What Are the Requirements To Attend Cosmetology School?

Admin • Jan 20, 2021

Are you ready to take the next step in becoming a professional makeup artist or hairstylist? As any young professional knows, it is nearly impossible to establish a career in cosmetology without completing an accredited training course. A cosmetology education will not only give you the skills and business savvy you need but also grants you the completed course hours to apply for a professional state license and get hired in your job field.

Applying to any college or trade school can often seem like a whirlwind of applications and unanswered questions. This guide will help you understand all the requirements for cosmetology college and lead you walking into your first cosmetology class.

The good news overall is that cosmetology courses do not typically have the long and time-consuming application processes that four-year universities do. As well, the requirements are generally more inclusive if one is willing to commit to the program.

Age and Education Requirements

One positive aspect of applying to cosmetology college is that there are relatively low barriers to who can enroll in a program and become a professional cosmetologist. All ages and backgrounds are accepted and highly encouraged to apply.

However, as in any institution, there is an age and education requirement to be able to enroll in a cosmetology program. Schools usually require you to be at least 16-18 years of age depending on the college. It's also important to note that the State Board of Cosmetology does 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.

Speak to an Enrollment Advisor

Once you complete your research and have decided which cosmetology program you want to attend, it is highly recommended that you contact the school directly to speak to an enrollment advisor. These people make it a priority to help you through the enrollment process and are there to answer any questions.

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, please contact us on our website or call 800-62-SALON (72566).

Check Deadlines and Class Schedules

As you are researching and talking to an enrollment advisor, it is imperative that you confirm the start dates, deadlines, and upcoming class schedule for the program you are interested in. One positive note is that cosmetology courses often take place on a rolling basis throughout the year, rather than only taking place once or twice a year as a four-year institution. The program will generally be around 1,000-2,000+ hours, but you can choose the time of year and if a part-time or full-time schedule will be best for you.

Application Process

The application process should be relatively easy and short for most cosmetology courses. Mostly this process is just verifying that you meet the requirements—filling out personal information, showing high school transcripts, diploma, or GED results, and verifying identification with a state-issued ID.

Some schools may require an interview or a short essay. However, cosmetology schools ultimately want you to enroll and find success with their program. Enrollment advisors are there to help you complete the process as quickly and easily as possible. The point is not to exclude or prevent people from attending, but to help everyone reach the requirements, so they have the tools to become the best cosmetologist they can be.

At PJ's College of Cosmetology, an enrollment advisor can best help you complete the application process. They will walk you through the requirements after you have submitted contact information.

Complete the FAFSA and Financial Planning

Paying for cosmetology school can be a concern for those considering enrolling. At the end of the day, an education in cosmetology is an investment that provides long-term rewards. There is financial assistance available, along with financial plans that can help you complete your cosmetology education in an affordable way.

It is essential that any prospective students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Updating this information every academic year ensures that you are able to qualify for financial assistance that is applicable to your situation.

Here are some of the financial resources available to those who qualify:

Federal Grants are monetary assistance given to people to help pay for school. If you are awarded money, you do not have to pay it back. This is awarded based on financial need.

Direct Loans are borrowed monies through the U.S. Department of Education that must be repaid (with interest).

Scholarships are provided by some companies, professional associations, and religious groups to individuals or their family members seeking an education. Searching the internet for scholarship opportunities is a great way to see what might be available to you.

Veterans Affairs Education Benefits (VA) is available for people who are eligible for veterans' benefits.

Complete Your Enrollment

Once you have made sure you reached the enrollment requirements and submitted all the necessary documents to apply, along with setting up a financial payment plan with the institution, you are ready to start attending your cosmetology classes. An enrollment advisor can help you sign any necessary paperwork to confirm your enrollment and agree to school policies. Once classes begin, you simply have to learn, apply yourself, and practice your skills. Before you know it, you’ll be ready to take the state license exam and establish yourself as a working professional.

If you are ready to enroll in an accredited cosmetology program, PJ’s College of Cosmetology is currently taking new students. Our enrollment advisors are available to walk you through the entire process. Give us a call at 800-62-SALON (72566) or fill out an information request. We are here to assist you in achieving your cosmetology career goals.

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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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