PA Dept of Education | CIP Code 12.0401

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 includes 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, 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.

A cosmetology student, should have a desire to work with the public, a willingness to follow client instructions, and 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, 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