Beauty Schools Directory

Research state regulations before enrolling

Before a beauty school graduate can write a state licensing exam (for hairstyling, barbering, or esthetics) they'll have to meet several requirements.

One requirement will be that the student will have to have graduated from an approved beauty school. They'll also have to complete a certain number of working or training hours, which can range from as little as 300 to as many as 1200. If students perform services while still in school they might be required to hold a student permit.

In some cases work experience, apprenticeship training or proof of sufficient instruction through an un-approved program can be substituted for the usual schooling requirements. The number of working hours or other proof needed differs by state.

In-house beauty salons

While many cosmetology and beauty students enroll in classes with the plan to work from their own home after graduation, they may find it requires more than just the right equipment and a steady stream of clients.

Different areas will have different rules, but generally an in-home salon will have to be approved by a zoning official and the proprietor will have to obtain a shop license just as any beauty salon business owner would have to.

Finding the right beauty school

Depending on what range of work you'll want to perform as a cosmetologist, esthetician or beautician, you'll require a training program (see below) that provides the right skills. If you just want the basics, you'll be wasting your time taking a program that offers instruction on hairstyling techniques or esthetics procedures you'll never be able to use. If you plan to run a business you'll need the skills to do so.

If you want to offer certain services such as electrolysis, courses that offer extra courses or training in advanced methods will be a better fit. Of course, you might not find a beauty school that offers the exact combination of courses you want, but that's ok. Continuing education is not just optional for some licensed hairstylists, beauticians and estheticians, it may even be required.

Another aspect to consider when applying to beauty schools is how you'll be learning. The ratio of instructional to hands-on training can be a deciding factor for some students, depending on what they prefer. It's also important to find out if the program offers a work-study portion where you'll be in a salon learning from established professionals.