Cosmetology is an overarching term that covers a variety of hairdressing services. If you receive a cosmetology license, you are able to perform services such as perms, colors, haircuts, straightening and styling. Cosmetology programs do not usually offer extensive training in barbering and clipper cutting, but focus more on basic cutting, coloring and perming techniques. Cosmetology courses that lead to licensure are offered in beauty schools and require a certain number of hours, usually between 1,200 to 2,500, depending on the state. It is necessary to pass a test that is governed by the state board of cosmetology after hourly requirements have been met. Information found at the Beauty Schools Directory website places costs for cosmetology programs between $6,500 and $15,000 as of 2010, depending on the beauty school, location and other factors.
Barber cutting is somewhat different than hairstyling. Barbers work with clippers, trimmers, long scissors, thinning and notching shears and straight razors. Barbers spend significantly more time learning men's hair cutting techniques, such as fades, razor cutting or taping, than traditional cosmetology programs teach. Barbers also learn to shave and about skin care techniques for men. Barber schools are often located within cosmetology instruction programs and have the same hourly, testing and license requirements. According to beautyschooldirectory.com, program costs range from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the school and curriculum.
Runway hair design involves styling hair for hair shows and is performed all across the world within the beauty industry. To excel within this specific area of the hairdressing field, you must hone your skills in areas such as avante garde hairstyling, braiding, weaving and fantasy styling. Hairdressing courses for runway design styling techniques are often offered by salons and hair shows for prices ranging from $100 to thousands of dollars. Competitions for runway design can be found online, in salon magazines or in flyers distributed to those in the cosmetology profession. Entering competitions as a salon team, individual stylist or student is generally how you get started in a career as a runway designer.
Learning color is a part of most basic cosmetology programs and you must have a cosmetology license to color hair; however, becoming a master colorist may require additional coursework on a continuous basis. Master colorists stay abreast of the most up-to-date coloring and highlighting techniques in their field. Courses for those who wish to become master colorists are offered through various organizations including The American Board of Certified Haircolorists, hair shows and some salons. Becoming a board certified hair colorist requires taking several courses and an examination that declares you an expert colorist. Hair colorist courses, exams and shows can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the length, time and depth of the instruction.
Becoming a cosmetology or barber school teacher is another option for those interested in beauty careers. Hairdressing courses that include licensure in cosmetology or barbering are first necessary before becoming a cosmetology instructor. After these initial requirements have been met, additional courses in teacher certification are helpful for gaining knowledge about teaching processes such as lesson planning, grading and classroom management. Classes for instructor certification require an internship of approximately 130 hours along with additional class work. Technical schools and beauty schools often offer these programs, and prices vary by program and school.