The Complete Guide To Becoming a Cosmetologist

Apr 28, 2021

How does someone become a cosmetologist? Here are the requirements you need to know and instructions on how you can jump-start your career.

Cosmetology is a fantastic career option for people who have a passion for the beauty industry and want to express their creativity professionally. Since cosmetology traditionally includes makeup, hair care, and skin care, it is a comprehensive trade that can give someone a well-rounded skillset. Cosmetologists often end up owning a salon or spa, working behind the scenes for television or the fashion industry. Despite all this, the path to becoming a cosmetologist may seem confusing or unclear at first. This guide will help you navigate the process and lists the requirements needed to receive a cosmetology license.

Find an Accredited Cosmetology School

First off, in order to become a full-fledged beauty professional, it is expected of you to have completed a cosmetology training course. With a quick internet search, a potential new student can be flooded with choices. Which school is the right one to attend?

Most states have accredited cosmetology colleges that can get you the training you need, even with some financial assistance. Most importantly, it is always recommended to double-check that an institution you are interested in is accredited. Accreditation means that a beauty school or training program has proven a standard of quality in teaching and curriculum. This also ensures that the program meets the training and hour requirements for the eligibility to apply for a state license.

Although it might be common sense, you should always research the course framework and timeframes that work best for you. In order to allow students to have more flexibility in their schedules, cosmetology schools usually offer part-time and full-time schedules, along with rolling course start dates throughout the year.

For example, PJ’s College of Cosmetology in Indiana and Kentucky offers a cosmetology course with 1,500 hours of training, classroom theory, and hands-on experience. This course gives you the required hours to apply for a state cosmetology license in Indiana and Kentucky while giving you quality instruction.

Make Sure You Meet Entry Requirements

Overall, cosmetology schools are inclusive institutions that are there to help you find success in the professional world—all ages and backgrounds are accepted and highly encouraged to apply (with some basic prerequisites).

As with most educational programs, you will need to meet a general age and education requirement. Schools usually require you to be at least 16 to 18 years of age, depending on the college. It's also important to note that State Boards of Cosmetology do have an age requirement for licensure, even if a cosmetology program does not. For Indiana, the application for a license has an age requirement of 18 years.

Beyond age, programs generally require a high school diploma or an equivalent, such as a General Educational Development (GED) fulfillment. Additionally, to formally enroll in cosmetology school, you will need to fill out some essential application forms and present official identification. At this stage, programs will also ask you to write a short essay, often describing your interest in the program.

Speak to an Enrollment Advisor

Once you have graduated high school and are certain you have met the required criteria, it is vital that you speak to an enrollment advisor directly at the school you are hoping to attend. Generally, enrollment advisors are necessary to contact, as they will make sure you are formally enrolled. As well, they are there to answer any of your questions and make the process as smooth and easy as possible.

At PJ’s College of Cosmetology, enrollment advisors are standing by to help you through the enrollment process. If you have any questions on how to complete an accredited cosmetology course, simply fill out an information request or call 800-62-SALON (72566). Once you have been connected with an advisor, he or she will stay in touch to guide you through the entire process and even assist you during your time at school.

Attend Classes, Develop Your Specialty, and Graduate

Once you're in school, it is not enough to just be physically present. Although attendance and training hours are required to graduate, it is just as important that new students fully apply themselves. Your time in school is an exciting and fun time where you will discover your talents, find your specialty, and learn about all the advancements in hair, makeup, and skin care. This is the time to dive into your passions and become an expert in the beauty field that you love. Once you graduate, the career and job opportunities will be there, waiting to see all that you have accomplished.

Gain Your License

Licensure is an important step in becoming a fully recognized cosmetologist. This can vary between states but generally involves a state examination board (State Board of Cosmetology) that tests the applicants on both written and technical skills. There is a fee to take the exam. It is generally only available to those who completed a training program with an accredited institution and fulfilled the required hours. For Indiana, 1,500 hours are required, and Kentucky has similar requirements.

During your time at school, enrollment advisors and instructors will be there to help guide you and prepare you for this important step.

Join an Apprenticeship and Find Your Niche

Although cosmetology school will give you all the necessary skills you need to hit the job market, there will also be a time of reflection and opportunity searching after you complete your training course. For many aspiring cosmetologists, it is extremely helpful to enter an apprenticeship at an established salon. This step can help fill you in on some of the day-to-day procedures of owning a business in your specific area.

Whether you decide to do an apprenticeship or not, there will be people seeking your services. At this stage, you can decide what type of cosmetologist you want to be—if you want to work in a salon or spa, in the entertainment industry, or even if you want to go into cosmetology instruction.

