Welcome to Beauty School! Now, Make the Most of It.

No doubt you've chosen the beauty school path because you're a warm and outgoing person who values the unique combination of glamour, good health, and high self-esteem. Formal beauty education is an essential part of any aspiring cosmetologist's career plan, which brings you the credentials sought after by trendy salons and spas. Bear in mind, however, that like many other pursuits, cosmetology or beauty school can only help you insofar as you work diligently at it. In this rewarding yet demanding field, an education is both a prerequisite for employment and an opportunity to gain invaluable experience.

Nuts and Bolts of Beauty School Requirements

Before you begin the process of submitting applications to today's top beauty schools, you want to understand the unique requirements of this branch of education. Most schools require a high school diploma or GED. Simply completing a program of study does not guarantee you a job; on the contrary, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that all personal appearance workers--with the exception of barbers in some area and makeup artists--must be licensed in order to practice. Perhaps the most crucial point if you're considering beauty education is that educational demands are different for each state. Before enrolling in beauty school, it's a good idea to check out your state's cosmetology board Web site.

Beauty School Specialization Options

Another surefire way to get the most out of your beauty education is to decide early on which area of specialization you wish to pursue. Comprehensive beauty programs take the longest and cost the most, but also afford you with a broad range of skills and, thus, versatility. But you may elect to focus on one or two areas of expertise, such as those listed below.

Esthetics and skin care: the study of makeup, massages, waxing, facials, and reflexology
Electrolysis: permanent hair removal
Nail design: covering tips, forms, wraps, and gels
Hair training
Massage therapy
Permanent makeup training

If you wish to become salon or spa owner, you may also elect to supplement your education with business courses from another learning institute.

Cosmetology School + Practical Experience = Rewarding Combination

Because all facets of cosmetology are hands-on, you can make your beauty training courses a lot more meaningful by pairing them with real-world experience. Some students enter into cosmetology apprenticeships, while others elect to work part-time as shampooists or makeup artists, which don't require licensure but can still familiarize students with the workings of a salon. Most schools offer job placement services to their recent graduates, so be sure to see if your prospective beauty school provides this important opportunity to enhance your education.