
Here are the five steps to becoming a cosmetologist:
- Be at least 16 years of age and have a high school diploma or a GED.
- Enroll in a state-licensed cosmetology school.
- Complete your courses. Most programs take 9-15 months to complete.
- Complete training hours. Depending on the state, you will need to complete between 1,000 and 2,300 hours, including time spent in the classroom.
- Pass the state licensing exam. All states require licensing for cosmetologists. Candidates for a license must graduate a state-approved cosmetology program and pass a state exam.
What skills do you need to become a cosmetologist?
What skills do you need to be a cosmetologist?
- Skill #1: Educated in Cosmetology.
- Skill #2: Creativity.
- Skill #3: Interpersonal Skills & Customer Service.
- Skill #4: Active Listening.
- Skill #5: Positivity.
- Skill #6: Stamina.
- Skill #7: Dexterity.
- Skill #8: Good Grooming Habits.
What are the steps to becoming a cosmetologist?
The Steps To Becoming a Cosmetologist
- Make Sure You Meet the Requirements. To become a cosmetologist, you’ll need to enroll in cosmetology school. ...
- Complete Your Training Courses. The next step to becoming a cosmetologist is completing your training courses. ...
- Pass the Licensing Exam. ...
What education do you need to become a cosmetologist?
Education Requirements. Licensing requirements vary by state, but aspiring cosmetologists need the following: a high school diploma or GED, a cosmetology training certificate or associate degree in cosmetology and supervised hands-on experience to be eligible to take their state’s cosmetology licensing exam.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist?
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Completion of a cosmetology training program
- Cosmetology license
- Beauty salon or day spa experience
- Strong communication, listening, and customer service skills
- Attention to detail

How long is cosmetology school in Michigan?
1,500 hoursSo how long is cosmetology school in Michigan? The short answer is 1,500 hours.
Is being a cosmetologist HARD?
Beauty school is a lot of hard work. Students have to study their text books, they take quizzes and tests, and they practice hair styles over and over again. There are early mornings and late nights, but all the work is worth it when you're really passionate about your career.
What skills are needed to be a cosmetologist?
10 Skills Every Cosmetologist Should MasterInnovativeness and Creativity. Beauty is an art that requires creativity. ... Cosmetology Education. ... Good Customer Service. ... Time Management. ... Good Grooming Habits. ... Trend Awareness. ... Physically Fit. ... Familiarity With Products.More items...•
What are 3 skills that a cosmetologist knows how do you do?
What Skills Do You Need for Cosmetology?Skills for Cosmetologists.Skill #1: Cosmetology Skills.Skill #2: Good Hygiene.Skill #3: Manual Dexterity.Skill #4: Physical Stamina.Skill #5: Time Management Skills.Skill #6: Problem-Solving Ability.Skill #7: Commitment to Learning.More items...•
What is the hardest part of cosmetology?
Makeup seems like it would be a pretty simple thing to do, but when asked most beauty professionals, instructors, and students agreed that makeup is one of the hardest units in school. It tests your patience and can be the source of some stress if hair color and style is more your forte.
What are the disadvantages of cosmetology?
Cosmetology is a trade known for helping individuals look and feel their best....There Are Few Cons of Cosmetology SchoolCosmetologists are often on their feet all day. Cosmetology can be tiring. ... Cosmetology can be a dirty job. ... Working with clients isn't always easy. ... Cosmetology school takes time and money.
Does cosmetology require math?
Math skills are essential in the cosmetology program. High school courses in algebra and geometry will help the student be successful in this program. Cosmetologists use math concepts such as ratios, percentages, angles and so on in all the services they perform.
What are the 5 things in cosmetology?
The five things you learn in cosmetology school are how to color, cut, style, sanitize, and add hair to a style, as well as about the human body as it relates to cosmetology.
What are the 5 most important things to know as a cosmetologist?
Here are five essential skills cosmetologists need to know!Social Media. Beauty professionals are all over Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. ... Time Management. Whether you work for yourself or at a salon or spa, time management will be crucial. ... Community Building. ... Networking. ... Financial Management.
What are the pros and cons of being a cosmetologist?
