The course in Cosmetology is a scientific study of beauty culture. The student will learn the care of the hair, skin, and fingernails. Hands-on skill work will include hair styling, permanent waving, hair cutting, highlighting or hair tinting, hair setting, scalp treatments, removal of superfluous hair, thermal waving and curling, chemical hair relaxing, skin care and make-up. Manicuring will include basic manicures, french tips, nail art, sculptured nails, acrylic overlays, and nail tips.

Upon graduation from the Cosmetology program at the GACTC, a student can take a state licensing examination. This examination is divided into two areas focusing on knowledge with a written test and on skill level with a practical test. All states require cosmetologists and nail technicians to be licensed through the participating state they are practicing in.

As a cosmetology student, you should have an interest in fashion, art, and technical design. A desire to work with the public and be willing to follow client instructions is a key communication skill as well as a positive attitude and self image.

Cosmetologists work in clean, pleasant surroundings with good lighting and ventilation. Full time employment is generally 40 hours a week including evening and weekend hours.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the overall employment within the beauty industry is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2014, because of an increase in population, rising incomes, and growing demand for personal appearance services.

Occupational Profile: For information on this occupation’s description, required knowledge, job tasks and related job titles, state and national wages, and employment trends, visit the U.S. Dept. of Labor’s site for this career field at:      http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/39-5012.00