Cosmetologist

Cosmetology is the study of different areas of beauty, from hairstyles to cosmetics, nail care to skin care. Cosmetologists, or beauticians, study trends in the beauty industry by examining entertainment and fashion industries. They enjoy helping people look their best. A beautician has excellent interviewing skills as well as an innate sense of style. A successful cosmetologist must be able to determine what a customer is looking for and then help translate that wish into a 'look' that is flattering to the customer. There are many areas of specialty within the cosmetology arena, although a cosmetologist is generally expected to be able to provide services in all of the following areas of personal service: hair, makeup, nails and skin care.

As a hairstylist, a beautician is expected to perform a variety of haircut styles. They must be able to apply hair dyes, chemical relaxers and permanent wave chemicals. A cosmetologist may be asked to chemically straighten one client's hair and then give a permanent wave to the next. They are also expected to provide advice concerning hair problems. A cosmetologist may be expected to give a spectacular hairstyle to a bride on her wedding day, or attend a beauty pageant with a contestant to help prepare her hairstyles for competition.

As a nail technician, a beautician is expected to give manicures and pedicures. Both usually include softening the skin, removing calluses and then trimming the nails. They should also be able to offer a customer the latest innovations available in nail polish styles and techniques.

With skin care, a beautician should be able to do facials, which involve properly cleaning the skin, removing blemishes such as pimples and blackheads, and then administering proper moisturizer. Advising clients about skin care is a very important part of a cosmetologist's job, as proper skin care greatly impacts an individual's appearance, self-confidence and demeanor.

In the area of skin care, a cosmetologist will also learn proper makeup application and techniques. This is perfect for someone interested in working in the entertainment area as a makeup artist or someone interested in working in the makeup industry. In a beauty salon setting, a cosmetologist may be asked to apply makeup for someone on their wedding day or for someone about to be photographed for a special occasion.

How to Achieve a Career as a Beautician

Someone interested in becoming a beautician must attend a beauty school for training and be licensed as a cosmetologist in the state in which they plan to practice. A beauty school candidate may want to locate an accredited beauty school as their first step towards becoming a cosmetologist. A typical cosmetology program will take 9-15 months to complete.

Accreditation

Accreditation of schools of cosmetology arts and sciences is performed by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Science (NACCAS), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. In order to become an accredited beauty school, the school is held to certain standards such as admission policies, education offered, qualifications of instructors as well as the curriculum.

Pursuing a Career in Cosmetology

Most cosmetology schools require that the individual have a high school diploma or equivalent. There are no entrance exam requirements: This is a profession that may be pursued by anyone dedicated to providing optimal personal care service to other people.

Course of Study

Lectures, textbook study, and hands on salon work are all part of obtaining the proper training in cosmetology. Some of the courses that an individual may expect to take during beauty school include hair cutting techniques, mixing chemicals for hair dye, and applying foils to achieve a particular look. Cosmetology students may even take some business classes, as many beauticians are independent contractors basically running their own business.

A great deal of time is spent working on mannequins as well as real people. Many beauty schools offer reduced-pricing for locals who come to the beauty college so the students can practice their new skills on the public. This real world experience will enable a beautician to enter the workplace with confidence upon graduation.

Cosmetologist Licensing Requirements

Each state requires cosmetologists to be licensed. Since cosmetologists must work in a very clean environment, part of their training required includes sanitation. Most states require at least 1600 hours of actual training before someone is able to obtain a license as a cosmetologist, although this varies from state to state. After training, most cosmetologists must sit for a licensing examination in order to complete the qualifications for a cosmetology license.

Obtaining additional education in the form of seminars and continuing education courses enable a cosmetologist to remain informed and current on the latest trends in the industry. This will enable the cosmetologist to provide the best care and advice to clients.