What You Need to Know About Starting Cosmetology School As a Teen
The “traditional” college experience is no longer the default choice for good reasons. Instead, many high school students are looking for alternatives that offer hands-on training, a shorter program length and the ability to earn money quickly while you train. Additionally, high schoolers are looking for educational opportunities that offer the rewarding experience of turning their passions into careers. Vocational schools like cosmetology school offer all of this in spades, and for teens with an interest in or passion for the beauty industry, the barrier to getting started is excitingly low. In fact, you may even be able to get started on your cosmetology training as a high schooler.
What Classes Are Required for Cosmetology in High School?
If you are interested in pursuing a career in cosmetology or esthetics after high school, there are classes you can take within your high school curriculum to prepare you for what you will learn in your trade coursework after graduation.
Chemistry and Biology Classes
It may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about cosmetology and the beauty industry, but a strong foundation in science will make the learning curve much easier to manage when you attend cosmetology school. Chemistry classes will help you better understand hair color and treatments, while biology classes will help you understand anatomy better if esthetics are more your speed. Either way, taking science classes in high school will give you a working knowledge that will become part of your everyday experience as a cosmetology student.
Art Courses
For many students with a passion for the beauty industry, artistry is a big part of what draws them to it. Taking art courses throughout your high school career will give you a major leg up when you officially start your career in cosmetology. Art classes offer a foundation in color theory, design, composition and more that will become critical elements of your profession. Additionally, art classes cultivate your creative muscles through various applications and techniques that will translate well to your cosmetology craft.
Math and Business
Another perhaps surprising choice, math and business classes can be an aspiring cosmetologist’s greatest asset. If your high school offers math courses with an emphasis on economics or business classes that emphasize client communication skills, these are excellent choices for any student with beauty industry ambitions. Especially if your dreams include opening or running your own salon or spa someday, understanding how to set prices within the current market and how to talk to and upsell clients are invaluable skills.
What Age Can You Start Cosmetology School?
The age at which you can apply to a cosmetology program will vary depending on where you are located and what school you plan to attend. Tricoci University of Beauty Culture has campuses in Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana. If you are considering joining the TUBC family, here’s what you need to know about age requirements in those states.
- In Illinois, applicants must be 16 years of age by the first day of classes.
- In Wisconsin and Indiana, students must be 18 years of age by the time they complete the program. This is due to age requirements for the licensure examination in both states.
Additionally, it is important to note that teens interested in starting a career in cosmetology early still must have a high school diploma, high school transcripts of completion or a GED certificate before they can attend a cosmetology program.
If you’re interested in getting started on your path to becoming a cosmetologist before you graduate high school, there are still options for you.
Beauty School for High School Students: Get a Head Start
There are a number of ways to get involved in the beauty industry before you enroll as a student in a cosmetology program. First and foremost, take the time to research which schools offer the breadth and depth of training you are looking for. Finding a school that aligns with your personal beauty interests is incredibly important. For example, not all schools offer training across a variety of diverse and textured hair types like Tricoci, so be sure to look into nearby programs before it’s time to apply.
Prepare for Cosmetology School
Beyond the electives you choose in your high school curriculum, you can prepare for your future in cosmetology school by applying for financial aid. Whether it’s the FAFSA, grants and scholarships specific to beauty school or other financing options, there are many avenues of support available to you.
It’s important to note that if you are considered a dependent by FAFSA’s standards, your parent(s) will be required to assist with the application.
For FAFSA purposes, a student is considered a dependent if they meet these criteria:
- Younger than 24 years
- Not married
- Does not have children that they financially support
- Not an active-duty military member or veteran
Our financial aid coordinators can assist with any questions about this or other financial aid opportunities you may have. There may be other cases that affect the student dependency status.
Work At a Salon
Working in a salon environment is a great way to better understand what your daily life might look like after you graduate. Talk to local salons and see if there are any openings as a part-time receptionist, assistant, shampoo technician, social media coordinator or retail associate.
Once you’re in the door, take time to get to know the colorists, stylists, estheticians, makeup artists and more. Find a mentor who is willing to share their knowledge with you as you prepare for your own course of study. You might be surprised by what you find working in a salon environment. Maybe you thought cuts and colors would be your ideal path, but you find that styling has more of what you love, or perhaps your original intent to become a makeup artist transforms into a love of all things skin care.
Getting real, hands-on experience in the working environment you hope to pursue a career in is worth its weight in gold.
Build Your Passion-Fueled Future With Tricoci
If you are a high school student who has beauty industry aspirations, the team at Tricoci University of Beauty Culture is here to help you pave the way to your passion. Learn about each of our available programs on our website or contact us to start your cosmetology training today.