If you like to style hair, put on makeup, or paint nails, you may be interested in a career in the beauty industry. However, good taste and the ability to style your own won't qualify you to work as a cosmetologist – you will need some formal training. Unfortunately, if you are seeking an online cosmetology education, you won't find many options.
How Online Cosmetology Programs Work
To work as a cosmetologist, esthetician, or nail technician you will need to be licensed. Each state has different licensing requirements (see the Beauty Tech - Licensing Requirements page for more information), but most require a certain level of education and/or experience. Some states also require students to pass a practical and/or written exam.
There is an obvious hands-on component to a cosmetology education. Of course, a lot of information can be learned through lecture notes and reading materials, which are easily delivered online, but teaching someone how to cut hair or apply makeup through the Internet isn't easy or practical, so there aren't many online cosmetology programs.
Stratford Career Institute does offer a cosmetology/esthetics career diploma that can be earned at home. Students in this program utilize videos to learn practical applications such as how to cut hair, give manicures and pedicures, and perform facials.
Online Cosmetology Schools
Below are a sampling of schools offering online cosmetology programs:
- Minnesota School of Business/Globe College (Cosmetology Business)
- Milady Online (Licensing Exam Preparation)
- Stonebridge Associated Colleges
- Cosmetology Campus (Continuing Education)
In researching cosmetology schools, you may find discussions about accreditation. Accreditation means that a school has met educational performance standards that have been established by an impartial organization. Of course, schools can offer a good education without being accredited, but not being accredited can affect their ability to offer financial aid.
One of the primary accrediting agencies for cosmetology schools is the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). According to Cliff Culbreath, NACCAS Director of Communications, standards have been set for online cosmetology schools, but “currently, NACCAS does not have any schools offering online education.”
Program Costs
Online cosmetology students will most likely have to pay for classes on their own. However, most programs are very affordable. For example, Stratford Career Institute's cosmetology/esthetics diploma program is less than $700.
Students who need financial aid and are interested in the business of beauty should look into the Minnesota School of Business/Globe College associate's degree in Cosmetology Business. Classes in this program cost $350 per credit hour, but federal and state financial aid is available for qualifying students.
Employment
According to the NACCAS 2003 Job Demand Survey, job prospects for cosmetologists are excellent. The survey, conducted within professional salons and salon chains, showed both a significant growth in the number of salons and salon professionals and reported a virtual zero unemployment rate for licensed salon professionals.
Summary
Teaching the hands-on component of cosmetology over the Internet isn't practical, so there are few online cosmetology education programs. The programs that are available include a cosmetology/esthetics diploma, cosmetology business degree, and continuing education opportunities.
