 there were over 110 million spa visits. Needless to say, the salon business is booming. A salon manager is a perfect opportunity to put your business sense to good use. A salon manager is responsible for keeping the daily operations of a salon running smoothly. They may be in charge of ordering, hiring and firing employees as well as creating and maintaining salon policies.
Photo/Movie Stylist
Dreaming of a glamorous career but low on acting talent? A career as a photo/movie stylist may provide you with all the luxury you've been longing for. Photo/movie stylists work behind the scenes doing actors’ and models’ hair and makeup. Photo/movie stylist benefit from having their work seen on screen as well as in magazines and advertisements.
These are just a few of the many career opportunities the cosmetology industry has to offer. When it comes to finding the cosmetology career that’s right for you, consider your talents as well as what your strengths and weaknesses were in beauty school.