Pros & Cons of CosmetologyPro: Personal Interaction. ... Con: Physical Demands. ... Pro: Entrepreneurship Opportunities. ... Con: Wages. ... Pro: Job Satisfaction. ... Con: Licensing Requirements.
What are the benefits of being a cosmetologist?
7 Benefits of a Cosmetology CareerUse Your Creativity. As a cosmetologist, you can use your creativity daily. ... Flexible Work Schedule. ... Work for Yourself. ... Earning Potential. ... Form Meaningful Relationships. ... Career Opportunity. ... Make a Difference.
Where does a cosmetologist work?
Most cosmetologists work in salons or spas that offer beauty treatments. They can also work in cosmetic product companies, product sales, and salon administration companies. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and want to break new ground, you can start your own business!
Is being a cosmetologist a good career?
Being a cosmetologist opens the door to many career choices. You can train to work behind the chair, own your own salon, teach, or work in many different industries such as film, makeup artist, freelance, hair removal, editorial, TV, beauty blogger/vlogger and MORE!
How do you know if cosmetology is right for you?
6 Signs a Career as a Cosmetologist is Right for YouYour Mentors Are Beauty Bloggers. ... Watch for Product Releases. ... Your Family and Friends Come to You Often for Hair and Makeup Help. ... Love Giving Yourself Makeovers. ... You Give Makeup and Hairstyle Tutorials Online. ... You Do Not Want to Go to Post-Secondary School.More items...
What is the highest paying cosmetology job?
Highest Paying Jobs in CosmetologySkincare Specialist.Theatrical and Performance Makeup Artist.Beauty Copywriter.Cosmetic Surgeon.Beauty Blogger.Corporate Trainer or Instructor.Image Stylist or Consultant.
Are cosmetologists poor?
The median hourly wage for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists was $12.54 as of May 2019. The top 10 percent of earners made more than $24.94 per hour while the lowest 10 percent made less than $8.86. Cosmetologists earned median hourly pay of $12.54 in 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How many hours do you need to become a cosmetologist?
Depending on the state, you will need to complete between 1,000 and 2,300 hours, including time spent in the classroom. Pass the state licensing exam. All states require licensing for cosmetologists. Candidates for a license must graduate a state-approved cosmetology program and pass a state exam.
How old do you have to be to be a cosmetologist?
Here are the five steps to becoming a cosmetologist: Be at least 16 years of age and have a high school diploma or a GED.
How to become a licensed cosmetologist in Florida?
1. Find and Complete a Qualifying Program. Finding and completing an approved cosmetology program at a beauty school is the first step to becoming a licensed cosmetologist. You can expect to complete at least 1,200 hours to fulfill the requirements set by Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation and Board of Cosmetology.
How many continuing education hours do you need to become a cosmetologist in Florida?
Licensed cosmetologists in Florida are required to complete 16 continuing education hours during every renewal cycle, which stretches over two years. It’s a great opportunity to keep up to date with the latest trends and techniques! 2. Get Your License.
What is artistic nails and beauty academy?
At Artistic Nails and Beauty Academy, we strive to provide what our students need to pursue their future careers. As part of our curriculum, we provide resources to help students learn how to operate a successful business. We have also held career days to bring local salons to our school to build our students’ networks.
Are You Ready To Become a Licensed Cosmetologist?
If you live in Florida and are thinking about a career in cosmetology, or are looking for a job, these tips can help you find the right career for you! There’s no time like the present to get started.
How long does it take to become a cosmetologist?
Most cosmetology school programs can be completed within 9-24 months. Students receive training in hairstyling, personal appearance and skin care, as well as sales and marketing.
How old do you have to be to get a cosmetology license?
All states require cosmetologists to hold a license, which typically requires being at least 16 years old, holding a high school diploma or GED, completing a state-approved cosmetology program and passing exams.
What is the job of a cosmetologist?
Cosmetologists offer an array of beauty services to their clients, including shampooing, coloring, cutting and styling of hair, as well as wigs and hairpieces. Cosmetologists may also advise clients on how to properly care and maintain hair, or how to lighten and darken their hair. Some cosmetologists specialize in other beauty care regimens, such as manicures, pedicures, facials and scalp treatments. All states require cosmetologists to hold a license, which typically requires being at least 16 years old, holding a high school diploma or GED, completing a state-approved cosmetology program and passing exams.
