How to Enroll in Beauty Schools?

Generally, a course of study leading to certification as a beautician can be completed in about one year through private beauty schools. However, there are some colleges that offer a two year associate of arts Cosmetology program. Some colleges have taken it further and offer bachelors and masters degrees in cosmetology, but these are few and are located mostly in Europe. Some of the biggest private beauty schools are Marinello, John Paul Mitchell, and Avedra.

Cosmetology is the term used for the overall study of beauty, and it encompasses all the sub-categories of beauty expertise from hair styling to manicures to Skin Care esthetics. In most beauty schools, a student will learn the basics of all these areas. After state licensing to practice as a beautician a student can take further studies in any of the separate specialties of cosmetology. Many beauty schools, such as Marinello Schools, offer additional coursework in spa therapy, make-up, barbering or hot wax application.

Hair cutting and styling is the foundation of cosmetology programs. The student learns how to cut hair for a style most suitable for the client, based on the client’s face shape, hair thickness and hair qualities. Hair coloring and hair sculpting as well as pinned up hair styles are taught. Straightening, braiding, and hair extension application are also part of hair instructions. Manicure training can take from just a few weeks as a specialty or longer if the application of acrylic nails is being taught. Precautions with regard to the preservation of the health of natural nails in the application of the acrylic nails is stressed.

Esthetics involves training for skin improvement, and includes the use of various facials, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion, hair removal by waxing or threading, and treatment for skin blotches and uneven coloration. Reduction of the size of pores by cleansing of blackheads and skin refinement by exfoliation using scrubs or chemicals are methods that students learn in beauty schools. A student in beauty school may also study theatrical make-up. This is essential if the career goal is to work with movie and theater companies. The make-up techniques for stage and film productions create much more dramatic effects that are necessary for being on camera or under bright lights. The methods used by Japanese, Egyptian, European, and Chinese make-up professionals and special effects professionals are taught at some entertainment focused beauty schools.