Cosmetology is a study that dates back to no one-really-knows-when. The ancient Egyptians beautified themselves, so did the ancient Romans, Greeks…you name it and it's been applied by every civilization in one form or the other.
Today, cosmetology occupies a very comfortable position among industries with analysts estimating that job growth will continue to increase in 2014. If this is true, then trends too will continue to change and cosmetology schools will continue to see a steady stream of admissions.
There are many, many cosmetology schools some very small and not altogether reputable. As a student, it's easy to get confused and inadvertently pick the wrong school. This is a waste of money and valuable time and may even hinder your efforts to get employment.
Accreditation is all-important
Accreditation to a federal regulatory body is a must as even though cosmetology is not a part of medical science, it still deals with customers and parts of the body (though aesthetically) and health. A regulatory organization can, therefore, ensure schools follow high standards and students are thoroughly trained.
Seek recommendations from trusted sources
The best way to seek an unbiased opinion of schools is to speak with people you know who work in the beauty industry. They in turn have friends who're able to keep them up-to-date on the latest news. Large, reputable institutions are undoubtedly among the best places to receive training but in case you can't afford the fees or there are none in your area and you can't go out of state, be content with what's offered there. As long as the school has excellent instructors and follows strict safety and quality standards, there's nothing much to worry about. Success ultimately depends on you.
Schedule a school tour
If you're planning to enroll yourself in an online school then skip this step. Rather, conduct plenty of research by visiting forums, finding out the success rate and popularity of the school and visiting the websites of accrediting bodies for a list of reliable schools.
However, if you plan to register with a school in your area, schedule a visit. Take a tour of the classroom, the campus, evaluate the location of the school (is it in a run-down, crime-ridden neighborhood or a safe, reputable locality?), watch a class in progress, check out the equipment and speak with the instructors. A first-hand look is the only way to know whether a school is really what it says it is so don't skip this step under any circumstance.
While at the school, enquire whether they help prepare you for state exams, whether placement will be given come graduation or whether they at least point you in the direction of vacant job positions. Any help is welcome in today's economy so this point should not be skipped.
Evaluate the fees
Budgetary concerns will dictate what school you can apply to. If money's tight, you'll have to come up with a way to pay the fees without going broke. Maybe you can intern at a salon or work after classes. Or maybe there's a loan you can take. Whichever way you go about it, try to get the advice of a financial aid counselor.
There is scope for huge growth in cosmetology and now's the time to consider a career in it. Take it seriously, work to the bone and success will certainly follow.
Today, cosmetology occupies a very comfortable position among industries with analysts estimating that job growth will continue to increase in 2014. If this is true, then trends too will continue to change and cosmetology schools will continue to see a steady stream of admissions.
There are many, many cosmetology schools some very small and not altogether reputable. As a student, it's easy to get confused and inadvertently pick the wrong school. This is a waste of money and valuable time and may even hinder your efforts to get employment.
Accreditation is all-important
Accreditation to a federal regulatory body is a must as even though cosmetology is not a part of medical science, it still deals with customers and parts of the body (though aesthetically) and health. A regulatory organization can, therefore, ensure schools follow high standards and students are thoroughly trained.
Seek recommendations from trusted sources
The best way to seek an unbiased opinion of schools is to speak with people you know who work in the beauty industry. They in turn have friends who're able to keep them up-to-date on the latest news. Large, reputable institutions are undoubtedly among the best places to receive training but in case you can't afford the fees or there are none in your area and you can't go out of state, be content with what's offered there. As long as the school has excellent instructors and follows strict safety and quality standards, there's nothing much to worry about. Success ultimately depends on you.
Schedule a school tour
If you're planning to enroll yourself in an online school then skip this step. Rather, conduct plenty of research by visiting forums, finding out the success rate and popularity of the school and visiting the websites of accrediting bodies for a list of reliable schools.
However, if you plan to register with a school in your area, schedule a visit. Take a tour of the classroom, the campus, evaluate the location of the school (is it in a run-down, crime-ridden neighborhood or a safe, reputable locality?), watch a class in progress, check out the equipment and speak with the instructors. A first-hand look is the only way to know whether a school is really what it says it is so don't skip this step under any circumstance.
While at the school, enquire whether they help prepare you for state exams, whether placement will be given come graduation or whether they at least point you in the direction of vacant job positions. Any help is welcome in today's economy so this point should not be skipped.
Evaluate the fees
Budgetary concerns will dictate what school you can apply to. If money's tight, you'll have to come up with a way to pay the fees without going broke. Maybe you can intern at a salon or work after classes. Or maybe there's a loan you can take. Whichever way you go about it, try to get the advice of a financial aid counselor.
There is scope for huge growth in cosmetology and now's the time to consider a career in it. Take it seriously, work to the bone and success will certainly follow.