Are you passionate about all things beauty and want to pursue a career in Cosmetology? Have you been looking for an outlet to tap into your creative side and embrace your artistry? If you answered “Yes!”  then you are in the right place to learn how to become a cosmetologist! The Cosmetology career path you want to pursue, could provide an opportunity to turn your artistry into a beautiful profession! With evolving trends and techniques, you could expand your creativity on a day-to-day basis and bring out the beauty in others. Follow your dreams and become a Cosmetologist through these 3 simple steps!

Get started with a cosmetology program today!

Step1-Enroll in a state approved cosmetology program

A Cosmetology training program is the foundation for your career and could play a huge role in your development and success as a cosmetologist. Finding a state approved training program that can help you achieve your goals is vital. To enroll in most programs you will need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some things you may want to think about when searching for a cosmetology program are:

• Is the school accredited?
• Do the cosmetology training classes offer real-world applications, not just classroom instruction?
• Will I gain experience through hands-on instruction?
• Does the school have a salon where students can practice skills and techniques?
• Are there both day and evening classes offered to fit your schedule?

Step 2-Complete your courses and training hours successfully

Cosmetology training classes are the foundation for your career and could play a huge role in your development and success as a cosmetologist. During your cosmetology training classes, you could learn techniques in hair coloring, permanent waving, hair styling, makeup, and more! These classes could help you decide which areas interest you the most and help you hone that craft. This training could also give you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with actual clients in a student salon. Through hands-on-instruction you could learn the do’s and don’ts of the field.  You want to become a skilled beauty professional, and making the most of your time in your training program can help you achieve your goal. 

How long is cosmetology school?

Typically programs can be completed in a year for full time students, however this may vary from program to program and may take longer depending if a student chooses to attend full time or part time.  It may also vary depending on how the program is structured.

Step 3- Pass your state required licensing exam and become a cosmetologist!

After completing your cosmetology training program you can register to take the licensing exam. Requirements to sit the exam may vary state to state but all states require licensure to become a cosmetologist and most require that you complete a state approved program. The test will include a written portion and possibly a practical skills test or oral exam.(1) 

Your career as a licensed cosmetologist

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the employment of barbers, hair stylists, and cosmetologists to grow 11% from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than the average for all occupations!(2) Cosmetologists play an important role in many businesses and could be found working in the following places:

• Salons
• Spas
• Resorts
• Hotels

 Looking at Cosmetology programs in Michigan?  Consider Dorsey College

At Dorsey College, our experienced instructors could help you with your cosmetology education and prepare you to become a cosmetologist in Michigan. Once you become a cosmetology student, you could begin putting your new skills into practice. These cosmetology training classes could help you gain valuable exposure by giving you the chance to learn in the classroom as well as work with actual clients in our student salon.

Our program requires each student to complete 1,500 hours of training to meet the Michigan state requirements. After successful completion of the program, you could challenge the exam to become a licensed cosmetologist!  Dorsey College has determined that its Cosmetology program curriculum is sufficient to fulfill educational requirements for licensure in the State of Michigan only. No academic determinations have been made for any other state, district, or US territory regarding licensure requirements. 

The Dorsey College Cosmetology program is offered at the Madison Heights campus (main campus) and the Roseville campus (a branch campus of Madison Heights).  

Dorsey School of Beauty in Taylor, Michigan, a sister school of Dorsey College, also offers a cosmetology program.  Dorsey School of Beauty, located in Taylor, MI, is a sister school of Dorsey College.  Dorsey School of Beauty in Taylor, MI is institutionally accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS).

1.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/barbers-hairstylists-and-cosmetologists.htm#tab-4

2.https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/barbers-hairstylists-and-cosmetologists.htm#tab-3