Hair school, or more formally cosmetology school, is the first step toward a fulfilling career cutting, coloring, styling, and treating hair. In order to get licensed, you need to graduate from a state-licensed training program and meet a specific number of theory and practical hours. Aside from this, however, there are numerous additional benefits to a formal cosmetology education that make it not only something you need, but want.
So, let’s explore what makes hair school worth it.
Comprehensive Education
Not only will you learn everything there is to know about the artistry of hair care, coloring, and styling, you’ll also delve into the science behind it and the business side of the beauty industry—from putting together a business plan and building your client base, to communication, marketing, and client retention. Typical curriculums include:
- Haircutting techniques
- Hairstyling and product knowledge
- Hair coloring and the principles of color
- Chemical texture applications
- Professional development
- Salon business best practices
- Bacteria and infection control
- License requirements
While hair is often the primary focus of cosmetology training, you can also expect courses in skincare, makeup application, and nail care.
Real-World Experience
A vital part of hair school is the practical application component. Under the careful supervision of your instructors, you’ll use your newly acquired knowledge to perform a range of services in an actual salon environment. Not only will this develop your skills and build confidence, but it allows you to engage with clients and understand the nuance that goes into building these relationships—earning clients’ trust, providing recommendations, and most importantly, making sure they feel like they’re being listened to and taken care of.
Finding the Right Fit
A cosmetology education spans multiple areas of beauty services, giving you the chance to discover what you like and excel at on a deeper level. Within the hair concentration alone, you’ll be familiarized with cutting, styling, coloring, and chemically treating hair, allowing you to better determine what you want to specialize in professionally.
Program Length
How long does it take to finish hair school? Well, it depends.
Because cosmetology training is so comprehensive, it will generally take longer to complete than other beauty school concentrations like esthetics and massage therapy. The number of training hours your state requires for cosmetology licensure, as well as the type of schedule you choose, will factor into the length of your program.
In Iowa, for example, you need 2,100 training hours in order to receive your cosmetology license. If you attend school full-time, or 40 hours a week, you can be finished in a little more than a year. If you opt for a part-time schedule of 20 or 30 hours per week, it’ll take you about a year and a half to two years to complete training.
Promising Job Outlook
One of the most convincing arguments for attending cosmetology school and pursuing a career in hairstyling is the trade’s highly desirable job outlook. Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for barbers, hair stylists, and cosmetologists are expected to grow by 11% over the next 10 years.
These roles—as well as hair colorists, event stylists, and hair texture or treatment specialists—will always be in demand, and they can’t be replaced by automation or artificial intelligence the way jobs in other industries are headed. They’re always going to require individuals with specialized skills—skills which can only be acquired in cosmetology school.
In addition to job security, many of these roles offer flexible schedules outside of the typical 9-5 working hours, as well as high earning potential if you’re great at what you do. One way to ensure that, of course, is by attending an accredited cosmetology training program.
Get Your Beauty Career Started at PCI Academy
Now that you know why attending hair school is worth it, it’s time to choose the right one and kick-start your hair styling career. With PCI Academy, you’re getting a high-quality, comprehensive education that’ll equip you with the knowledge, experience, and skills you need to thrive in the industry. We offer flexible full-time and part-time course schedules, as well as financial assistance, job placement support, and free continuing education so you’re always on your A game at any stage in your professional career.
Contact us today to get your questions answered or schedule a tour at one of our campuses. Already made up your mind? Apply now to begin your cosmetology or esthetics training!