HOW IS BEAUTY SCHOOL LIKE A FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE?
Beauty school is designed for specific areas of study: hair and body services. A four-year college curriculum often includes general studies as well as major concentrations. If you want to cut hair, though, you don’t necessarily need a class in philosophy or art appreciation. Nor would Biology 101 help you decide the best hair color shade for Mrs. Jones. Beauty school is focused on teaching you the skill set you need to perform hair and body services. You get all the education you need, but don’t pay for college-type courses you don’t need.
Bear in mind that each state requires certifications. You must pass an exam to be licensed as a cosmetologist. Beauty school prepares you to tackle the required testing and pass with flying colors.
Also, instead of attending school for four years and then often not finding a job in one’s field, beauty school typically takes about a year, costs far less and beauty professionals are always in demand.
IS A FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE HARDER THAN BEAUTY SCHOOL?
When you attend a four-year college, you typically study both general studies and a focused major curriculum. In beauty school, we focus only on the skill set you need to become a licensed cosmetologist, specializing in hair and body services. College is probably harder than beauty school because, in a four-year college, you need to study subjects completely unrelated to your field of interest. Also you are earning a cosmetology license as opposed to a college degree and that license qualifies you for fun and rewarding positions.
AM I TOO OLD TO CHANGE MY CAREER AND ATTEND COSMETOLOGY SCHOOL?
With many baby boomers working beyond traditional retirement age and people switching careers more than ever before, is anyone too old to make a change that could make them happy?
A better question might be: is it ever too late to attend cosmetology school? If you’ve always dreamed of cutting, coloring or styling hair, we can get you started. If you’ve decided you need a flexible schedule in a creative field, cosmetology is a great choice. You can complete a cosmetology program and get your license in about a year. Also, most programs are hands-on so you get an immediate feel for exactly what you’ll be doing on a daily basis.
HOW SHOULD I CHOOSE A BEAUTY SCHOOL?
Once you know what you are most passionate about, you’ll be able to decide what you want to learn in beauty school. Different curricula involve different class offerings, areas of expertise and core beauty courses. Do you see yourself as a salon owner? An expert hair colorist? Maybe a bridal stylist? Make sure the school’s courses will prepare you for the future you envision.
Beauty school location might also be very important to you. If you plan to live at home while attending school, you’ll want to look only within a reasonable geographical area. Finally, how do you plan to pay for beauty school? If you’ve been saving since you were six, great. In any case, look for an accredited school because that’s the only type that offers financial aid.
WHAT MAKES FOR A TOP COSMETOLOGY SCHOOL?
A top beauty school can provide you with the proper guidance, support and technical skills you need to achieve immediate success in your beauty career. Look for these factors in a top cosmetology school:
- Course Curriculum – The cosmetology school that’s best for you will offer what you want to learn. That might mean hair coloring, hair cutting and hair styling. Make sure these courses are offered at the cosmetology schools you’re considering. If hair cutting or salon work is your goal, pick a school that focuses on hair.
- Practical Business Skills – If your dream job will provide flexibility and creativity, you might not be as interested in owning a salon. However, you’ll need to have some business skills to be successful in any beauty career. A top cosmetology school will offer at least a few courses on practical business training. Look for these as part of the curriculum.
- Exam Preparation – Be sure that the cosmetology school program you choose is designed to help you pass the exam required to get your cosmetology license.
- Industry Involvement – Who are the instructors and are they still active in their field? Does the school compete in national hair competitions? Top cosmetology schools will employ instructors who are leaders in the industry. They will share valuable tips and tricks to help you be the best cosmetologist you can be.
- Hands-On Student Salon – This might be the most important factor that distinguishes a top cosmetology school. You want to be certain that you can practice what you learn on clients in a real salon setting. Plastic dummies are great, but they don’t move, speak or complain the way a real person will. A salon environment is the best preparation for the real thing.
DO I NEED TO VISIT THE COSMETOLOGY SCHOOL BEFORE DECIDING?
You don’t have to visit, but it’s a good idea. You want to attend a school where you’ll feel comfortable—with the staff, educators and your fellow students. A visit can give you a good feel for the school and whether you’ll be happy there. You’ll also be able to check out the area and what you can do when you’re not in class, such as grabbing a bite with friends.
Cosmetology school requires a commitment, so commit a few hours to visit the school where you could be spending a year or more pursuing your dream.
This article courtesy of The Hair Design School, a great informational website for cosmetology students.
American Academy of Cosmetology is an accredited school located in beautiful Orange Park, FL. We offer Cosmetology, Barbering, Nail Specialist, Skin Specialist, and Full Specialist classes. Call 904-213-1444 for more information today!