Keep Building Your Client Base and Skill Set

Once you have found a job at a salon you like or have built the groundwork for your business, there is still a lot of growing to do. At this moment, you have given yourself the foundation for success. You have attended cosmetology school, graduated, discovered your specialty, and chosen the career path that works for you. No matter which niche you have decided to go into—you must maintain and build your client base and repertoire of skills.

Some helpful tips—prompt your customers to plan for their next visit after they have completed an appointment. It is also a good idea to ask for referrals or make a type of referral system. This can make all the difference in your business and can ensure that you are not only receiving fulfillment in your job but are financially successful too.

If you are interested in starting your career in cosmetology, PJ’s College of Cosmetology can help. Call us at 800-62-SALON (72566) or request information at gotopjs.com.

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Making a Job Switch

27 Sep, 2021

Whether you’ve been fired or are simply looking to take your career to the next level, switching jobs in the beauty and wellness industry takes strategy and planning. You can have a job or you can build a career; the choice is yours. If you find yourself job hopping frequently, either by choice or by circumstance, it’s going to be more difficult to establish yourself. A job switch is something to be taken seriously as the consequences of your move, both good and bad, can reverberate for months and even years. Before you make a job switch, think through these 5 things. YOU WILL LOSE BUSINESS We know it feels like everyone will follow you if you do leave, but not everyone does. Some won’t like the drive, the new salon, spa, or shop décor, or even your new team members. Some clients may even be looking for an excuse to try someone new. MULTIPLE MOVES RAISE A RED FLAG TO FUTURE EMPLOYERS Salon, spa, and shop owners look at your track record and if they see you’ve moved multiple times over the past 1-3 years, they are going to be less enthusiastic about hiring an “at risk” team member. YOU MAY BE THE PROBLEM If you have moved several times and are still not happy, then it’s time to do a checkup from the neck up. The only common denominator in your career choices is you. It’s time to stop and think about what it is you really want, write it down, and go find it. WHEN IT ISN’T WORKING, TALK IT OUT Let’s face it: there are going to be times when you just are not “feeling it,” and the love and newness has worn off. When you get to that point, reflect on what you are feeling and ask yourself, “Is it true and is it real?” If it is, then the only way to work through it is to go to the source and talk it out. If you don’t, it will fester and get worse. RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE WHAT IS WORKING Look around and appreciate the perks, joys, esthetics, flexibility, team, training, or whatever else is really great about where you work. Sometimes just shifting your thoughts can create a new perspective. Moving on After Being Fired What if your job switch is based not on choice but on circumstance and you have been fired? Being fired is extremely stressful, no matter the reason. You can find yourself struggling with all types of emotions ranging from embarrassment, anger, fear, and even depression. If you’re in this sticky situation, follow these steps to turn this potential negative into a positive. LOOK TO YOUR FUTURE It can be difficult getting past the “being fired” part, but you must move on! You have two choices: you can live in a negative space and dwell on the past or you can decide to look to your future and learn from this experience. TAKE OWNERSHIP This can be as painful as being fired itself. Spend some time taking a personal inventory of the reasons why you were dismissed. Don’t play the “blame game” and point fingers at others. Take full responsibility and turn this negative experience into a positive learning opportunity for your future. Reach out to mentors or enroll in outside education to help you grow in any areas that are keeping you from the success you are destined to achieve. MOVE FORWARD It’s time to freshen up your resume and cover letters. Be certain to point out your successes and your strengths. There is no reason to mention your dismissal at this time. INTERVIEWING During your interview for a potential new position, be prepared to answer those questions you fear the most like, “Why did you leave your last job?” Honesty is the best policy, but there’s no need to get into a long drawn out conversation about it; keep it brief. Share what you have learned and how you have made a personal commitment to learn and grow from this experience. If you have enrolled in outside education and/or have mentorship in this area be sure to share this information during your interview. For other interview tips, check out this guide. Being fired from a job can shake a person to their core. It ranks in the top of life’s most stressful situations, but if you take the initiative by enrolling in classes and reaching out to mentors to move past any barriers, you can turn things around. Job switches can happen at any time for a multitude of reasons. It’s up to you to be proactive and always go towards what you want. When you need to make big changes, make sure to do your research and make sure the changes are in the direction of your dreams. If you are interested in starting your career in cosmetology, PJ’s College of Cosmetology can help. Call us at 800-62-SALON (72566) or request information at gotopjs.com.

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