4 answers
Ranae
Student
Gallup, New Mexico
2
Questions
Asked
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how many years of college would you have to take if you want to go into cosmetology
I would like to know ow many years because this is something that I'm looking into doing after high school.
#career
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4 answers
Sandra Yip
Manager, Client Care
2
Answers
Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
Updated
Sandra’s Answer
Hi Ranae
I would say that would depend on the regulations for licensing in your state or province, so you'd want to check that out with the licensing board of whatever you want to specialize in. My daughter is a nail tech, here in Canada, and she took her training at a widely respected private training college and the course was 7 months.
One thing I'd suggest is setting up an "information interview" with someone who runs the type of place you'd like to work in, either because of the specialty or because of the quality of their work and reputation. Most people are open to this, especially since you want to work in the industry. They can help you with info around what schools are good, which you should avoid, what licensing you'll need, how to get a job, how much they pay (salary/hourly/commission), lots of great info. They have the experience and they've often either made the mistakes or learned from others that made mistakes. Go to the experts! :) That helped my daughter decide where to go and what types of salons she wanted to apply to when she graduated.
Good Luck!
I would say that would depend on the regulations for licensing in your state or province, so you'd want to check that out with the licensing board of whatever you want to specialize in. My daughter is a nail tech, here in Canada, and she took her training at a widely respected private training college and the course was 7 months.
One thing I'd suggest is setting up an "information interview" with someone who runs the type of place you'd like to work in, either because of the specialty or because of the quality of their work and reputation. Most people are open to this, especially since you want to work in the industry. They can help you with info around what schools are good, which you should avoid, what licensing you'll need, how to get a job, how much they pay (salary/hourly/commission), lots of great info. They have the experience and they've often either made the mistakes or learned from others that made mistakes. Go to the experts! :) That helped my daughter decide where to go and what types of salons she wanted to apply to when she graduated.
Good Luck!
Sheila Jordan
Lead Network Proj/Prog Manager
716
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Ranae:
Thank you for your question. I agree with Sandra's comments (she nailed it) and would like to provide some additional information for your consideration.
EDUCATION
A high school diploma or equivalent is required for some positions. In addition, every state requires that barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists complete a program in a state-licensed barber or cosmetology school. These programs are mainly found in post-secondary vocational schools and typically lead to a post-secondary nondegree award or certificate. Most of these workers take advanced courses in hairstyling or in other personal appearance services to keep up with the latest trends. Those who want to open their own business also may take courses in sales and marketing.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND REGISTRATIONS
Barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists must obtain a license in order to work. Qualifications for a license vary by state, but generally, a person must fulfill the following criteria:
• Reached a minimum age of 16
• Received a high school diploma or equivalent
• Graduated from a state-licensed barber or cosmetology school
After graduating from a state-approved training program, students take a state licensing exam that includes a written test and, in some cases, a practical test of styling skills or an oral exam.
In many states, cosmetology training may be credited toward a barbering license and vice versa, and a few states combine the two licenses. A fee usually is required to apply for a license, and continuing education units (CEUs) may be required with periodic license renewals.
Some states have reciprocity agreements that allow licensed barbers and cosmetologists to get a license in another state without needing additional formal training or state board testing, but such agreements are not common. Consequently, people who want to work in a particular state should review the laws of that state before entering a training program.
I wish you much success on your journey. Best of luck to you!
~ Sheila
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/barbers-hairstylists-and-cosmetologists.htm#tab-2
Thank you for your question. I agree with Sandra's comments (she nailed it) and would like to provide some additional information for your consideration.
EDUCATION
A high school diploma or equivalent is required for some positions. In addition, every state requires that barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists complete a program in a state-licensed barber or cosmetology school. These programs are mainly found in post-secondary vocational schools and typically lead to a post-secondary nondegree award or certificate. Most of these workers take advanced courses in hairstyling or in other personal appearance services to keep up with the latest trends. Those who want to open their own business also may take courses in sales and marketing.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND REGISTRATIONS
Barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists must obtain a license in order to work. Qualifications for a license vary by state, but generally, a person must fulfill the following criteria:
• Reached a minimum age of 16
• Received a high school diploma or equivalent
• Graduated from a state-licensed barber or cosmetology school
After graduating from a state-approved training program, students take a state licensing exam that includes a written test and, in some cases, a practical test of styling skills or an oral exam.
In many states, cosmetology training may be credited toward a barbering license and vice versa, and a few states combine the two licenses. A fee usually is required to apply for a license, and continuing education units (CEUs) may be required with periodic license renewals.
Some states have reciprocity agreements that allow licensed barbers and cosmetologists to get a license in another state without needing additional formal training or state board testing, but such agreements are not common. Consequently, people who want to work in a particular state should review the laws of that state before entering a training program.
I wish you much success on your journey. Best of luck to you!
~ Sheila
Sheila recommends the following next steps:
Ronald Covington
Solutions Specialist
6
Answers
Plano, Texas
Updated
Ronald’s Answer
Hello!
Cosmetology programs come in many forms, including a certificate, a diploma, or at most an associate's degree, which typically take two years of full-time coursework. Hands-on training is a commonly required in most of these programs to help you in your career path. Upon successful completion of a one of these programs, you should be prepared to take your state's cosmetology license exam. After you get your license, you can find work in a salon, spa or barber shop, or may even start your own business. I hope this helps.
Cosmetology programs come in many forms, including a certificate, a diploma, or at most an associate's degree, which typically take two years of full-time coursework. Hands-on training is a commonly required in most of these programs to help you in your career path. Upon successful completion of a one of these programs, you should be prepared to take your state's cosmetology license exam. After you get your license, you can find work in a salon, spa or barber shop, or may even start your own business. I hope this helps.
Sarah Cockrell, MBA, MSCM
Organizational Development (Learning & Development and HR Learning Technology)
11
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
Hi, there! Cosmetology does not require a college degree. There are a number of vocational schools (even for teens) and other beauty or cosmetology schools you can apply to. Most only require a certain number of hours of schooling and hands-on practice to complete. Most programs can be completed within a year or so.
I also agree with the feedback from the other two ladies here. Please look into schools in your area.
I also agree with the feedback from the other two ladies here. Please look into schools in your area.