What’s the difference between a cosmetology school and beauty schools? It depends largely on what you choose to study. Some beauty schools will include specific programs devoted to teaching you to be a hairstylist, for example, or other related programs. Other schools are essentially independent, distinct entities from traditional beauty or cosmetology schools, with separate curriculum and no common connection to hair styling programs. Still Beauty Schools in Colorado Springs are part of a larger institution, such as universities or community colleges.
Beauty academy programs offer either continuing education credits or certification after graduation. Continuing education can help a cosmetologist or makeup artist keep their license as they continue to work, while certification ensures the continuing education as well as advanced skills in their field. Both kinds of programs are approved by the state. The beauty academies that offer continuing education credits generally require that the student complete a specified number of hours before being able to take a test.
Most cosmetology academies also have vocational programs, which combine technical experience with classroom instruction. In some cases, students choose to further their education and choose a career path that further prepares them. That could mean choosing an internship or pursuing a particular course of study, such as industrial or commercial cleaning. Some beauty schools offer intensive vocational programs to train students for specific job positions, such as beauty industry-specific training, emergency first aid or other medical procedures, or paralegal work.
A cosmetology school may also include general education programs that teach students basic hairstyling, skin care, makeup application, chemical agents, and personal hygiene. Some academies offer specialized certification programs on cosmetology, nail technology, skincare, and spa management. Courses in cosmetology training can be completed over two years, but some allow students to complete the program in as little as one year.
Students in beauty schools need to be prepared to provide proof of their training upon enrollment. This often involves a portfolio of previous work and a list of assignments. Many training academies require potential students to submit a sample exam or written statement detailing their training, education, and abilities. These are often given to potential students at the beginning of the training program and reviewed periodically by the beauty schools’ instructors. Training graduates are often required to take a second exam, also offered by many academies, to verify their new status.
Barber schools, or hair salons, provide extensive training in manicures, coloring, hair styling, and cutting. The training programs offered vary widely, depending on the size and specific needs of the salon. Some barber schools include a one-year certificate course, while others offer a two or four-year program. Barber school programs offered by colleges usually consist of one or two semesters and are intended to train students to manage various hair-related tasks. Some vocational schools’ programs are typically part of a larger professional training program and focus on hairstyling only.
Certification requirements for cosmetology training vary from state to state. Most cosmetology schools require that potential students pass state-approved cosmetology examination courses. These include written and practical examinations. Before beginning training at a beauty academy, students should also be required to participate in training in technical areas most important to the field, such as nail technology. This helps to ensure a well-trained technician is available should clientele need to request additional services.
Beauty schools often offer job placement assistance after the student has completed their training and certification. They often recommend potential candidates to local salons as well as companies in which they have a contract. Cosmetologists are expected to be licensed, but some states allow cosmetologists to work under names that do not reflect their true name, such as “Tina,” “Samantha,” or “Sue.” This practice is referred to as masquerading. Salon owners who allow disguised employees to perform hair care services risk having business licenses revoked, as beauty schools frequently refer clients to salons instead of providing full-time employment opportunities.