Beauty schools are educational institutions that focus on teaching a branch of fashion and cosmetics. Upon enrolling, students are able to apply for courses such as hairdressing and cosmetology, salon management, waxing, aesthetics—it really depends on the school. The whole plan is usually designed to finish in fifteen months, but will take almost two years for those who are attending night classes.

Most of these Beauty schools are private institutions owned by popular hairdressers, cosmetic experts and artists such as Paul Mitchell, Brown Aveda and Jessica Vartoughian. Despite being independent institutions, standard education and accreditation are followed.

Who is qualified to enter?

You have to be at least sixteen years of age to take all courses. The only exceptions are the Spa and Massage Therapy classes, wherein you will have to be at least eighteen to enroll.

Beauty schools follow standard instruction and graduation policies. American students seeking application should be a high school graduate, or should have completed the General Equivalency Diploma (GED), or Ability to Benefit Test (ATB). These must be approved by the US Department of Education.

An international student has to provide a documentation or an approved affidavit of similar documents stated above.

What are the Program Outlines?

There are different outlines for the course a student decide to take. Below are a list of courses you can take for Cosmetics.

Barber

Hair care is one of the most popular courses taken on Beauty Schools. The syllabus tackles anatomy and physiology, hair analysis, chemistry to shape, style and restructure hair, as well as professionalism. Upon completion, students take the state of Florida’s Barber board examination.

Cosmetology

Similar to barber studies, one of the only distinguishing feature of Cosmetology is its focus on beautification. While barber’s focus on hair cuts for men, and works on perfecting things like Fades and flat tops, hairdressing is an art associated with chemical waving, relaxing, straightening, coloring to style and shape hair. Cosmetologists take the same licensure exams as barbers.

Nail Technician

This field of study focuses not only on manicures, pedicures, and designing procedures such as nail extensions, wrapping / mending and fill-ins, it also includes the study of nail care, bacteriology, sanitation and sterilization of the hands. Students also get to practice a new style of nail styling called ‘Air Brushing’.

Waxing

Waxing is a hair-removal treatment offered in many skin care facilities. The course includes a primer on skin anatomy, skin disorders, and skin diseases.

Aesthetics / Therapy / Spa / Massage

The study of aesthetics emphasizes the importance of human touch as a way of revitalization. The curriculum outlines anatomy and physiology, chemistry, facial and body procedures, and make-up techniques. This course also practices the art of massaging and spa treatments. Practicing of this profession requires the New York State license in Esthetic arts and Science.

Salon Management

Taking into consideration the need for skin care consultants and managing specialists, this study covers the skills needed for employment, law, anatomy, basic treatment and psychology.

How do you earn after graduating?

Students may find it hard to build their clientele after graduating. However, some may find it easy if the salon is within a high traffic area. Otherwise, a steady income usually comes in about two years of practice.

The pay however, depends on the management. There are establishments that allow practitioners to rent a chair (booth rent), while others earn via commissions. Others still are paid by the hour. However, there are only a few people who provide outright insurance, so professionals often save money as they go.