Cosmetology Continuing Education Schools in Arkansas

Browse our directory of cosmetology continuing education schools in Arkansas, or skip ahead to learn about the state's cosmetology licensing requirements and job outlook.

Cosmetologist Continuing Education in Arkansas

If you work in the field of cosmetology, in whatever capacity-cutting and styling hair, taking care of skin, applying makeup, and more, you know that your clients are aware of all the latest trends and expect you to be, as well. Even within a single calendar year, trends come and go, and new looks become the next big thing.

For this reason, it is not enough to rely upon what you learned in cosmetology school. While that education will always be your foundation, where you learned the basics, you will need to continue your education so that you can stay current and be able to be right there for your clients with the look that is new and hot!

Education Details

The good news is that continuing education courses are offered in a variety of different venues. Cosmetology schools offer continuing education courses all the time, and they are usually conveniently scheduled to fit in with your work day. Salons in your area may also offer continuing education seminars, where you come in for a day or half a day to learn a particular technique. Your own salon may offer programs of this kind. Seminars offered by big-name beauty houses or product lines, and trade shows are another venue for picking up continuing education credits. You can learn about how to use new products, find out about the latest styling techniques, and get a chance to network with your professionals in your area.

The good thing about continuing your cosmetology education is that you don't have to return to cosmetology school on a full time basis to do it. Continuing education is something you can do on your free time, and fit in with your regular job schedule, so you can continue earning while you learn. It is always a good idea to re-assess your career goals periodically, and consider ways in which you can expand your skills, command a higher salary, or move up to a more responsible position. You can take continuing education courses in an area that will move your career forward. Or, you can expand and refine your skills within your current area, learning new cutting, styling, coloring, or hair processing methods and techniques. If you are looking to move upward into the management end of the beauty industry you can take business courses or courses in salon or spa management or ownership. It is always a great idea to focus on improving your client services skills, because so much of your income depends upon making sure that your clients are satisfied and that they keep coming back.

License Renewal

Currently, no continuing education hours are required to renew your cosmetology license in Arkansas, but CEUs are always recommended to stay current in the industry.

Arkansas Cosmetology Careers

Enhancing your skills is always one of the best ways to improve your salary and career picture. When there are more techniques that you can use, more products you can apply, more skills you can bring to your salon, you have a better chance of getting that higher-paying position, or earning that raise. Learning the newest technique may also make the demand for your services higher among repeat and new customers. The salary outlook for individuals choosing a career as hairdresser or cosmetologist is expected to be good between 2016 and 2026, with estimated growth in demand for people in this field to increase by 10%. The average salary for hairdressers and cosmetologists in Arkansas is $24,740. With added experience and the addition of new skills, your income is likely to increase considerably. And some of the latest techniques, like the new anti-frizz techniques, command fees as high as $250 to $350 dollars.

Most cosmetologists in Arkansas wear a variety of hats in their professional lives. You work with many kinds of individuals from different backgrounds and with differing beauty needs. You perform a variety of different services during a typical day including hair cutting and styling, permanent waves and hair straightening procedures, and coloring and highlighting, and more. You may offer other services as well, such as nail or skin care, or help with various aspects of running the salon or spa. In between clients, you are cleaning and tidying your work station, and making sure it is fresh and attractive for your next client. The good news about continuing education is that you can work it into your schedule when and where your schedule permits. Some salons strongly encourage its cosmetologists to take continuing education credits, and are willing to grant time off for courses and programs. You can take them on your days off, or after your business hours. Whatever you do, improving your skills by taking continuing education courses is a step that can have a big pay-off for you in new clients and increased salary potential.

Contact the Arkansas State Board of Cosmetology