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Overview of Cosmetology and Barbering Programs
Cosmetology programs teach the professional skill of beautifying hair, skin, or the face. Prospective students get to choose a specialty. Some cosmetologists go on to successful careers in barbering, while others may focus on nail care and become manicurists.
Cosmetology Requirements
All jobs in the industry require employees to have a license. Candidates become eligible after graduating from an accredited school. For nail and skin care, completing a degree does not qualify people to practice. Hopefuls also need to pass practical and written state examinations throughout most of the US.
Cosmetology Program Career Outlook
Since most services offered by cosmetologists are an affordable luxury, the demand remains steady. Most barbers, hairdressers, and manicurists make an average of $12 an hour. Of course, experience and tips can affect hourly wages. Estheticians can earn pay rates closer to $14 as entry-level employees.
Common Tasks
Based on which classes a person decides to take, their daily lives as professionals will look different. However, regardless of job title, cosmetologists have to follow certain sanitation standards, like cleaning equipment and stations between uses, as well as at the end of the day.
In addition, barbers and hairstylists traditionally cut, style, and color hair. They may also groom beards and wigs, depending on the where they work and what they’re trained to do. Manicurists and pedicurists clean, trim, file, and paint nails. They also provide massages, as well as exfoliating and moisturizing treatments.
Finally, skin care specialists might remove unwanted hair, apply makeup, and recommend skincare regimens, including the use of certain products. Facials, full-body treatments, and head and neck massages also often fall under the duty of estheticians.
Trade Schools with Cosmetology and Barbering Programs
- Northwest Educational Center
- Pinellas Technical College
- Paul Mitchell Schools
- Monterey Bay Institute of Electrology
- Moler Barber College
- Milan Institute
- Lawrence & Company, College of Cosmetology
- Dawn Career Institute
- California Hair Design Academy
- Houston Community College
- Wharton County Junior College
- Blake Austin College
- Cortiva Institute
- Delta Technical College
- Dorsey Schools
- Empire Beauty Schools
- Florida Career College
- Miller-Motte College
- Southern Careers Institute
- Porter and Chester Institute
- Institute of Technology
- IntelliTec Colleges
- Lincoln Tech
- Midwest Technical Institute
- Remington College
- Universal Technical Institute
- Vista College