How Long is Cosmetology School & What Will I Learn?

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How long is cosmetology school and when will I complete a beauty program?

The answer to how long is cosmetology school, this depends on three factors: which beauty program you enroll in, your state's required hours for that program, and whether you enroll in cosmetology school on a part-time or full-time basis.

A full cosmetology curriculum is the most comprehensive and requires the most training hours; the national average is 1500 to 2100 training hours. The average training hours required for the other beauty programs are as follows: 300 to 600 hours for nail technology and makeup artist programs, 500 for electrology, and 300 to 1500 training hours for esthetics and skin care depending on the state.

In most cases the individual state's required beauty training hours are determined by the state licensing board. For example, a full cosmetology program in Montana requires 2,000 hours, while the same program in New York State only requires 1,000 hours. Overall, how long cosmetology school is varies by each state's training hour requirements.

Regardless of which beauty program you take, exactly how long it will take to complete the required training hours will depend on whether you are enrolled full time or part time. Many full cosmetology programs can be competed in less than two years while some programs in nail technology and esthetics can often be completed within six months. Contact beauty schools or cosmetology licensing boards for more information for your specific state.

What training cosmetology programs do beauty schools offer?

Most schools offer the following training cosmetology programs, or combination of training programs: cosmetology, esthetics and skin care, electrolysis and laser hair removal, nail technology, makeup, and beauty school teacher training. Also, massage therapy is becoming an increasingly popular program offered at beauty and cosmetology schools.

Beauty school students can elect to take comprehensive cosmetology programs, or they may choose to narrow their focuses to something more specific [ like esthetician programs, nail tech programs, makeup artist programs, or hair programs. How long cosmetology school is, the cost and licensing requirements may vary by cosmetology programs. Find beauty colleges now.

What do you learn in cosmetology school and cosmetology programs?

Learning HairstylingThe American Heritage dictionary defines cosmetology as "The study or art in cosmetics and their use". When beauty schools say they offer full cosmetology programs it generally refers to the study of hair styling, skin-care, nail care, and makeup. More about what you learn in cosmetology.

Cosmetology schools teach students a host of beauty skills to work with hair, nails, skin, makeup and other beauty procedures. Cosmetology students learn how to choose and apply these services for clients through in-class lectures, the issued cosmetology textbook, and hands-on training in student salons. Comprehensive cosmetology programs traditionally includes hairstyling, esthetics and skin care, nail technology and makeup artistry, but the official program curriculum varies from state to state. A beauty school student should graduate with a thorough knowledge of all aspects of the beauty industry, but students are certainly permitted to specialize in a specific area or service. Find cosmetology colleges to learn the beauty trade now.

What do you learn in esthetician school and esthetician programs?

A beauty school offering esthetician programs in esthetics training refers to the study of applying make-up and performing facials, massages, waxing, and reflexology. More about esthetics and esthetician programs.

Esthetician schools and esthetician programs teach students how to prescribe skin care regimens. Esthetician programs also teach esthetics students how to do facials, waxing, body wraps, laser treatments, anti-aging treatments, facial massages and more. Students at esthetics and skin care schools will learn about anatomy and skin sciences. Safety and sanitation procedures are also an essential component of every good esthetics program. Esthetics and skin care is definitely a beauty trade, but it is tied very closely to the medical field. A beauty school that offers esthetics programs may also train students to apply makeup and perform reflexology. There are many schools that teach only esthetics and skin care, but esthetician training is often a subset of a comprehensive cosmetology program at a beauty school. Find esthetician colleges to learn esthetics and skin care now.

What do you learn in barbering school?

Barber schools teach barbering students traditional and more cutting edge skills to cut men's hair. Barber students will learn to cut, trim, color and style men's hair and facial hair. You will also learn the art of the shave, and how to successfully perform shaving services. Most barber schools or barber programs within beauty schools will teach you hairstyling, shaving and scalp treatments. Some even teach the fitting and adjusting of wigs, toupees, or artificial hair! Because barbering is such a traditionally niche, independent business path, some barber schools go so far as to teach important business management and marketing skills to get ahead in the industry. Safety and sanitation is also an important component of barbering school. More about barber school. OR Find barber schools to learn barbering now.

What do you learn in makeup school?

