The Ultimate Guide to Cosmetology School
Are you thinking beauty school might be for you, but aren’t sure where to start? At The Studio Academy of Beauty, we want to support each and every student who comes through our doors to help them feel confident in their decision to enter the beauty industry!
Here’s our complete guide to everything from choosing the right program to how you can pursue your dream career as a licensed cosmetologist!
Is a Career in Cosmetology Right for You?
Before you start learning about beauty schools, see if a career as a cosmetologist may be a right fit. What are your goals? What are you looking for in a career? Do you want to pursue an education that lets you become your own boss or would you rather work in an established business? Knowing what you want to do can help you determine if beauty school could be a good match.
Here are a few other things to consider:
You’re Passionate About Beauty
Consider what you want to learn in school. Are you someone who was always asked to style your friend’s hair for special events? Maybe you are always trying out new makeup looks or perhaps you find yourself always keeping up with the latest trends. These are all signs that the beauty industry could be right for you.
But even before choosing a cosmetology program, you have to understand what a licensed cosmetologist is! Cosmetology is the study of hair, skin, and nails and how to beautify each guest through hair, skin, or nail services. Cosmetologists are different from estheticians, who focus solely on skincare.
If you can see yourself in an industry that allows you to embrace your creative passions and design looks that ultimately only you can create, cosmetology could be for you.
You Learn Better in a Hands-on Environment
How you learn and what you want to learn are also big factors on whether or not the beauty industry is right for you. Some of the advantages of an education in cosmetology is that it focuses solely on things that’ll prepare you for a career as a cosmetologist, with no prerequisites or general education classes to worry about.
A traditional college experience is not for everyone, and if you find yourself wishing for something that was a little more engaging and allows you to work with your hands, you may want to think about beauty school.
Take Our Quiz: College or Cosmo
You Love Helping People
What’s been your experience with an experienced hairstylist? Hairstylists and cosmetologists can do so much more than cutting hair or helping others with their skin, they can actively help people feel more confident in themselves and their look.
A day in the life of a cosmetologist might look like talking with a variety of different people about their hair goals, creating that look for them, and then recommending the right products to help them maintain their look at home. No two guests are exactly the same, which means you can expect a day-to-day that may be quite different!
If you want a career that allows you to provide this experience to others and work with a variety of people, you may want to think about a cosmetology career.
What’s Stopping You From Cosmetology School?
Still unsure if you can be successful after beauty school? Here are a few of the most common reasons we hear why people don’t choose to go to beauty school and how they shouldn’t hold you back.
You Don’t Think Beauty School Is for You
There are a variety of reasons that you might think you don’t fit the “typical mold” for beauty school, but that just isn’t true! You can start beauty school at any age, whether you’re just out of high school or have been in a career for a while and are ready to make a big change.
Read More: Cosmetology School Myths and Misconceptions
You Aren’t Sure How To Pay for Beauty School
Cosmetology school is a big investment in yourself and your time! We totally understand it can be daunting figuring out how to balance beauty school, life, and your budget. But, there are ways to pay for beauty school without breaking the bank!
Because The Studio Academy of Beauty is accredited, we are able to offer financial aid, available to those who qualify. When you decide you’re ready to go to beauty school, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). That way you can learn more about any grants or loans that may be available to you. It’s also a good first step to apply for any scholarships that are awarded based on financial need.
Read More: Grants and Scholarships Every Cosmetology Student Should Know
You Aren’t Sure How To Balance Beauty School and Life
We totally understand that beauty school can be a big time commitment, which is why we offer a variety of scheduling options to each of our students.
At The Studio Academy of Beauty, full-time and part-time class schedules are available! This means that you can choose to go to beauty school while spending time at home or working. It’s possible to achieve that balance. And, it’s possible to complete our programs in less than 2 years, depending on the class schedule you choose.
Our full-time schedule can be completed in as little as 11 months, while our late night program can be completed in as little as 17 months.
How To Become a Cosmetologist
Now that you’ve decided it’s time to start cosmetology school, it’s important to learn how to enroll! Here’s the step-by-step process from start to finish.
1. Find an Accredited Beauty School
Look for a school that is accredited by an agency such as the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences. This accrediting agency holds schools at a high standard of education, plus it makes them eligible to offer financial aid, available to those who qualify. Some ways you can compare beauty schools before going to a school is:
- Check out each school’s Instagram account. See if the beauty schools you’re looking at post what students are creating while they’re in school, plus see what students have to say about the school itself.
- Read their reviews. What do students have to say about the school? What about the guests of the student salon? You want a school that allows you to provide services under the supervision of licensed professionals that teaches you to provide amazing services.
2. Take a Tour and Learn How To Enroll
It’s important to look at all your beauty school options before enrolling because each school is going to be a little different and may or may not offer what you need. During the tour, you can see for yourself what the school looks like, meet some of the instructors, learn what you need to apply, and more!
Get a feel for the culture of the school, the programs they have to offer, and any other resources they offer to students, whether it’s financial aid or multiple scheduling options.
The Studio Academy of Beauty has three different locations that are all within driving distance in the Phoenix or Mesa area, so you may want to tour more than one location to find which is the right fit for you.
When you come in for a tour, ask questions and take notes! This makes it easier for you to compare each option to find the school that offers what you need. Some potential questions you can ask are:
- What programs do you offer?
- What class schedules do you offer?
- What financial aid options are there?
- When do students start providing services in the student salon?
- What’s a day in the life of a cosmetology student like?
- How can you help me find a career after graduation?
Remember, you don’t have to commit to a school during the tour, but if you do, our admissions team is ready to help you start the enrollment process.
3. Meet Graduation Requirements
In Arizona, licensed cosmetologists are required to complete 1,600 hours of schooling. As part of your cosmetology education, you can learn a variety of skills and concepts, including:
- Hairstyling
- Hair coloring and lightening
- Chemical waving and relaxing
- Facials
- Makeup Manicuring
- Salesmanship
- Salon development
- Shop operation
- And much more!
There’s a lot to cover in cosmetology school, and it can take some time depending on which class schedule you choose. But, it is possible to start doing what you love in less than two years!
Learn More: How Long Is Cosmetology School?
4. Sit for the State Exam
Once you’ve met all graduation requirements, it’s time to prove your skills as part of the state exam. The state exam is the time to test your knowledge in chemistry, sanitation best practices, and more. There are two parts to the exam, a written portion and a practical portion.
The written tests your knowledge about products, regulations, policies, and more. The practical portion walks you through what an appointment may look like and is actively looking for sanitation best practices and more.
Find Your Dream Career
Once you’re a licensed professional, it’s time to find your dream career! There are so many options to choose from, whether you want to pursue a career as a hairstylist in a salon or even open your own business. If you aren’t sure where you want to work, here are some potential ideas you can try.
During your education at The Studio Academy of Beauty, we can help with this step, as we make sure you get the business and marketing skills you need to find a good career. While we can’t guarantee employment, we do strive to provide resume preparation skills and mock interviews. Plus, you can participate in career fairs and other events to get connected with our local network of salons!
Learn More: How To Build a Portfolio and Nail Your Interview
Get Started at The Studio Academy of Beauty!
Are you ready to start doing what you love? Schedule your tour of The Studio Academy of Beauty to learn how to become a licensed cosmetologist. We can’t wait to meet you and help you pursue your dreams. Our team is ready to answer any questions you have about financial aid, class schedules, and much more.
