What a Cosmetologist Does

What type of work does a Cosmetologist do?

Cosmetologists, once licensed, can perform a variety of hairstyling and beauty services including (but not limited to) shampooing, cutting, styling, and coloring hair. Cosmetologists may also apply make-up, provide facial treatments, perform hair removal services, and provide nail and skin care services. In addition, cosmetologists can also schedule client appointments, operate cash registers to accept payment from clients, update and maintain client information, and keep their workstation and tools clean and sanitized.

Where do Cosmetologists work?

Cosmetologists, once licensed, traditionally work in salons but some may also work in a spa, hotel, or resort.

Will I be able to find a job?

It’s important to note that no school can guarantee employment. Here at Dorsey College, we offer career services assistance to all completers of the Cosmetology program, however, job placement is not guaranteed by Dorsey College. You can learn more about the assistance our Career Services team offers by visiting our Career Services for Students and Graduates page.

How much can I expect to make as a Cosmetologist?

Here are some helpful websites that will allow you to view information on Wages & Employment trends:

Are there other jobs I may be able to obtain as a Cosmetologist?

Cosmetologists, once licensed, may work under other various titles such as Stylist, Cosmetologist, Hairdresser, Hairstylist, Stylist, and Nail Technician. When looking at any position, it’s important to evaluate the duties of the position along with the required skills and knowledge to determine if a candidate may meet the requirements set forth by the employer.

How is a Cosmetologist different from other professionals in the Beauty industry?

Cosmetologists may perform a variety of services to clients hair, nails, make-up, and skin. Some beauty professionals may be more specialized in the work they perform and may only perform selected services.

Are there other career opportunities for Cosmetologists?

Some may choose to use a career as a Cosmetologist as an entryway into the beauty field. It would not be uncommon for a Cosmetologist to work in the field to gain experience to grow their skills and/or responsibilities. Some may also choose to go back to school to further their education and/or strengthen their credentials.

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Becoming a Cosmetologist

How might I determine if this is a good career choice for me?

In choosing any career, it’s important that someone look at a variety of factors, some of which include:

  • Can I see myself doing the work that this position/occupation performs and am I going to be happy performing those tasks in that type of work setting?
  • Do I have the skills/traits/characteristics that one may need to be successful in a position like this?
  • How is the employment outlook/trends for this position?

I have no experience in the beauty field – can I really do this?

You can! Many cosmetologists have little to no experience prior to beginning their training. That’s why it’s very important for someone interested in becoming a cosmetologist to evaluate their school and training options closely.

What type of training is needed?

Cosmetologists typically attend a post-secondary school or institution to obtain training. Many of these programs lead to a certificate or a diploma and as mentioned previously, typically take around one year to complete. Most states require candidates to complete their training at a state approved school in order to pursue licensure so it’s important for candidates to understand the licensure guidelines/procedures for their specific state as well as ensure their training school meets those requirements. It’s also important to note that since Cosmetologists work very closely with the public and the services they provide are very “hands-on,” it can be advantageous to a student to choose a program that has strong instructional and practical components so they can “learn by doing.”

Dorsey College has determined that its Cosmetology program curriculum is sufficient to fulfill educational requirements for licensure in the State of Michigan only. No educational determinations have been made for any other state, district or US territory in regards to licensure requirements.

How long do I have to go to school?

The length of Cosmetology programs may vary state by state, however, in most instances, full-time Cosmetology programs usually take at least 9-months to complete. In the State of Michigan, Cosmetology training programs must be at least 1500 hours of training. The Dorsey College Cosmetology program is a 1500 hour program and is designed to be completed in just over one year.

What are important characteristics for Cosmetologists to have?

While this isn’t a full list of important characteristics, Cosmetologists should have good communication and customer service skills, listening skills, time management skills, creativity, and tidiness. If you’re lacking in one or more of these areas, it doesn’t necessarily mean you wouldn’t be a good Cosmetologist, and it may be an area you wish to focus on as part of your training.

Is Certification/Licensure required to obtain employment as a Cosmetologist?

Yes, all states require Cosmetologists to be licensed in order to obtain gainful employment in the field. Requirements may vary state to state, so it’s important to know the requirements in the state in which you desire to pursue employment. States usually require candidates to complete their training at a State approved/licensed school. Upon graduating from a state approved school, candidates are usually required to take a licensing exam. The licensing exam contains a written and usually a practical component as well. In order to assist our graduates, Dorsey College will pay the cost one time for graduates of the cosmetology program to challenge the state licensure exam, contingent upon the graduate meeting Dorsey College’s exam preparation requirements.