Students of makeup artist school learn how to design and implement creative makeup looks, pair makeup with specific hairstyles, apply full makeup and corrective or spot makeup, outline custom makeup regimens for clientele, and more. Many schools are dedicated solely to makeup or have specific makeup programs, but most often makeup artist certification is learned as a part of a comprehensive cosmetology training program. More about makeup school. OR Find makeup schools to get makeup training now.

What do you learn in electrology schools?

Electrology, electrolysis or laser hair removal is medically recognized as being a permanent hair removal method for the face and body. In electrolysis training you will learn about the latest hair removal technology. You will learn about consulting with clients about their hair removal needs, and you will get a hands-on education in this near-medical procedure. Electrolysis is a very popular service to get rid of unwanted body hair, so you will learn how to apply laser hair removal methods with the utmost care and accuracy for clientele. Find electrolysis training colleges to learn laser hair removal now.

What do you learn in nail technology school?

Nail technology schools will help students learn the art and science of nail art and design, tips, forms, wraps, gels and more. More about nail technology. Nail tech students will learn to shape, file, color and paint nails, as well as perform full manicures and pedicures. Many nail tech schools also teach hand, calf and foot massages as an added value service for clientele. Nail school will teach students about the importance of salon safety and sanitation procedures. Find nail colleges to get nail technology training now.

What is cosmetology school teacher training?

Teacher training programs are designed to prepare students who are interested in teaching beauty and cosmetology. Most of the teachers you'll have in beauty school completed a teacher training program. More about Cosmetology Instructor Training. Beauty school teacher training will equip potential instructors with all the skills, knowledge and resources necessary to become a successful educator in the beauty industry. Cosmetology teacher classes include practical training and theoretical training. Future beauty teachers will learn how to teach beauty school students using the issued textbooks, in-class lectures, and hands-on training in student salons. Becoming a cosmetology teacher requires that the individual already be knowledgeable about hair, nails, makeup and skin care from their time in cosmetology school and working in the field. Some cosmetology teacher training classes may include: theory, practical cosmetology, record keeping, lesson planning and classroom management. Find cosmetology teacher schools to learn to be beauty school instructor now.

What do you learn in permanent makeup school?

Permanent make-up is a creative and growing industry that attracts individuals who seek to pursue a career in the beauty or medical professions. More about permanent makeup. Permanent makeup is the art and science of using tattoo artistry to apply cosmetic looks more permanently than one's daily makeup routine. Students of permanent makeup school will learn how to tattoo to recreate the look of cosmetics such as eyeliner, lipstick, brow liner, blush, eyeshadow and other makeup products. The field of permanent makeup attracts individuals who are seeking to enter a lucrative and rewarding beauty or medical professional. Find permanent makeup training to learn tattoo makeup now.

What do you learn in massage school?

Learning Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is practiced by trained and licensed professionals. They provide specialized care with their clients' medical health in mind. More about massage therapy.

At massage therapist school, massage students learn to manipulate clients' soft tissues, which improves circulation and acts as a "cleanser" of sorts for muscles. Students are taught to provide specialized, tailored care to clients with their medical and holistic health in mind. Massage therapy students will learn to relieve pain, discomfort and stress for clients through physical pressure and touch. Massage school should teach students to perform a number of techniques such as sports massage, deep tissue massage, chair massage, stone massage, Swedish massage, reflexology, hydrotherapy, and any other new, cutting edge techniques to help clients feel great. Other parts of the curriculum may include anatomy, kinesiology and ethics. Find massage schools to get massage therapy training now. 

What are "advanced beauty courses" and does it matter if my cosmetology school offers them?

"Advanced beauty courses" refers to a class that offers a very-in-depth and focused curriculum about a particular topic. Before taking an "advanced class" students will likely be required to have taken basic classes in the same beauty program. If you already know you want to pursue a career in a specific field of beauty such as custom hair coloring, acrylic nails or something else, it is a good idea to find a beauty school to attend that offers advanced beauty classes in your niche or specific area of interest. More education in your beauty trade is essential to becoming a true, trusted expert in your field and advanced beauty courses are the perfect way to continue that education. Find advanced beauty courses and continuing education in cosmetology by searching our featured beauty schools.

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