| Do you watch television shows or movies and pay | | | | for a cosmetology school - a specialized training |
| more attention to hairstyles more than plotlines? Do all | | | | center that'll teach you everything you need to know |
| your friends call you up before formal events to ask | | | | about a career in hairstyling. It's like college for |
| for help doing their hair? Do you simply have a knack | | | | hairstylists. And it's just as much of a challenge; |
| for cutting hair? | | | | depending on where you go, you'll have to take |
| If the answer to any of these questions is "yes," then | | | | somewhere between 1,000 and 2,000 hours of |
| you may want to give serious thought to pursuing a | | | | classes in order to graduate. |
| career in hairstyling. Here are a few steps to consider | | | | Check your state's requirements. Depending on where |
| when planning such a career. | | | | you live, you may need to spend some time as an |
| Are you still in high school? If you are, check your | | | | apprentice to an established hairstylist. Some other |
| school district's website. Does it have a | | | | states require cosmetology students to take both a |
| vocational-technical school (often called a vo-tech | | | | written exam and hands-on practical test to graduate. |
| school) where you can take styling classes? If so, you | | | | And some states demand periodic renewals of your |
| may be able to work those classes into your general | | | | cosmetology license. Familiarize yourself with your |
| curriculum. The purpose of a vo-tech school is to | | | | state's laws before you start your journey, just so you |
| provide valuable career training at the high school level, | | | | know what you're in for. |
| so students can learn marketable skills alongside | | | | Think about where you want to work. Many stylists |
| typical high school subjects like history, language arts | | | | begin their careers in salons; that's where the lion's |
| and math. | | | | share of demand is. After that, it's anyone's guess. |
| But what if your school doesn't have a vo-tech | | | | Some stay in salons. Others go back to cosmetology |
| program? Or what if it has one, but it doesn't offer | | | | school as teachers. Some find their way onto film sets |
| hairstyling or cosmetology classes? Don't worry -- you | | | | and television shows - jobs that pay very well. And |
| may be able to take those classes at a local | | | | some manage to find jobs as personal stylist to |
| community college. The downside is that you might not | | | | politicians, celebrities or other high-profile personalities. |
| get school credit for them, meaning you'll have to take | | | | Network! Taking cosmetology classes is a great |
| the classes on your own time. But check with your | | | | opportunity to start making the kinds of friends and |
| school -- you might be able to work out a deal. | | | | contacts that'll last your whole career. But don't stop |
| Out of high school, or about to graduate? Start looking | | | | networking - it's how you'll find the best jobs. |