So what exactly is a Cosmetologist, what all do they do?

   First of all, the title cosmetologist is a very broad term.  A "cosmetologist" basically is a licensed person that may perform services on the head, face, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, legs or feet of a person.  Those services may include;  cutting or trimming the hair, styling, arranging, curling, waving, perming, coloring, bleaching, relaxing, well, you get the idea.

    In addition, a cosmetologist may also perform acts of manicuring, pedicuring, applying creams to massage, cleanse, stimulate, and manipulate, or beautify (as in facials for example).  Also, eyebrow arching, using depilatories (stuff that takes of unwanted hair).  A licensed cosmetologist can perform all services!  *For all intent and purposed, the term "cosmetologist" will be used throughout this page and is referring to any and all types of  licensed persons in this field.

What if I only want to do nails, or maybe a make-up artist?

    There are also separate licensing in specific areas of cosmetology.  A licensed manicurist, for example, is only allowed to do manicuring/pedicuring services in most states.  An esthetician, is one who is licensed to do facials, body wraps, body scrubs, skin care in general and applying make-up, just to name a few.  As for massage therapists, some states require licensing or a certification, some do not.

Can't I just do hair at home?

    Sure, but only if  you are doing so without compensation (getting paid) and only if you are not a licensed cosmetologist.    You can only work in a salon or elsewhere on the public for money if you are licensed by the state you are working/residing in.  What is a little tricky, however, is that in some states you are allowed to perform the acts of an esthetician (like working at a make-up counter in a department store) without being licensed.  Be aware, though, many professionals in our industry are working very hard to change the laws so that you must be licensed in order to apply make-up, or do facials regardless where you work.  So it would be to your advantage to follow through with esthetics training where(and if) available and become licensed, not to mention, you have a wider variety of choices in the work force. 

How much money should I expect to make?

   Now that is a tricky question.  In this industry, you literally will make as much as you put into it.  The sky is the limit.  There are so many opportunities and different avenues of this business, if your heart and soul is in, along with a little blood, sweat and tears, you'll definitely be able to make a comfortable living for yourself.  Bear in mind however, that like anything else, you will start at the bottom and have to work up.  Starting pay is usually not much more than your state's minimum wage, but will increase as you build your clientele. It can increase dramatically the more dedicated you are to your clientele.  We will talk about different pay scales and methods a little later.

    A new cosmetologist in the field can expect to make about and average of 20,000-24,000 per year.  However, I talk to professionals from all across the United States, and their pay is anywhere from an average of 25,000-75,000 per year!  Some salon owners, platform artists (people who perform hairstyling & such techniques on stage for other licensed professionals), and educators that I personally know, make as much as 75,000- 150,000 per year.   I am sure your heart is pumping right now, but remember, those are just examples of what is possible.  The realistic average for most stylists, would be about 25,000-40,000.  And that is a result of working 5-6 days a week, an average of 8-10 hours per day, and 5+ years experience under their belt.  See what I mean about blood, sweat and tears?  And dedication????

How do I know what is a realistic salary for my region, or area?

    Simply call around to some of the salons in your area.  Try reaching a wide variety, everything from chain salons, to a sole proprietor large salon/day spa.  Ask to speak to a manager, director of education, or possibly the salon owner.  Explain that you have questions about entering this field.  Do not ask "how much do you make", but "how much should I expect to make" upon entering this field and then in let's say, 5 years.  You may also try contacting some of the beauty schools in your area.   They will always have realistic numbers from graduates that are working presently in the field.  And finally, ask your own stylist on his/her opinion.

OK, I want to be a cosmetologist, how long is the training? What are the requirements?   How long do I have to attend school?

   This definitely varies from state to state, country to country.   Across the US, required training hours for cosmetology licensing range from 1,200 hours to 2,100 hours.  In addition to completing school, some states (not all) require that you fulfill apprenticeship hours of anywhere between 1,000 - 4,000 working under the supervision of another licensed person.  Manicurist training ranges from 100hrs. - 600hrs, some also requiring additional apprenticeship.  Some states do not require manicurist licensing at all to practice.  Estheticians are a broad range from state to state also, requiring anywhere from 125 hours - 1,000 hours, again, some require apprenticeship. 

    Upon completing school, in most states, you will be required to take and pass a state board exam, performing specific skills to prove your ability, and a written exam.   Once licensed, licenses are good for 2-4 years, and require a renewal fee to continue to practice.   In some states, once licensed, you will also be required to continue your education after you are licensed, to ensure that you are keeping up with current trend and honing your skills, in order to renew and maintain  your license. Just as an example, some continuing education requirements are about 16 hours per year or 16 hours per license period.  All states have different rules, use the link St. boards above to find out more details.

