A cosmetology program can cost anywhere between $6500 to $10,000, depending on if you’re in a rural area or a major metropolitan city respectively. You’re also expected to purchase your own student kits and supplies while trying to obtain a license, so you should factor that in as well.

What To Do After Completing Your Cosmetology/Hairstylist Program?

After completing your program and getting your license approved in the state, you wish to work in, your journey is still not over. Requirements can vary from one state to another. You can start your career early while still in school by taking up a job at a salon as a trainee.

Cosmetology or beauty school students regularly work as shampooers as that requires the least amount of training. This can easily help you score a professional hairstylist job right after graduation.

Cosmetology school graduates also become business owners or self-employed hairstylists who rent space in large salons. You can also apply for employment in salons in the state you will be working in.

A Hairstylist’s Work Environment

Hairstylists can find work at any salon, spa, barbershop, hotel, or resort. They can also get hired in the modeling, television, theater, and movie industry or be self-employed and work on their own time.

Usually, it’s easiest for a hairstylist to start their career and enter the profession by joining a salon where they are given a workstation to work on. They then earn a commission for each customer.

Once you’ve been in the profession for a few years and have been able to set yourself up as a prominent hairstylist sought by a good number of clients, you will eventually only have to pay rent for the workstation instead of paying a commission on a customer-by-customer basis.

You can even move up the ranks to manage a salon for someone. Some hairstylists eventually open up their own salons where their responsibilities may increase.