Cosmetology Pre-Enrollment InformationNature of the WorkAcquiring the right look has never been easy. It requires that perfect hairstyle, exquisite nails, a neatly trimmed beard, or the proper make-up to accent your coloring. As people increasingly demand styles that are better suited to their individual characteristics, they rely on cosmetology more and more. Although taste and fashions change from year to year, the basic job of cosmetology remains the same: to help people look their very best. Cosmetologist primarily shampoo cut, style, and perform various chemical services on the client's hair. These workers, who are often called hairstylist, also advise clients on how to care for their hair. Frequently, they straighten or permanently wave a customer's hair to keep the style in shape. Cosmetology may also lighten or darken a client's hair color. In addition, most cosmetologist are trained to give manicures, pedicures, scalp and hair treatments, facials, makeup applications and analysis, clean and style wigs and hair pieces. Related workers include manicurist, who clean, shape, and polish finger nails and toe nails; estheticians, who apply makeup, do facials, and provide skin care information; Cosmetology Concepts Institute offers an esthetics course of study. In addition to their work with customers, cosmetologists are expected to keep their work area clean and hairdressing implements sanitized. They may make appointments and keep records of hair color and permanent wave formulas used by their regular clients. Some sell hair products and other cosmetic supplies. Cosmetologists who operate their own salon also have managerial duties that include hiring, supervising, and firing workers. You also must keep records of income and order supplies, payroll, etc. Working ConditionsCosmetologists normally work in clean, pleasant surroundings with good lighting and ventilation. Good health and stamina are important because these workers must stand a great deal. Prolonged exposure to some hair and nail chemicals may be hazardous and cause irritation, so special care must be taken when working with these chemicals. Full-time cosmetologist may work more than forty hours per week. This often includes evenings and weekends, when salons are busiest. Although weekends and lunch periods are very busy the cosmetologist may have some time off during slack periods. EmploymentBarbers and cosmetologist held about 746,000 jobs as of 1992: 9 of every 10 were cosmetologist. Most worked in beauty salons, barbershops, or department stores, and hospitals, hotels and prisons employed a few. About half of all cosmetologists are self-employed. Almost all cities and towns have hair salons, but employment is concentrated in the most populated cities and states. Hairstylists usually work in cities and suburbs, where the greatest demand for their services exists. Stylist who set fashion trends with their hairstylist usually work in New York City, Los Angeles, and other centers for fashion and the performing arts. One of every three barbers and cosmetologist work part-time. The abundance of part-time jobs attracts many persons who want to combine a job with family, school, or other responsibilities. Training, Qualifications, and AdvancementAlthough states require cosmetologist to be licensed, the qualifications necessary to obtain a license vary from state to state. In Missouri a student must graduate from a cosmetology school and be registered by that school to take the state board exam. The State of Missouri requires 390 hours of training for a manicurist, 1500 hours of training for a cosmetologist and 600 hours of training for instructor training. Completion of an apprentice can also qualify a person to set for the examination. Applicants for a license are required to pass a written and practical examination, with a score of no less than 75% per category. Some states have reciprocity agreements that allow licensed cosmetologist to practice in a different state without additional formal training. The addresses of all cosmetology boards for the United Sates can be obtained from the enrollment office of Cosmetology Concepts Institute upon request. IF you wish to write to any state for additional information, above and beyond what you are able to obtain during the interview, you need to ask for the addressees at this time. Some states do not recognize training or licenses obtained in another state; consequently persons who wish to become cosmetologist should review the laws of the state in which they want to work before entering the training program. Cosmetology Concepts Institute does not guarantee reciprocity to other states. Cosmetology Concepts Institute offers daytime courses only in cosmetology, manicuring, and instructor training. The cosmetology course requires app. 14.6 months of training; manicuring 13 weeks of training; and the instructor program requires 20 weeks of training. Formal training programs include classroom study, demonstrations, and practical supervision, practice on each other then on clients in the school clinic. Students attend lectures on cosmetology services, the use and care of instruments, sanitation, and hygiene, and recognition of skin and nail ailments. Instruction is also given in selling and general business practices and professional ethics. Most schools teach hairstyling of men as well as women's hair. If you want to become a cosmetologist or manicurist you must have finger dexterity and a sense of form and artistry. You should enjoy dealing with the public and be willing and able to follow the customer's instructions or request. Because hairstylists are constantly changing, cosmetologist must keep abreast of the latest fashions and beauty techniques. Business skills are important for those who plan to operate their own business. You will need additional training to operate your own salon above and beyond your salon business course at school. Cosmetology Concepts Institute does not guarantee employment, but we do assist our student in the form of job application instruction, resume preparation, and information of salons' that have called the school asking for future graduates to apply at their business. Once you have secured a position at a salon you may start by giving relatively simple task, such as shampoos, blow dry and manicures, or are assigned to perform the less complicated hairstyling services. Once you have demonstrated your skills, you may be permitted to perform the more complicated tasks such as coloring hair or permanent waving. Entry level duties vary from salon to salon, so it is suggested that this issue be discussed in depth at the time of your job interview. Some salons have you start by doing all services and you are not limited by what you may offer the client from the first day of employment Advancement usually is in the form of higher earnings as cosmetologist gain experience and builds a steady clientele. Some cosmetologists manage large salons or open their own after several years of experience. Others become sales representatives for cosmetic forms, open businesses as beauty or fashion consultants, or work as examiners or inspectors for the Sate Board of Cosmetology Job OutlookOverall employment of cosmetologist and manicurist is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. Population growth, rising incomes, and a growing demand for the services they provide will stimulate the demand for these workers. Within this occupation, however different employment trends are expected. Cosmetologist will account for virtually all the employment growth, reflecting the continuing shifts in consumer preference for more personalized services and in salons to full-service, unisex establishments. Demand for manicurist, and for cosmetologist trained in nail care will particularly strong. Employment of barbers is expected to decline slightly. The annual number of job openings in cosmetology should be quite large due to the large size of the occupation and expected rapid employment growth. However, there appears to be a large reserve of licensed cosmetologists who move into and are likely to compete for openings with an experienced pool of workers who choose to re-enter the labor force. Opportunities for persons seeking part-time cosmetology positions should continue to be good in the futures. EarningsCosmetologist receives income either from commissions or wages and tips. According to limited information, most full-time cosmetologist earned between $20,000 AND $30,000 in 1992, including tips. A recent survey conducted by NACCAS finds that in 1996 the average base income per full-time employee was estimated to be about $32,000. Based upon a typical 50% commission factor, the average income in 1998 for salon professionals was $18.54 per hour while salon owners average $22.03 per hour. The corresponding full-time salaries were $45,822 for salon owners, $35,193 for salon employees and $38,563 for all professionals, both employees and salon owners, inclusive of tips. The 2001 and 2002 annual incomes are expected to grown proportionately, especially as salon prices and available services increase each year. The survey indicates that the salon industry grosses about $50 billion per year. Earnings depend on the size and location of the shop, the umber of hours worked, customer's tipping habits, competition from other salons, and the cosmetologist's ability to attract and hold regular clients. Some find a need to have a part-time job in the beginning, until they build a sufficient following. Related OccupationOther workers whose main activity consists of improving a client's personal appearance include beauty consultants, makeup and wig specialists, and salon and health managers. Other workers are employed in the cosmetology industry as instructors and beauty supply distributors.
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