Almost every woman who has hair has probably at one time or another visited a cosmetologist, also known as a beautician. A beauty specialist would be another name gives hair treatments, skin and nail treatments as well as facials. In other words, the job of the cosmetologist is to give beauty!
Some beauticians will only specialize in hair, nails or skin and a cosmetologist can specialize in more than one of those three and can be also labeled a manicurist, esthetician, hair stylist, shampooer or electrologist.
A cosmetologist is required to be licensed in all states, although the qualifications will vary. In order to get licensed, you must be at least sixteen years old and you must have graduated from a state licensed cosmetology school. Some states only require a high school diploma whereas some states only require up to an eigth grade education. You may also be required to pass a physical exam depending on where you live.
Attending cosmetology school to get your degree will require a full time student anywhere from nine to twenty four months to complete. However, training from pedicurists, manicurists, electrologists and skin care specialists will require less time.
Students will study shaving hair, cutting hair, giving scalp and hair treatments, give facial massages and get hands on experience on customers with in school clinics.
Lectures will also be attended and you'll be trained on the care and use of instruments, sanitation, chemistry, hygiene, physiology, anatomy, hairstyling and being able to recognize simple skin ailments. Business practices such as sales and proper communication is also taught.
Once you graduate cosmetology school, you will take a state license exam which is a written test and also a practical test of styling skills. This is based on performance criteria. Some states will also include an oral exam where the graduate has to explain the procedures while taking the practical test.
If you like style and you like the feminine feel of manicures, hair styling, pedicures and such, then consider becoming a cosmetologist and getting your cosmetology degree from an accredited school or university in your area. There are several schools to choose from Get started on a fresh career today and become the cosmetologist in the field you always wanted to be in!
