Most states require cosmetology students to be at least 18 to enter cosmetology school; however, some states will take students as young as 16 years old. The majority of states also only accept those who have received a high school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) prior to entering the cosmetology program.
Cosmetology schools may cost as much as $10,000 in some metropolitan cities according to Beauty Schools Directory, and may be as low cost as $6,500 in more rural areas. Some schools have the option to take courses in programs that are more specific, such as nail technician or esthetician. These programs may cost half the price of the full school tuition. Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans and scholarships in most accredited cosmetology schools. Talk to the program director at your specific school for more information about the availability of a federal government loan or Stafford Loans or other financial aid.
Cosmetology schools are required to have one certified instructor available to teach students. Instructors are cosmetologists themselves who have worked in the field for six months or more and meet experience requirements for the position. Most cosmetology schools have instructors for each specific area such as waxing, manicuring, hair and facials. Some instructors might be more knowledgeable in basic theory while others are proficient in helping students gain experience in fieldwork.
Courses offered in cosmetology school include basic sanitation and hygiene, hair care, nails, waxing, facials and customer service. Most schools provide kits for their students that are part of the tuition and include tools they will need for their course. Students are given classroom basics for the first several hundred hours of their coursework, and then go out onto the floor to perform services for clients. They are not paid, but can accept tips during their practical service hours, and they gain experience in all aspects of the course they have chosen.
License testing is given by the State Board of Cosmetology in the state in which the students attended classes. If they wish to work out of state, they must take a test in that state. Testing in some states includes a practicum in which students must demonstrate their knowledge of basic cosmetology procedures such as perming, cutting and coloring on a model they provide. In addition, a written test is required that covers state law, sanitation practices and methods. In some states, only the written test is a necessity for licensure.