What are the courses you can take to become a hairstylist?
Courses you may take include safety and sanitation, hair cutting, hairstyling, thermal styling, chemical hair treatments, nail technology, facial skin care, hair removal and make-up application. Certificate and degree programs include practical training components, allowing you to work in salons providing beauty treatments. You may also have a class devoted to licensure exam preparation.
What is an apprenticeship in cosmetology?
Apprenticeships include both college training and employment under a licensed cosmetologist, allowing you to become familiar with the daily activities of the profession and learn to interact with clients while at the same time making a wage.
Do cosmetologists need a license?
Cosmetologists must be licensed in the state where they practice . Licensing involves testing applicant's knowledge through a practical hands-on examination and a written examination. Some states require separate licenses for skin care specialists, manicurists and pedicurists.
How many hours of coursework do you need to become a cosmetologist?
Consider specializing. Finding a specialty can also help you land a job; it typically takes about 600 extra hours of coursework to specialize. Though your job title can be "cosmetologist," there are a wide variety of specialties and job titles that you can take on after additional training.
What skills do you need to be a cosmetologist?
But it takes more than that. Here are some other skills you'll have to develop as you move forward in your profession: Stellar communication skills .
How long does it take to get a cosmetology license?
Complete cosmetology school. Most schools take between 9-15 months to complete. While most states require around 1,600 training hours before you get your license, some require a lot more or less, falling in the range of 1,000 hours and 2,300 hours. You'll have to put in long hard hours and learn a variety of subjects that range from hair coloring to human anatomy. You'll have to attend class, pass exams, and get many hours of hands-on practice. [5]
What to expect when you register for a cosmetology class?
If you register for a cosmetology class, they will usually either provide materials for you, or give you a list of what to buy and where.
How old do you have to be to get into cosmetology school?
Meet the basic age and educational requirements. Most cosmetology programs require you to be at least 16 years of age and to have a high school diploma or a GED to enter. But every state has slightly different regulations and requirements, so before you proceed, you should check with the cosmetology boards of different states to see what you need to do. In some cases, different cosmetology schools will also have stricter requirements than the states, so you'll have to look into those on an individual basis as well.
How much does it cost to become a cosmetologist?
Tuition and fees for cosmetology schools range from $10,000 to $20,000, depending on the courses offered, the school's location, hours of education required and the facilities and equipment available. You can enroll in cosmetology school at a private school, community college, or a for-profit cosmetology program.
Is cosmetology a good profession?
The cosmetologist profession is growing rapidly, and with good reason. The profession is dynamic and requires great social skills and an eye for beauty. Though a cosmetologist's primary focus is often cutting, coloring, and styling hair, many cosmetologists also give manicures and pedicures, do makeup, and give skin treatments to their clients and can even offer massage services. If you want to know if you've got what it takes to be a cosmetologist, then follow these steps.
What is the job of a cosmetologist?
The work of a cosmetologist can be filled with excitement and creativity. Style and fashion are thrilling aspects of the industry that can ignite passion and inspire trends and innovation. However, there is more to this career field than you may initially think. All areas of cosmetology require a lot of skill, but they also require certain social ...
Why is it important to understand cosmetology?
Since all areas of cosmetology are generally focused on curating a client’s appearance, it is of the utmost importance that you understand how the client hopes to look. This requires you to converse on a wide range of topics with a wide variety of people.
How to help clients with hairstyles?
Building on the previous example, if a client with balding or thinning hair comes to you, you should be ready to help them with a stylized cut that adds coverage. You can also offer suggestions about products or treatments that will help solve the problem. Applying your skills as a cosmetologist and utilizing your professional training will allow you to give solutions and suggestions that inspire optimism and confidence in even your most challenging clients.
How to balance aesthetics?
The most important component of balancing the demands of such an aesthetic field is good communication. This crucial skill will allow you to understand what it is that your client wants more completely. This will help you give them a satisfying look that compliments their favorite features. Solid communication will also help you when offering suggestions to clients that may be picky or indecisive. Even if you don’t consider yourself a particularly good communicator there is no need to panic. There are skills you can develop and techniques you can implement that will help boost your social and conversational confidence.
