Obtaining a general cosmetology license in Tennessee requires a minimum of 1,500 hours of classroom and practical training and a passing score on the state exam. Beauty schools such as Carter's Cosmetology College (carterscosmo.com), Kingsport Academy of Hair Design (kingsportacademy.com) and Studio B (studiobcosmetologyschool.com), all located in Kingsport, offer this basic certification. Students learn beauty shop sanitation, sales, law, ethics, shampoo, color, styling, hair design, facials, curling and relaxing, makeup and manicure and pedicure.
An aesthetician focuses more on skin care than hair. They massage, clean or otherwise manipulate the skin with their hands or devices. Aestheticians must have at least 750 hours of classroom and practical experience and pass the specific state exam. Coursework includes focus on skin disorders, the effect of aging on the skin, nutrition, facials and makeup. Carter's, Kingsport Academy and Studio B all offer programs in aesthetics to prepare students for the state exam.
The shampoo technician position is a less involved program for those looking for an entry-level position in the cosmetology industry. Tennessee requires only 300 hours of training, both classroom and practical experience, as well as a written exam for the shampoo tech license. Kingsport Academy and Studio B in Kingsport both offer shampoo tech programs. Since they require fewer hours, these programs also cost considerably less than the general cosmetology degree, about one-fourth the price at these two schools.
Tennessee cosmetology schools must have a ratio of at least one instructor with certification for every junior instructor on staff. Carter's, Kingsport Academy and Studio B in Kingsport all offer instructor certification programs. The state requires at least 300 hours of instructor training plus a certification exam. These courses teach lesson preparation and delivery, teaching techniques, grading and assessment, classroom discipline, state law and product knowledge.