The Steps to Becoming a Professional Cosmetologist

Being a professional cosmetologist is an ideal long-term option for anyone interested in becoming a makeup artist, nail technician, hair stylist, or pursuing a career path in the beauty industry. If you are creative, enjoy working with people, and have an entrepreneurial spirit, becoming a licensed cosmetologist can open many doors in beauty.

This article will dive into beauty schools for those considering participating in a cosmetology program. Learn how earning a cosmetology license can impact careers in the beauty industry.

Education at a cosmetology school

Aspiring beauty professionals attending cosmetology schools can specialize in esthetics, barbering, or cosmetology at Evergreen Beauty College. Each campus offers flexible scheduling for cosmetology students. Before becoming a hair stylist or esthetician in a salon, each student must meet licensing requirements in the state they intend to practice their craft. They can apply to work in a salon if they pass the exam. Attending a cosmetology program that the NACCA accredits will reflect highly with employers.

Cosmetology students will learn about hair coloring, skincare, hair cutting, and nail care. At Evergreen, our students will have hands-on training on real clients guided by licensed professionals. By the end of each program, students will feel prepared to register and take their licensing exams. There are various ways to launch your cosmetology career after you become licensed, from apprenticeship to working at a salon, you will be eligible to start applying. Learn how some of these successful people found amazing opportunities in the beauty industry.

Start working in a salon as a professional cosmetologist

After completing your beauty school education and passing your licensed exam, you can apply to salons. Many schools host different networking events and career counseling options to help prepare you to apply for your first job. Once you embark on your career, you’ll grow accustomed to working with customers and gain employment training.

Cosmetology schools give people working in nail care, skin care, and hair an advantage because they can work with clients and begin developing their customer service training.

Develop a client base

One of the most essential parts of being a beauty professional is the ability to develop your client base. When you start working as a cosmetologist, you will likely meet customers through walk-ins or those new to the salon. You can gain customers’ confidence and retain a loyal customer base by engaging and effectively consulting your client. Word of mouth and referrals are excellent ways to grow your client list.

Most customer satisfaction comes from putting yourself in the customer’s shoes, being a professional ready to tackle the client’s request, and guiding them through the process. For instance, beauty professionals working in hair care can inform clients on methods of keeping their hair healthy and advise them on hair treatments they should incorporate into their routine.

At Evergreen Beauty College, cosmetology students will get hands-on experience with real clients while cosmetology instructors oversee them as they work. Students will build many training hours to acquire a more extensive client base.

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Professional cosmetologist continuing education

Evergreen offers an instructor’s training program for students attending courses that would like to strengthen their education in beauty or for cosmetology graduates looking to teach cosmetology. Students will learn course development and lesson training, classroom management, and how to conduct student evaluations. Most students who study within our instructor training program graduate and find successful careers as cosmetology instructors.

In artistic careers, students are encouraged to pursue continued education training beyond their education in school. Working in the cosmetology industry means students must stay abreast of trends and new advancements in beauty treatments.

Various cosmetology jobs

Many careers in cosmetology start in beauty salons or spas. Hair styling, hair removal, manicuring, or barbering are all common cosmetology skills that people practice in a traditional salon setting.

The start of your career can be fraught with concerns and excitement. When you go for your first interview, a lot of the time, the confident way you hold yourself, how personable you are, and how strong your portfolio is will secure a position in a salon. If you don’t get a job at a salon that is competitive to work at, start somewhere that will help pay the bills and give you the experience you need before advancing in your career. Learn how other people started their careers in beauty.

Beyond renting a salon chair, students may aspire to be salon owners. If your dream job is to work in makeup artistry, skin treatment, or offer nail services in less conventional areas of beauty, the best way to pursue any of these future careers is to study at a cosmetology training program and begin networking at school, work, events, and workshops.

Apprenticing is an excellent way to launch a career path doing makeup application or hair in the fashion or entertainment industry. Joining unions in the industry could also increase your chances of landing a job styling hair or doing makeup.

Why choose Evergreen Beauty College

Evergreen Beauty prepares students for careers as beauty professionals while helping them build confidence in their abilities. We set students up for success by offering flexible scheduling so students can manage their work life, family life, and school work with minimal stress.

FAQ: How to become a cosmetologist

How long does it take to become a cosmetologist?

If you are attending a cosmetology program full-time, you can complete the program in less than a year. If you are attending a cosmetology program part-time, you can complete the program in over a year.

Washington State requires 1,600 hours, so schools in Washington offer programs that take 1,600 hours to complete.

Is cosmetology a good career?

Yes! There are various job opportunities in cosmetology. A relatively straight path to landing a job includes attending beauty school, passing your licensing exam, and applying for a job at a salon. Many people who become beauty professionals love working with clients, talking to people, and creating their own hours.

How do I become a cosmetologist?

First, you must have a GED or high school diploma to enroll in most cosmetology programs. After enrolling, students who meet their educational requirements and complete their program must enroll to take the licensing exam. After passing the licensing exam, you will be officially certified.