Choose a cosmetology school. Some community colleges offers classes in cosmetology. Other cosmetology schools offer their own classes. You can even take cosmetology classes online.
Pick your class schedule. Depending on the school, you can often take cosmetology classes all day during the week, mornings and Saturday or evenings and Saturday. The last two options work well for those who already have a part-time job.
Take your theoretical classes. Within this time, your classes cover such topics as the introduction to cosmetology, beginning hair cutting, shaping and tinting. You can also expect to take classes in anatomy. Business classes are usually a part of the training at this phase as well.
Begin to do some hands-on work in the first phase of the practical training. You can cut hair, color it and do perms during this period of time, when you are under the close supervision of your teacher. Your theoretical classes continue during this time.
Do more work on your own during the final phase of cosmetology classes. At this point, your teacher must still check your work, but you will be doing your own styling. During this time, your class work focuses on preparing for your state licensing test.