The beauty industry has a lot of opportunities for licensed professionals! While many potential beauty professionals may feel that their career is put on hold, it’s still a good time to consider beauty school. If you want to get the process started, here is a step-by-step guide on how you can pursue an education in beauty.

1. Find the Right School

In Pennsylvania, you must have a license to provide hair coloring, makeup, manicures, and pedicures. To get that license, you have to get the right education. When looking for a school, you should find one that is:

Finding the right school can help set you up for success. At American Barber and Beauty Academy, we are passionate about preparing our students for their careers, which is why a big focus on our curriculum includes both the technical skills and a foundation on how to market yourself as a beauty professional.

What Do You Need to Apply

Often, the first step to apply to a school is to schedule a tour of our location or other schools you are considering. As part of that tour, you can get an inside look at the facilities, learn more about financial aid*, and ask any questions you have about the school or the program you’re interested in.

During your tour, you can also start the application process and gather what you need. Each school requires different things, so make sure you ask what you need during your tour! As part of the application process at American Barber and Beauty Academy, you can expect to:

  • Complete an enrollment agreement
  • Prove you are at least 16 years old with an ID
  • Submit evidence that you have graduated from high school or an equivalent, like a GED

*Financial aid is available to those who qualify.

2. Meet State Requirements

There is more than just completing an approved cosmetology program in Pennsylvania. The state of Pennsylvania also requires licensed cosmetologists to:

  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Have at least a 10th grade education or its equivalent
  • Complete a minimum of 1,250 hours of cosmetology courses

What Can You Expect To Learn in Cosmetology School?

During your time at cosmetology school, you can expect to learn how to provide a variety of services for hair, skin, and nails. Some of the things you can learn as part of our cosmetology curriculum at American Barber and Beauty Academy are:

  • Haircutting
  • Hair treatments
  • Hairstyling
  • Chemical texturizing
  • Permanent waving
  • Hair coloring
  • Skincare and facials
  • Manicures and pedicures
  • Temporary hair removal
  • Makeup

After you’ve completed a 1,250-hour program, it’s time to move on to the final step before getting your license!

Washing a woman's hair

3. Sit for the State Board

The state of Pennsylvania requires you to sit for a state exam to prove to the state that you can provide the services you learned during your time at beauty school. This state board exam discusses the theory you learned on sanitation, styling techniques, and more.

When getting ready for the test, make sure to get your application packet ready, which may include a recent Criminal History Records Check and transcripts showing that you’ve completed the required cosmetology hours.

4. Find Your Career

After you get your cosmetology license, it’s time to pursue a career you can love! Licensed cosmetologists can work in many different places, including:

  • Hair salons
  • Spas
  • Cruise ships
  • Nail salons
  • And more!

What’s So Great About Being a Cosmetologist?

One of the biggest benefits of becoming a cosmetologist is the freedom to set your own schedule or choose where you want to work. You can choose to work in a salon or open your own salon. Some of the other advantages of choosing an education in cosmetology is:

  • You can help people
  • Your career allows you to keep learning
  • You can be an artist

Start Your Education in Cosmetology

If you are ready to take the next steps and find the cosmetology program for you, get the conversation started at American Barber and Beauty Academy. We are opening brand new facilities to create a professional learning environment for our new cosmetology and esthetician programs and our tried-and-true barbering program.