How to Get Started in Your Cosmetology Career

Do you have a passion for beauty along with great social skills? Then cosmetology may be a great career option for you.

This is such a great industry to get into, as it is always in demand. There are also so many different things you can do within the world of cosmetology based on your skill set and what you’re passionate about. Keep reading to learn more about how to get started in your cosmetology career, with some additional tips and tricks.

Meet the Requirements

Before you begin applying to cosmetology schools, make sure that you have all the necessary requirements. States differ slightly in regards to their regulations for cosmetology school students, so it’s best to check with the cosmetology boards for the states you wish to apply to schools in.

Some may have stricter requirements than others, but most will require you to reach a certain age and education level. Most cosmetology schools will require you to be at least 16 years of age, as well as a GED or high school diploma to qualify for their programs.

Keep in mind that some high schools may allow high school juniors and seniors to enter cosmetology vocational programs. This allows students to use their high school credit hours towards credits that may count for select cosmetology schools. This is a great way to get valuable training before entering cosmetology school.

Applying for Cosmetology School

When searching for cosmetology schools, you will either enroll in degree-granting beauty schools, job skills beauty schools, or state licensing beauty schools. You can enroll at a community college, a for-profit program, or a private beauty school.

The tuition price will differ depending on location, the courses offered, the hours required and the facilities and equipment available. Typically, tuition fees can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000. Look at multiple options to compare pricing, how long it will take you to complete, as well as the percentage of students that find jobs after graduation.

Consider reaching out to each school’s admission counselor to find the best fit for you. If you need a flexible schedule, consider finding a school that offers night classes or part-time education.

Complete Cosmetology School and Pass Your Licensing Exam

While the hours required for cosmetology school vary depending on the program, you will need to put in the hard work and time to complete your cosmetology training. Be prepared to attend class, take exams, and have tons of hands-on training. Typically, most programs take about 9 to 15 months to complete.

When in school, you may consider specializing. While it will likely take extra hours to complete, it will boost your chances of landing a job in your preferred cosmetology field.

All U.S. states require cosmetology school graduates to pass a licensing exam to get a license to practice cosmetology. The test will include written questions and answers as well as testing in makeup, hair, and skincare. After passing the exam, you will need to pay a licensing fee.

Finding a Job

There are some things you can do to jumpstart your cosmetology career after you receive your license. Look for salons in your area that offer apprenticing programs.

This can help you gain additional real-world experience while becoming a better applicant. You will still get paid as an apprentice, but not as much as you would working solo.

Figure out what kind of location or setup works best for you. While most cosmetologists work in salons, some are self-employed or only work part-time. If you want to have your own salon, you’ll need to put the work in at other businesses first.

Consider looking outside of salons as well, and apply to spas, or retail beauty supply stores.

Succeeding in Your Cosmetology Career

Getting your license and finding a job is just the beginning. It will take you time to become excellent in your field. If this is your goal, put the time in to work with as many skin and hair types as you can.

Along with great cosmetology skills, you should also work to sharpen your social skills. It’s important to talk through what a client wants and figure out how to achieve it.

If you want your clients to continue coming back to you, you should work to make small talk and form relationships with them. It’s important to help them feel comfortable, entertained, and trusting during their appointments.

Keep up with the latest trends in your industry to make sure you’re keeping your skills current. Read style blogs, attend trend shows, and enroll in continuing classes to make sure you’re staying as successful as possible through your career.

All of these factors will help you build a strong client base, a must for a successful career in cosmetology. Let your clients know that you value their business and work with them to book their next appointment. Consider asking for referrals to grow your client base when you’re just starting out.

Get Started Today

The benefits of cosmetology as a career are plenty if you do the job right. Work towards completing your cosmetology education to receive your license and start gaining the experience you need. Get started in your cosmetology career by following this quick and simple guide.

Are you hoping to receive your cosmetology degree in just 9 short months? Apply to the TENAJ Salon Institute today to get started with us. We are committed to giving students the skills they need to land competitive jobs in the beauty industry after graduation.