Can you be the most skilled cosmetologist?
You can be the most skilled cosmetologist, and all of you finely tuned skill won’t make the impossible become possible. There are times that a client will come to you with an impossible request, and it will be your responsibility to tell them that you cannot make that happen.
What Is a Cosmetologist?
Once you become a licensed cosmetologist, you could fill any of a number of different roles. This title covers a broad field, as cosmetologists are considered anyone who studies and applies beauty treatments to their clients.
Cosmetologist Education Requirements
Speaking of which, let’s talk about what’s required of you to actually become a cosmetologist first.
Taking Your Cosmetology Exam
In Colorado, the exam you must pass to become a cosmetologist has written and practical portions.
Finding Your Specialty
As we touched on early, the job description for cosmetologists is a broad one. You will most likely want to find your specialty at some point, as this will involve spending your days doing the tasks you love most. Specializing generally means making more money, too, depending on the area on which you focus.
Do You Want to Become a Cosmetologist?
Now that you understand how to become a cosmetologist, you should have a much better idea of whether or not this profession is for you.
What is the education required for a cosmetologist?
Cosmetology Education. While each state varies on specific requirements, earning your state-license is a requirement for all states. Health and Style Institute will help you learn the basics – hair cutting, styling, coloring, makeup, skin care therapy. This is essential for any Cosmetologist.
What do cosmetologists need?
Cosmetologists need to be likable. It is nearly impossible to style hair or apply makeup with a bad attitude. Customers need someone who is approachable and will not mind sharing tips on how to maintain your beauty. This is also how you’ll keep your customer’s coming back. Returning customers are worth a lot more than new customers.
Why are cosmetologists so successful?
Those are the successful cosmetologists because they have built an amazing rapport with their clients to get them to come back – they’re not being ‘fake’ either. They genuinely care about their customers. Having amazing listening skills and showing empathy is crucial for any Cosmetologist.
What are the skills of a cosmetologist?
Here are 8 skills every Cosmetologist should master: Innovativeness and creativity. Cosmetology Education.
Is cosmetology growing?
Today, cosmetology is one of the fastest-growing industries. It is filled with the latest trends, most of which keep changing with the seasons. You will need to update yourself through research and attend classes to keep abreast of emerging trends. This will help you to learn the new skincare and makeup products that are currently in the market.
Is beauty an art?
Beauty is an art that requires creativity. Always be on the lookout for new styles to incorporate in your work. Customers are going to turn to you when they have a picture of the exact hairstyle they want.
Do you have to be physically fit to work on your feet?
You will be working on your feet almost every day, which requires you to be physically fit. Always take care of your wellbeing before attending to your clients.
What is a cosmetologist in a mortuary?
A mortuary cosmetologist is responsible for using cosmetics and other materials to create a natural and lifelike appearance for a deceased individual. They may use specialized cosmetics as well as materials such as wax and plaster of Paris to create the intended effect. They often also style the individual's hair and give them a manicure, if requested. Since they perform an important support role for the loved ones of the deceased, they might also receive specialized training in interacting with people who are particular vulnerable in a time of loss or grief.
What is a mortuary cosmetologist?
A mortuary cosmetologist is a service professional who cares for the physical appearance of an individual after they are deceased. Their goals is often to help the individual look as they did when they were living, to support their family and friends who may be attending an open-casket funeral or service. It is often important to an individual's loved ones that they look as natural as possible, especially if they experienced events or illness that impacted their appearance before their passing.
How to decide which training to pursue?
When you decide which type of training to pursue, you can explore specific schools and programs that might be a good choice for you. Consider using a tool like a list application or spreadsheet to keep track of the information you find and compare the features of various program types and locations. Be sure to remember tuition and fees as well as financial aid opportunities if relevant to your situation.
Can a cosmetologist work for a funeral home?
Mortuary cosmetologists may work for a funeral home, or as independent contractors or freelancers. They may require licensing in cosmetology or mortuary science to do business in a particular locality or state.
