Cosmetology :)

Educational Requirements

In order to work as a hairstylist or cosmetologist, one must attend a state-licensed barber or cosmetology school and be at least 16 years old. In some states one must earn a high school or equivalency diploma as well. Training programs in hairstyling and cosmetology last approximately nine months and may result in earning an associate degree. Manicurist training programs are not as long.

Other Requirements

All personal appearance workers, including hairstylists, hairdressers and cosmetologists, but not shampooers, must be licensed. Upon completion of a state-approved training program in cosmetology, one usually must take a state-administered licensing exam. There are generally separate exams for manicurists, pedicurists, and skin care specialists.

$ Earnings $

Cosmetologists earned a median annual salary of $23,330 ($11.21/hour) in 2009. Wages varied by actual job title.

Cosmetology on the Daily

On a typical day a cosmetologist might perform some of the following duties, depending on his or her specialization:

Cuts, trims and shapes hair or hair pieces Bleaches, dyes, or tints hair Combs, brushes, and sprays hair or wigs to set style Attaches wig or hairpiece to model head and dresses

wigs and hairpieces Massages and treats scalp for hygienic and remedial

purposes Administers therapeutic medication and advises

patron to seek medical treatment for chronic or contagious scalp conditions

Recommends and applies cosmetics, lotions, and creams to patron to soften and lubricate skin and enhance and restore natural appearance

Shapes and colors eyebrows or eyelashes and removes facial hair

Cleans, shapes, and polishes fingernails and toenails

Updates and maintains customer information records, such as beauty services provided

Why is this my career choice?

I have chosen Cosmetology as my career because it is something I ENJOY. Working with people is one of my strong points. Being able to make someone feel pretty is satisfying for the soul :)

Some really crazy hair styles :)