An associate's degree in cosmetology isthe most common path to becoming a cosmetologist, as noPh.D. level programs exist for cosmetology students.Degree programs prepare aspiring cosmetologists toenter the industry by providing foundational beautytraining.
No, it's not easy. It takes hard work anddedication. But if you're passionate about beauty and youknow that cosmetology is the business you want to be in,then it might come a little easier for you. So if you have any morequestions about going to cosmetology school, check us out atBeautySchoolsDirectory.com.
Part 1Getting the Training
- Helpful? Meet the basic age and educational requirements.
- Enroll in cosmetology school. Cosmetology students enroll instate licensing beauty schools, job skills beauty schools or degreegranting beauty schools.
- Complete cosmetology school.
- Consider specializing.
- Pass your licensing exam.
Many general cosmetologists perform skin and nailservices in addition to hair care. Their average wagenationwide was $12.72 per hour, or $26,460 a year, according to theBLS. Their annual wages ranged from $16,710 a year or less for thelowest-earning 10 percent to $41,490 a year or higher for the top10 percent.
The average cosmetologist earns $14.23 perhour, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in2016.
A cosmetology career puts your creativity to workin helping people look their best. If you're good with yourhands and enjoy pampering others, a cosmetology career maysuit you perfectly -- as long as you are also aware of thedisadvantages.
Cosmetology training programs are offered at thecertificate, diploma and associate's degree levels at beautyschools, community colleges and trade schools. Becausethey require a great deal of practice, in-person observation andinteractive learning, cosmetology degree programs arenot commonly offered online.
Hair stylists averaged $26,460 per year, or$12.72 per hour, as of May 2011, according to the Bureau of LaborStatistics. The lowest earners received less than a mean annual$16,710, while the highest paid earned more than $41,490yearly.
Cosmetologists earned average annual salaries of$41,490, according to the BLS. Their pay is usually based onexperience, geographical area and the size of their employers.Cosmetologists who work full time can usually expectto receive benefits that include paid time off and medicalinsurance.
The difference is that hair schools willtypically only offer hair design programs such ascutting, coloring and styling. Cosmetology and beautyschools will offer hair design courses in addition tocourses in esthetics and skincare, makeup and nail technician tomake a comprehensive program.
National Average
| Salary Range (Percentile) |
|---|
| 25th | 75th |
|---|
| Annual Salary | $20,500 | $30,000 |
| Monthly Salary | $1,708 | $2,500 |
| Weekly Salary | $394 | $577 |
Government Financial Aid
After completing a cosmetology school program,graduates must apply for their cosmetology license. Studentsenrolled in these schools can apply for Federal and StateFinancial Aid. Federal and state grant programs areoffered to eligible students.The first thing you should understand is thatthere's usually no need for you to have thefull balance available when you enter cosmetologyschool, because you're typically not requiredto pay for your program upfront.
Nail Technology School AverageCosts
According to the American Association of CosmetologySchools (AACS), nail tech training programscost $3,000 to $10,000. Many programs, however,average $1,000 to $5,000 (including tuition, fees,books, and supplies).In most cases you will learn all aspects ofcosmetology—skin, nails, makeup, etc. Mostcosmetology schools offer classes five days a week. As afull-time student, you'll be in class six to eight hours everyday.
Here are 5 career paths you can pursue after graduatingfrom cosmetology school!
- Performance Makeup Artist. Ever wonder how dancers and actorslook so vibrant and colorful even from afar?
- Esthetician.
- Nail Technician.
- Salon Owner.
- Beauty Writer & Vlogger.
- You Have Great Career Prospects After Cosmetology School.
Federal Financial Aid
Some beauty schools can take financialaid just like a four-year university, which is reallybeneficial for cosmetology students. You're eligible forgrants, loans and scholarships, too! These programs provide grants,loans, and work-study funds to students attendingcollege or career school.MAKEUP IN 10 MINUTES
A. C Artist in just 10 minutes.It always depends, but the answers mostly fit theseaverages: 15 minutes for those that don't wear makeup often,or only wear a little bit. 30 minutes to 1 hour for the majority ofwomen who wear daily makeup. 1 hour to 2 hours for those whoreally enjoy makeup or extra makeup applied forspecial occasions.
Always apply your foundation all overbefore applying concealer. Think about it…when you apply foundation first, it covers up a lot ofimperfections on its own, cutting down the amount of imperfectionsyou need to go back and spot conceal. First applyfoundation all over with a foundation brush orsponge.
On a film or modeling set, a makeup artist mayspend six to eight hours doing makeup for the day.For an individual client appointment, the time span may be anhour to three hours. If a makeup artist isworking for a bridal party, then he or she may spend theentire day working with clients.
Expect both hair and makeup respectively totake 30 to 45 minutes per bridesmaid (and mother of bride)and 60 to 90 minutes for the bride. Factor in even more time ifthere's only one photographer expected to document both partners'getting-ready moments. We know, it sounds like a long day,but it flies.
Makeup Schools and Programs
Because the field of makeup artistry is sodiverse, training takes many forms. Some community colleges offermakeup programs in cosmetology or aesthetics that have amakeup component. These programs can lead to anassociate's degree or a certificate in cosmetology with an emphasison makeup.According to the BLS, makeup artists working inthe United States earned a median annual salary of nearly$60,970 as of 2016. This means that 50 percent of makeupartists earned more and 50 earned less. The lowest 10 percentof earners made less than $22,630 annually while the top 10 percentmade more than $124,960.
The basic course in makeup takes youthrough the fundamentals of makeup skills and provideselementary training in professional makeup like partymakeup, corporate makeup, and makeup forspecial occasions. This is a quick one month makeup coursethat gives you the platform to become a professional makeupartist.
What is a course in makeup artist?Makeup art is a type of creative process used to visuallyenhance the beauty of the human form. Typically, makeup isused on a person's facial features, but makeup artistry canextend to full-body transformations.
Certificate in Cosmetology: Course Highlights
| Course Level | Under Graduate |
|---|
| Average Course Fee | INR 4,000 – INR 20,000 |
| Average Salary | INR 96,000 – INR 3 Lacs |
| Recruiting Areas | Beauty Parlors, Spas, Salons and Hotels and Resorts |
| Job Profiles | Makeup specialist, Hair Expert, Nail care specialist, Skincarespecialist, Freelancer, etc. |
Makeup artists must have at least a highschool diploma or GED, and most have also taken collegecourses or earned a certificate in cosmetology. It is alsopossible to learn makeup skills on the job. Some jobsrequire you to be licensed, however, and licensingrequirements vary from state to state.
To earn a facial specialist registration so as tobecome a makeup artist in Florida, you must complete askincare (esthetics) program through a Board-approved school ofcosmetology that consists of at least 260 practice/educationhours.