What kinds of things will I study and learn in cosmetology school?

     For standard cosmetology you will be required to do mostly practical work on mannequins and on people, which is your hands on practicing of your skills that you may be performing such as hair cutting, perming, coloring, bleaching, relaxing, all phases of hairdressing and styling, manicuring, pedicuring, skin care, facials, massaging of the head, face, neck, arms, hands, legs and feet, applying make-up, and unwanted hair removal methods.

    You will also be required to do what we call theory work or classes, which is the book work and lecture portion of the training. Not as many school hours are dedicated to the theory portion but you may be required to do some studying at home on your own time. Your theory work usually comes from a standard cosmetology text book, some schools have computer programs that help you study as well as allow you to do your testing over the chapters.

    You will study all of the above mentioned practical work in theory class as well. Subjects like basic electricity (you'll be working with not only blow dryers, curling irons, and hot rollers, but electrodes in scalp and facial treatments that all have specific effects on the hair and body), basic chemistry (you'll need to learn the basic chemical makeup of perms, color, bleach and relaxers to understand the effects they will have on the hair), basic anatomy (bones, muscles and nerves of the areas of massage) also hair disorders and diseases, skin disorders and diseases, and business/salon management and retail sales, just to name a few!  In most programs, you will have to take written tests that coincide with each chapter, as well as a final written and practical exam in order to graduate from the school. In addition, as mentioned before, most states require passing a written and practical state board exam for licensing.

    As you can see, contrary to popular belief and stereotyping, hairdressers or "beauticians" are not all dumb blondes  :)  but rather extensively educated and trained in their fields.  It is not a career or training to take lightly, it requires time, dedication and perseverance to succeed just as any other profession.

Sounds good, how do I find a school? Browse Schools Below

Cosmetology School Listings

Online Cosmetology Training
Minnesota School of Business/Globe College Cosmetology

Florida Cosmetology Schools
Edutech Centers - (Clearwater, FL 33764, Riverview, FL 33569) - Skin Care Specialist
North Florida Institute (Jacksonville FL) - Cosmetology
Career Training Institute (Orlando FL) Cosmetology Program, Cosmetology Refresher
Sunstate Academy (Clearwater, Ft. Myers, Sarasota)
Transcription, Paralegal, Clinical Skin Care, Clinical Skin Care

Georgia Cosmetology Schools
Atlanta Institute of Aesthetics (Atlanta, GA) - Skin Care Programs, techniques include; basic facial and massage techniques, body spa management, microdermabrasion and foot reflexology included in Skin Care Program.

Massachusetts Cosmetology Schools
Jolie Hair and Beauty Academy (44 Sewall St. Ludlow, MA 01056) - Cosmetology and Manicuring Training

Minnesota Cosmetology Schools
Minnesota School of Cosmetology (Oakdale MN) Cosmetology

Missouri Cosmetology Schools
Vatterott College (Joplin, MO 64801, St. Joseph, MO 64506) - Cosmetology, Manicuring & Sculptured Nails

Mississippi Cosmetology Schools
Virginia College (Jackson, MS) - Cosmetology Program

Nevada Cosmetology Schools
Euphoria Institute of Beauty Arts and Sciences (Green Valley, NV) - Cosmetology Diploma, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Design, Nail Technology, Medical Esthetics, Permanent Make-Up/Dermalogy

New York Cosmetology Schools
Northern Westchester School of Hairdressing (Peekskill, NY) - Cosmetology Programs, Barbering Programs

North Carolina Cosmetology Schools
Miller-Motte Technical College - Wilmington, NC - Cosmetology Program

Ohio Cosmetology Schools
Miami-Jacobs Career College (Ohio Locations: Dayton, Springboro, Troy, OH)

Pennsylvania Cosmetology Schools
Tri-State Business Institute (Erie PA) Cosmetology Operator, Cosmetology Education and Salon Management
Penn Commercial Business & Technical School (Washington PA) - Cosmetology

Texas Cosmetology Schools
Milan Institute of Cosmetology - Amarillo (Amarillo, TX 79103) - Cosmetologist/Operator, Instructor, Manicurist
Amarillo College of Beauty - Amarillo, TX - Located in Amarillo, Texas offering Cosmetology and Barbering curricula.
Texas Beauty College - Crosscreek - Located in Crosscreek, Texas offering Cosmetology and Barbering curricula.
Texas Beauty College - NW Loop - Located in San Antonio, Texas offering Cosmetology and Barbering curricula.

Washington Cosmetology Schools
Everett Beauty Academy - Everett - Located in Everett, Washington, offering Cosmetology and Barbering curricula.
Milan Institute of Cosmetology - Everett (Everett, WA 98208) - Cosmetologist/Operator, Instructor, Manicurist, Esthetician