Cosmetology schools are located all around the world. In some places, cosmetology schools are small, with only a few instructors and limited class sizes. Others are large, with dozens of instructors and a larger student to teacher ratio. The number of students per instructor varies, as well. Some beauty schools are part of larger universities, and some are not.
One type of cosmetology school you might consider is an esthetician-to-esthetician school. There are hundreds of types of Cosmetology School Near Me to choose from, but there is only a handful that focuses solely on the art of makeup and hairstyling. These schools usually have their own hair salon and makeup section. Students who want to work with the world’s best makeup artists and stylists attend these schools. Many esthetics schools are also part of larger cosmetology colleges to find jobs immediately after graduation.
Beauty schools that specialize in salons and other services are another variety of cosmetology schools you might consider. There are parlors with small or no staff that provide hands-on training to the salon’s owners and employees. The owner and employees learn how to make the business run smoothly, and the parlor owner learns how to effectively market their business. Many salons have recently branched out into offering spa services, and many offer evening classes for those interested in the business model.
Community colleges sometimes offer programs that directly fit into a cosmetology school program. These courses are less expensive than typical beautification training, because there aren’t a separate building and staff for the classes. Instead, the students conduct classes in group settings at community colleges. The student and tutor meet regularly to discuss academic and practical matters, and devise projects and assignments. Most community colleges that offer this style of training also have job placement services. These job-placement services allow students to apply for a job on campus or within a salon when they graduate.
Beauty schools that do not have job placement services may not offer financial aid for students who major in cosmetology courses and who want to enter the beauty business. However, many cosmetology schools do have financial aid programs available to students who qualify. Often these programs help students cover the costs of books, tuition, and other expenses associated with taking classes at a beauty school. Financial aid is also often offered to students who demonstrate good academic potential, high SAT, or ACT scores and/or exceptional financial need.
Some salons offer classes that focus on a business model separate from cosmetology schools. These businesses are usually franchises or established chains. These salons may have one location, but they often offer their services across the country and abroad. Many beauty experts have started their own franchisee salons, and these franchises are trendy in certain areas or for a particular product. The beauty industry is very seasonal, and many franchisees expand their businesses when the economy improves, and they can raise their prices for their service.
Many hairstylists who attend beauty schools opt to open their own salon. This is a business that requires a lot of startup costs, but it can be lucrative. Hairstylists who want to own their own hair salon often work as a barber or visit hair salons to provide hairstyling services. They may start in hair-care units, hair spas, or other salons offering hairstyling services before opening their own hair salon.
There are vocational schools that offer cosmetology programs. Vocational schools offer training in specific areas of the beauty industry, usually for hair, nail, skin, and hairstyling. However, vocational schools do not offer the same accreditation and professional certifications as cosmetology schools do. These schools may not require you to have a license or registration when you enroll, but you cannot pursue employment within the state of your choice after you graduate. You are also limited to working under a licensed cosmetologist’s supervision for a specified amount of time after graduation. Before you enroll in a cosmetology program, you should determine if the program offered at your local vocational school meets your needs and expectations.