Talk to salon owners, hair professionals, manicurists and other cosmetology school graduates to learn about their careers. Decide if a career in cosmetology is right for you.
Look for cosmetology schools in your community by searching the phone book or online beauty school sources such as the "Beauty School Directory" website. Explore cosmetology programs in and around where you plan to work and live.
Visit several cosmetology schools and explore their programs, facilities and career placement services. Talk with other students and sit in on classes to make sure cosmetology school is right for you.
Narrow your list to those schools whose programs best fit your career goals. Check to see if each school fulfills all training necessary to obtain a state license to practice cosmetology. Ask if it is accredited by The National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences and if its program is recognized by the United States Department of Education.
Ask each school about tuition, financial aid and intern possibilities. Investigate whether the school offers training in spa services and different product lines. Review the experience of the instructors and choose the program that is best for you.
Call the cosmetology school you have chosen and begin their application process.