Most of the cosmetology programs are full-time and are available at both private and public vocational schools. The training can last from nine months up to two years. Although, if you specialize in an area such as skin and nail care the training time can be much shorter.
In cosmetology programs there is emphasis on both coursework and practical hands-on work. You will learn how to do basic cosmetology services and how to care and sanitize instruments used in this career. Sanitation and hygiene are very important areas to learn in these careers. You will also learn some chemistry, physiology and anatomy.
You will have the options to learn how to style and cut men and women's hair, along with children's and teenager's hair. You will study the current looks that are in for hair and color treatment possibilities. You will learn the proper way to color and highlight colors in people's hair. You will learn how to properly apply makeup and care for skin and nails. If you want you can focus on specific areas, such as nail technician only. You will still have a lot of training to go through, but it will not take quite as long as cosmetology school does or that of an esthetician.
Each state has different certification requirements for cosmetologists or barbers as well as personal appearance workers, but all states require licensing. Online courses are available to help candidates prepare for their new career and also to help them stay informed with the latest trends in the industry.
Online Education Options for Beauty and Cosmetology
Online degree programs are not readily available for learning the basics of cosmetology and the beauty care industry however; there are a couple of options for you to choose from in this career path.
- Online Certifications degree in Beauty and Cosmetology:
- Online Associates degree in Beauty and Cosmetology:
- Online Bachelors degree in Beauty and Cosmetology:
For candidates interested in learning more about the spa atmosphere of beauty care there is some online training available through http://www.virtualspa.com/spa_management_tools.php. There you will find telephone consultations with reports at the end to help you succeed. They also offer informational E-books covering spa operations and how to develop spa services. They also offer on-demand consultation services for selected fees and are available by the hour as well.
Beauty and Cosmetology Career and Salary Information
The median annual salary for a cosmetologist for is just under $20,000, while more competitive positions earn about $40,000 per year. If you specialize in esthetician area or fitness and nutrition areas of the beauty industry you stand to earn more as those jobs deal with very lucrative clientele and who usually spend lots of money to take care of their personal appearance. Therefore you can earn more in these careers.
The outlook for the Cosmetology industry is good according to the BLS. Successful cosmetologists learn the latest trends in art, fashion and design and have the people skills necessary to build a loyal client base. You can also go on to teach Cosmetology to further your career or you can become an image or fashion consultant.