Start a New Career Quickly with the Right Program
So, you’ve made your decision to pursue a career in cosmetology. Congratulations! Picking out your path in life is not something to take lightly, which means you’re now probably spending hours researching nearby beauty schools to figure out which one to attend.
The school you choose could greatly affect the next 50 or more years of your life, so don’t be hasty in your decision. Consider these tips about how to choose a cosmetology school that’s perfect for you.
Read Up On Your State’s Licensing Requirements
Every state in the U.S. has strict licensing requirements for cosmetologists. Before choosing your cosmetology school, you need to make sure that you understand how many hours you’ll spend in school, what you’ll learn, and how to obtain your licensure – usually through an official examination process. When you’re familiar with your state’s requirements, you can then begin comparing them to the topics beauty schools in your area are teaching.
Compare Beauty School Curricula
In general, every beauty school will teach the same basics. However, some go beyond and arm their students with additional skills and tools they need to succeed as a practicing cosmetologist in the world after graduation. A bare-bones cosmetology school education will teach you enough to pass the license exam, but if you graduate knowing more than your peers from other schools, you’ll be far more competitive in the job market and may be more likely to land a position in your dream salon.
Determine How You Can Pay For Your Education
Some people may think attending cosmetology classes is inexpensive. Unfortunately, that is not always the case, especially when you factor in all the supplies, you’ll need to use in order to master skills, like a set of shears, combs and brushes, hot tools, and more. Some schools are far less expensive than others, though. Before committing to a cosmetology school, be sure you understand exactly how much attending will cost you and determine how you’ll pay your tuition and fees. Did you know some beauty schools offer scholarships and Federal student loans, making financing your education much easier than those that don’t?
Visit Each School You’re Considering
A skilled marketer can make anything look amazing online, even a total dud. That’s why it’s important to visit every cosmetology school you’re considering attending to see what it’s like in real life. Look at the classrooms, the facilities, and the student salon or spa. If you like what you see, keep that particular beauty school on your short list.
Talk to Current Students
If possible, while you tour, talk to current students at the cosmetology school to get their opinion. Ask them what they love most about attending the school and let them provide you with any advice they may have for someone considering enrolling. You will get the most candid advice and input away from their instructors’ ears, so try to catch a few students on a break from class.
Talk to the Instructors
When you pay a scheduled visit to a cosmetology school, someone in their admissions department will be tasked with walking you around the campus and explaining to you what’s happening. But you won’t be spending the majority of your time with anyone from the admissions office if you decide to enroll. When you make an appointment to tour, ask if your visit could include some conversations with existing faculty. Get to know them a little before deciding on a school.
Learn About the “Extras”
As we’ve said before, not every cosmetology school is exactly alike, and some go above and beyond in training their students to help them succeed after graduation. Some of the better beauty schools also organize special events for their students to showcase their talents to the public and help them build a portfolio of work. Look for beauty schools that do more for their students than teach them the basics and send them on their way.
Consider All Your Options Before Committing
It’s up to you to conduct thorough research on all your options before committing to a cosmetology school. Make sure that it’s actually cosmetology school you’re after – and not esthetician schools – which offer similar instruction for a completely different career. It’s best to be honest with yourself now, before you’ve spent months of your life and thousands of dollars chasing down your beauty school dream.
Ready for Cosmetology School?
Cosmetology is a rewarding career because you spend your time helping people look and feel their best. Over the years, you’ll become your clients’ trusted friend and someone they can count on to listen to them as they talk about their day and what’s going on in their lives.
While we can’t tell you that you should become a cosmetologist, we can certainly point you in the right direction. We think if you’re serious about a beauty career, pursue it wholeheartedly!
