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- Why are the Cosmetology Professional Specializations Gaining in Popularity Nowadays? The most respected and competent employment market specialists have discovered an interesting fact – the number of persons interested in mastering one of the cosmetology industry specializations is growing with each year, the possibility to start up a career in this area is gaining more and more popularity nowadays. One of the reasons for this phenomenon is the widely spreading obsessions with looking attractive, prestigious and in the accordance with the latest fashion trends. Thus the demand for specialists in skin care, hair care and styling, nail care and various spa services is experiencing explosive growth. The demand for professionals was timely noted by vocational training facilities and they answered to the challenge with development of hundreds of different cosmetology training programs all over the nation and on world-wide scale too. It is easily understandable that any individual who is looking into acquiring the necessary knowledge and training in cosmetology professional specialization of his or her choice needs to join some kind of cosmetology school. What is important in this respect is to make as perfect decision as possible. The cosmetology or beauty industry training is very flexible; you can get the necessary knowledge and practical skills at any age, disregarding the availability of employment experience. The cosmetology employment market can offer room for anyone with corresponding training, even without previous hands-on experience – hence the high popularity of this market segment among people looking for an interesting and self-fulfilling career, which can ensure pretty good standards of living, by the way. 2. When Looking For A Suitable Cosmetology Training Program What Aspects Should Be Taken Into Consideration In The First Place? When choosing which cosmetology school to enroll to you should apply the same wise and balance strategy as with any other type of school, college or university. In the first place, do some web-research and locate a number of cosmetology schools that answer your requirements in relation to such important details as the school’s location, tuition costs, the quality of the facilities for hands-on training – if there are any offered and, the last but not the least, the contents of the schools curriculum (teaching program). It should contain the most basic essentials of cosmetology science as well as specific aspects related to the specialization of your preference. In other words, the training program, should answer your talents, preferences and career objectives to the utmost. Another point of critical importance is to ensure that the cosmetology school in question has been successfully and legitimately accredited with the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS). This is a supervisory agency to which the US Department of Education delegates the authority to exercise the regulatory control of the cosmetology training facilities regarding their implementation of the corresponding educational standards in this particular field. Besides accreditation of cosmetology training facilities there is another important and useful function that is carried out by NACCAS – it is preparation and publishing of surveys related to the field of cosmetology and cosmetology training. For instance, in their latest report the agency revealed shocking figures – as it happens to be more than half of businesses related to cosmetology industry has job vacancies. More than that, the demand for professionals necessary to fill in the vacancies continues to increase. Taking into consideration such high demand at the employment market as well as the entry – level possible salary which comes up to at least USD 25,000 per year, it is not surprising that growing number of individuals of all ages and professions considers the cosmetology as a lucrative profession with lots of opened vacancies to fill in! But be careful, as it was mentioned above; make sure the school of your choice is accredited with NACCAS. 3. Are there any special requirements to be eligible to apply for admission to a cosmetology school? In many cases the requirements for students applying for admission to a cosmetology program depend on local state legislature and, consequently, may vary considerably from state to state. For instance, regarding the availability of a high school diploma: in some states it is required in order to be able to apply, in some - not. 4. What Subjects are Usually Included into the Training Programs of Cosmetology Schools? As a rule, all specialized cosmetology programs that can be available either with colleges and universities or with specialized stand-alone schools of cosmetology, include the following subjects into their training programs (curriculums), to mention just the most popular and essential ones: - Barbering and Hairstyling - Nail Technology - Facial Skin Care - Esthetics - Make-up Artist program - Facial Treatment Specialist course - Thermolysis And Electrolysis Equipment Operation - Skin Care And Massage Therapy - Others 5. How Many Hours of Coursework are Required to Get the Certification? The answer to this question chiefly depends on the coursework you have opted for studying. For instance the course in Barbering and Hairstyling may require up to 1800 hours in total, since this is a rather massive course covering such topics as hair care, techniques in haircutting, chemical applications, and coloring? as well as shaving. Pretty heavy load of skills to master, isn’t it? Nail Technology is much more light-weight course and includes maximum 400 hours worth of coursework, which makes it a perfect choice for part-time students. A trainee will be given a possibility of practical training in nail sculpting, manicures, pedicures, as well as hand and foot massage. Various make-up artist programs will require? from you about the same time as nail technology course, but we would not advise taking up a Make-up artist program if you are not interested in mastering the professional application of cosmetics and prostheses for costuming, application and design of hairpiece and many other things, including permanent make-up and facial treatment specialist courses. In this case you will have to study such very specific subjects as facial shapes, eye and skin anatomy, pigmentation etc. 750 hours of coursework will win you a certificate in Esthetics, which is a rather well-rounded specialization featuring skills in preparation for administering skin care and massage therapy, which would require intensive training in hygiene, bacteriology, chemistry, skin analysis and disorders, therapeutic massage, and even physiology. So get prepared to work really hard! But the quality training is well-worth your time and money, since it is a good investment into your successful career. Comprehensive cosmetology programs that include specialized courses will require, as a rule more or less like 1500 hours of coursework to finalize your training and get license or certificate. You will be trained in basics of chemicals, sanitation and hygiene, anatomy, and physiology. It is advisable to get some lessons in salon management, ethics, safety, labor laws, and marketing – that would be a good competitive edge for you, in the long run, especially if you decide to start–up and run your own business. Before becoming a practicing cosmetologist you will have to pass a licensure examination with the respective state cosmetology boards. In case you pass it successfully you become a practicing specialist in cosmetology. A choice of employment options offered to a licensed practicing cosmetologist is quite rich: for instance if you are fond of travelling you can look for well-paid job at a cruise ship which almost always offer salon and spa services. Another employment option is a theater company or mass media facilities – they all are in need of cosmetologist’s services. In case travelling is not your cup of tea and you would prefer staying in your familiar locality that you should try salons and spas located in the state of your residence. Having gained some practical experience many graduates prefer to start-up their own businesses in the industry of cosmetology services and become self-employed. cosmetology colleges
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