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What does it take to become a cosmetologist?
I'm doing a blog for my class and I would like to get a little bit of more information on what it take to become a cosmetologist.
#cosmetology
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Julie’s Answer
Hi Freda,
The first step is to get into a cosmetology program either at a vocational high school or private cosmetology school post grad. If you’re doing a private program you have to either have a high school diploma or GED.
Each state has a different number of training hours, in Massachusetts it’s 1000 hours (about 6 months if you go full time) you must complete before you’re eligible to take the state board of cosmetology exam.
Once you’ve passed the exam, you’re ready to get a job in the field. Some salons expect you to assist established stylists before you start taking your own clients. Some will put you through a training program while you assist.
Assistant duties include, washing hair, cleaning and scheduling appointments for the salon. Assisting programs can vary from two weeks to two years.
If you’re not sure if you want to put the time in to become a stylist, I suggest you try getting a job as receptionist at a salon to feel out the job.
Try working as a receptionist at a salon to get a feel for the work.
Apply for a cosmetology program.
The first step is to get into a cosmetology program either at a vocational high school or private cosmetology school post grad. If you’re doing a private program you have to either have a high school diploma or GED.
Each state has a different number of training hours, in Massachusetts it’s 1000 hours (about 6 months if you go full time) you must complete before you’re eligible to take the state board of cosmetology exam.
Once you’ve passed the exam, you’re ready to get a job in the field. Some salons expect you to assist established stylists before you start taking your own clients. Some will put you through a training program while you assist.
Assistant duties include, washing hair, cleaning and scheduling appointments for the salon. Assisting programs can vary from two weeks to two years.
If you’re not sure if you want to put the time in to become a stylist, I suggest you try getting a job as receptionist at a salon to feel out the job.
Julie recommends the following next steps: