Is beauty school right for me?

Jump to Your Question:

• Is beauty school easier than a 4-year college or university?
• Is it too late to change my career and go to cosmetology school?
• Am I too old for cosmetology school?

Is beauty school easier than a four-year college or university?

They say that if you are truly passionate about something then studying it comes more naturally and "easier" than something else less interesting and relevant would. But cosmetology school is not a cakewalk to be taken lightly, either! The cosmetology, esthetics and beauty trades call for dedicated, motivated and ambitious individuals who enjoy hands-on work, helping clients and being creative. If that is you, then cosmetology school might be right for you.

Cosmetology school may come easy to you because you are passionate about learning all things beauty. You will be expected to learn theory and best practices from the in-class lecture of your cosmetology instructors, read your cosmetology textbooks, study the things you learn in class, get hands-on practice and experience in a student salon, and take written exams. There is so much to learn about the cosmetology trade - but fortunately, the best cosmetology schools are well-equipped with the most professional and educated cosmetology teachers to start you on your career path.

Beauty school is not just about hair and makeup, either. You will likely learn tons of valuable skills about infection control and decontamination, anatomy and body systems, chemistry basics, professional image and business practices, and many more of what they call the "soft skills" that aren't directly related to cutting hair, doing makeup, doing nails, and so on. Cosmetology is a professional career where lifelong learning through cosmetology continuing education is essential. One of the best things you can do is to learn from and network with other beauty professionals, students and teachers.

Is it too late to change my career by going to cosmetology school?

Most certainly not! It is never too late for a mid-life career change to switch to cosmetology, esthetics or another beauty-related field. If you have a passion for beauty and you know it is time for a change, then a cosmetology career may be for you. In fact, many of your existing skills might even be well-suited to use in your cosmetology career.

Some issues you may need to consider in order to make the switch to a cosmetology career include making the time to balance your current career responsibilities with your new cosmetology school schedule, your family's expectations and reactions, and most importantly, getting over your fear of the big mid-life career change. A job in cosmetology, esthetics or beauty can certainly be within your reach, but make sure you are really committed to this life change. Focus on getting the highest quality education possible from a trusted, reputable cosmetology school in your area. It is never too early to network with beauty students, teachers and professionals, to post a cosmetology portfolio of your work online, and to start building up your clientele.

Am I too old for cosmetology schools?

As C.S. Lewis once said, "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." You are absolutely not "too old" for cosmetology school, at any age. In fact, we find that nearly 75% of our applicants are not fresh out of high school. Many of us decide on cosmetology after trying a career that wasn't right for us, or after taking time away from the working world to raise a family. If your passion is beauty, cosmetology or esthetics, then there is no time like the present to enroll in cosmetology school and begin a new career in beauty. Cosmetology is known for commonly having jobs that have flexible scheduling and room for growth. You are definitely not "too old," and if anything, you are at the prime age to enroll in beauty school. It's not unheard of for individuals in their 80s and 90s to graduate cosmetology school.

So if you think a career change is in order for you, take all that life experience you have earned and apply it to getting your cosmetology license and a brand new career in beauty. Cosmetology has the potential to change your life, and allow you to have a "career" when perhaps before you were only working a "job." You are never too old for beauty school.