Dorsey College has determined that its Cosmetology program curriculum is sufficient to fulfill educational requirements for licensure in the State of Michigan only.  No educational determinations have been made for any other state, district or US territory in regards to licensure requirements.

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The Dorsey College Cosmetology program

What will be covered in the program?

The Dorsey College Cosmetology program offers instruction in both a classroom setting as well as a hands-on environment by way of the student salon at Dorsey College. Students enrolled in the Cosmetology program will be exposed to a variety of topics including (but not limited to):

  • Art Principles
  • Hair Styling
  • Hair Cutting and Shaping
  • Hair Coloring
  • Thermal Waving and Curling
  • Permanent Waving
  • Chemical Relaxing
  • Shampooing
  • Manicuring
  • Scalp and Facial Treatments
  • Shop Management
  • Infection Control
  • Law and Ethics
  • And more…!

Is your program hands-on?

Yes! Cosmetology students at will have opportunities to practice the skills they are learning at Dorsey College.

What’s the student salon and why is that important?

Dorsey College’s beauty school locations operate a fully functioning salon where Senior Students in the Cosmetology program (while supervised) can practice and apply the skills they have learned throughout their program on members of the public, who may be charged for the services rendered by students. This hands-on experience affords students the opportunity to continue to enhance their skills while gaining exposure to real-world occupational settings that cosmetologists may be exposed to once licensed and working in the field.

How long is the program?

The Dorsey College Cosmetology program is a 1500 hour program that is designed to be completed in just over one year. Actual completion time may vary student to student.

Who are the instructors?

Our instructors are caring individuals that possess experience and expertise in their respective field. Our instructors meet or exceed State of Michigan and accreditation criteria, guidelines, and qualifications. It’s not uncommon for students of Dorsey College to see their instructors as their coach and mentor throughout their studies.

Which Dorsey College campuses offer the Cosmetology program?

The Cosmetology program is offered at the following Dorsey College campus locations:

 

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).  To learn more about Dorsey School of Beauty in Taylor, MI you can click here.

How do I enroll?

If you’re interested in enrolling in the Cosmetology program at Dorsey College, the first step you should take is meeting with one of our Admissions Representatives.  Request information online and a member of our team will be back in touch with you shortly.  You can read more about our Admissions process and program-specific admissions information on our Admissions information page.

Does your program include licensure?

While actual licensure is not included in the curriculum of the Dorsey College Cosmetology program, graduates may go on to challenge the licensure exam.  In order to assist our graduates, Dorsey College will pay the cost one time for graduates of the cosmetology program to challenge the state licensure exam, contingent upon the graduate meeting Dorsey College’s exam preparation requirements.

Dorsey College has determined that its Cosmetology program curriculum is sufficient to fulfill educational requirements for licensure in the State of Michigan only.  No educational determinations have been made for any other state, district or US territory in regards to licensure requirements.

Will your program prepare me for licensure?

The Dorsey College Cosmetology program is designed to prepare students to go on to challenge a licensure exam.

Dorsey College has determined that its Cosmetology program curriculum is sufficient to fulfill educational requirements for licensure in the State of Michigan only.  No educational determinations have been made for any other state, district or US territory in regards to licensure requirements.

Is your school accredited?

Yes! Dorsey College is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.  This applies to the Madison Heights campus (which serves as the main campus) and the Roseville campus (which is a branch campus location of Madison Heights).  Contact information for the Council on Occupational Education is as follows: 7840 Roswell Road, Building 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, GA 30350, telephone: 770-396-3898 / FAX: 770-396-3790, www.council.org.

What is the tuition and fees for the program?

The current tuition and fees for the Dorsey College Cosmetology program at the Madison Heights, MI (Main campus) and Roseville, MI (a branch campus of Madison Heights) can be accessed by clicking here.

What is included in my tuition?

In addition to program instruction, tuition includes books, supplies, a cosmetology program kit, and a uniform.

Is Financial Aid available?

Financial Aid is available to those who qualify. For additional information on Financial Aid and Tuition Assistance, we would encourage you to visit our Financial Aid Information page.

Can you help me find a job after graduation?

Dorsey College offers Career Services assistance to all program completers, however, job placement is not guaranteed by Dorsey College. You can learn more about the assistance our Career Services team offers by visiting our Career Services for Students and Graduates page.

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Additional Information

For your reference, we’ve included the links below of several very helpful websites where you can learn more about Cosmetologists, info pertaining to Jobs as a Cosmetologist, the work Cosmetologits do, etc.:

Michigan Occupational Wage Information: http://milmi.org/?PAGEID=67&SUBID=124

O*Net Online: http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/39-5012.00