What is Cosmetology?
Cosmetology is the study and application of beauty treatments. The most common cosmetology career choice is hairdresser or hair stylist. Cosmetology careers are well suited to individuals with creative flair, who enjoy working with their hands and the public, and who enjoy establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships. Relationship building is a key characteristic for success in cosmetology in that these careers rely upon repeat customers and word of mouth for attracting new ones. In addition, work in the field of cosmetology requires exceptional communication and listening skills, attention to detail, and the ability to stand or sit (depending upon the specialty – hairdresser vs. manicurist) for long periods of time.
During your time at our cosmetology school, we put a spotlight on you to ensure every step of your education generates the kind of excitement and passion for which Chris Venesky at VskiSalon has become known in his nearly twenty five years influencing the beauty industry. With an emphasis on career building, we don't just produce highly-skilled hairdressers; our beauty school will produce entrepreneurs who are in control of their careers.
Education, Training, and Licensing
There is no substitute for education. The South Carolina Board of Cosmetology regulates licensing in the State of South Carolina. In order to gain a license in cosmetology in South Carolina you must be 16 years of age, have attended a licensed school, completed the minimum required training hours (varies per specialty), and pass the state’s cosmetology board exams.
The cost and time it takes to obtain a diploma in cosmetology will depend upon the specialty. A general cosmetology diploma (which includes classes in hairdressing, manicure, pedicure, and skincare) takes on average one year to complete and costs around $15,000 in tuition and fees. For those who know the specialty they want to focus on the cost and time it takes will be substantially less. An education to become a manicurist/pedicurist takes 5 months to complete and costs an average of $4,500 and a diploma in skincare takes about 6 months to complete and costs an average of $8,300.
Each program helps students to develop their technical skills as well as provide information that will help them to develop professionally. In addition to the hands-on training offered at cosmetologist schools, they often include education in customer care and customer relations because these are incredibly important parts of the profession. Additional courses can include training on how to own and operate your own business.
Once you have completed your education in cosmetology or desired specialty you must obtain a license to work in South Carolina. The South Carolina Department of Business and Professional Regulation LLR website lists license application and exam requirements as well as sample questions and references to better prepare you for taking the exam. The exam itself consists of two portions – written theory and written clinical. Both portions consist of 100 multiple choice questions total based on the various subject areas covered in your education. The theory portion includes questions about general safety and sanitation, client services, and professional and legal laws and rules. The clinical portion includes questions about hair coloring and lightening, scalp and hair care, and styling. The fee for taking the initial cosmetology exam is $99. For more information on licensing requirement visit www.VskiSalon.com.
Overall job opportunities for barbers, hairdressers and cosmetologists are expected to be good according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. New job openings will come from the need to replace workers transferring to other occupations or retiring. However, competition for jobs in the best paying salons and competition for the highest paying customers will also be high.
The demand for manicurists and pedicurists in particular will grow quickly. New nail services including mini sessions and mobile manicures has driven this demand and increased employment opportunities. More salons and spas are opening their doors and more malls and department stores are offering these services. Opportunities for skincare specialists are expected to grow 25% from 2010 to 2020 – faster than the average for all occupations. This increase is due to new services such as mini facials and mobile services. Additionally, a growing number of women and men are looking for ways to reduce the effects of the environment and aging on their appearance.
Ready to move forward towards a career in cosmetology? Contact us today!
The Future Outlook For Cosmetologists