Students of any age with an interest in hair, makeup, skin care, and other aspects of the beauty industry may wish to turn this passion into a career by attending cosmetology and esthetician trade schools. The field of cosmetology can include many different specific occupations, which you can choose to specialize in. These include barbers, skin care specialists, nail technicians, and hairstylists. The length of each program will depend on what you choose to focus on. For example, training programs in hair styling can last for a year or longer, while a manicurist training program may only last a couple of months.

It's helpful to first take a look at all the various tasks that a cosmetologist might perform, to determine if this is a career field that you might be interested in. The top cosmetology and esthetician trade schools will prepare you for the following tasks. Cosmetologists are responsible for cutting, trimming, and shaping hair, as well as bleaching and highlighting it. They might attach wigs or hairpieces to customers, and work on putting in hair extensions according to specifications. Working with synthetic hair or real hair, they must be ready to put their own special design on it and shape the hair in a flattering way.

During this same process, a cosmetologist or esthetician will massage the scalp and treat it for medical or relaxation purposes. If there are scalp health issues, the cosmetologist will advise the customer as to what to do about this, to prevent dandruff and other problems. The best cosmetology and esthetician trade schools will have a heavy emphasis on hygiene, which is essential in a beauty parlor environment. In addition to hair and scalp care, these professionals may also help with skin care recommendations, applying facials, cosmetics, and restorative creams to the customer's skin. Hair removal, manicures, pedicures, and other spa treatments may also be included in the duties performed by a well-trained esthetician.

To get started with learning all of these various skills, it's best to attend cosmetology and esthetician trade schools. These offer courses online as well as in practice hair salons. Most require that entrants be 16 years old to begin this type of program, and some will also require a high school diploma as a prerequisite. Training programs can last anywhere from three months to two years, culminating in a certificate or Associate's degree. Cosmetologists must be licensed to enter the job force. The courses offered through these trade schools help prepare students to take state-administered exams.

Upon completion of the training programs at cosmetology and esthetician trade schools, cosmetologists may find work in a salon or barber shop. Others will decide to become image consultants, sales representatives, or personal stylists. With added experience, most cosmetologists start to gain their own following of dedicated clients, leading them to be able to start their own practice. These are just a few areas of the work force that licensed cosmetologists are eligible for, so it's worth exploring all the options of the beauty industry.