cosmetology
by: triniti washington
education
"Cosmetologists must successfully graduate from an accredited cosmetology training program. Cosmetology education includes coursework and practical training under the supervision of licensed cosmetology instructors. Each state requires a minimum number of hours of training, which usually takes about nine months of full-time studies to complete. Many high schools, public vocational schools and community colleges offer accredited cosmetology education programs. Students then must pass an exam administered by the training program in order to prepare for the state board’s licensing exam."
Licensing
"Each state’s Board of Cosmetology requires submitting an application and passing practical and written exams to obtain a license to practice professionally. Submitting an application requires paying a fee. Some states require different exams to be licensed as a barber, hair dresser, manicurist, pedicurist or skin care specialist. Licenses also must be renewed after a specific time frame"
careers and salaries
"After completion of a state-approved educational program and obtaining a license, a variety of careers in cosmetology are available. The need for barbers, hair dressers, manicurists, pedicurists and skin care specialists are expected to increase by more than 15 percent between 2010 and 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS. Cosmetologists earned an average salary of $26,460 per year in 2011, according to the BLS."
pros and cons about working as a cosmetologist
Pro:
Personal Interaction
“This career requires interaction with clients and colleagues of different ages and backgrounds, giving cosmetologists an opportunity to build positive relationships. Interaction with colleagues may lead to invitations to participate in social activities, creating additional opportunities to form bonds with others.”
Con:
Physical Demands
“Cosmetologists spend most of their time on their feet, which can lead to pain in the feet, legs and lower back. They also work with chemicals and dyes that can irritate the skin and eye
Pro:
Job Satisfaction
“A cosmetology professional has the opportunity to help people feel good about themselves, making this job personally satisfying. Despite the low wages reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, hairdressers ranked number 44 on the "U.S. News & World Report" list of best jobs for 2012. The publication assigned cosmetologists a job satisfaction rating of "medium" when compiling the list