Become a Cosmetologist | Cosmetology Schools Northwood NH

How to Choose a Cosmetologist School near Northwood New Hampshire

nail technicians training at Northwood NH beauty schoolOnce you have made a decision to become a cosmetologist and attend a beauty school near Northwood NH, the task starts to search for and enroll in the best school. It’s imperative that the school you pick not only furnishes the necessary training for the specialty you have chosen, but also prepares you for passing the licensing exam. When you start your initial search, you may be rather confused about the difference between beauty schools and cosmetology schools. Well don’t be, because the names are essentially interchangeable and both relate to the same type of school. We’ll talk a bit further about that in the upcoming segment. If you anticipate commuting to classes you will need to find a school that is within driving distance of your Northwood home. Tuition will additionally be a critical aspect when evaluating potential schools. Just remember that because a school is the nearest or the cheapest it’s not always the best option. There are many other considerations that you should weigh when comparing schools, for instance their reputation and accreditation. We will review what questions you should ask regarding the cosmetology schools you are thinking about later in this article. Before we do, let’s talk a little bit about what cosmetology is, and what kinds of training programs are available.

Definition of Cosmetology

Northwood NH makeup ar4tist applying makeupCosmetology is a profession that is everything about making the human body look more beautiful through the use of cosmetics. So naturally it makes sense that a number of cosmetology schools are referred to as beauty schools. Most of us think of makeup when we hear the term cosmetics, but actually a cosmetic may be almost anything that enhances the appearance of a person’s skin, hair or nails. In order to work as a cosmetologist, the majority of states require that you take some type of specialized training and then be licensed. Once you are licensed, the work environments include not only Northwood NH beauty salons and barber shops, but also such venues as spas, hotels and resorts. Many cosmetologists, after they have gotten experience and a clientele, launch their own shops or salons. Others will start seeing customers either in their own residences or will go to the client’s house, or both. Cosmetology college graduates are known by many titles and are employed in a wide variety of specializations including:

  • Hairdressers
  • Hairstylists
  • Beauticians
  • Barbers
  • Manicurists
  • Nail Technicians
  • Makeup Artists
  • Hair Coloring Specialists
  • Estheticians
  • Electrolysis Technicians

As formerly mentioned, in most states practicing cosmetologists have to be licensed. In a few states there is an exemption. Only those performing more skilled services, for example hairstylists, are required to be licensed. Other people working in cosmetology and less skilled, which include shampooers, are not required to be licensed in those states.

Cosmetology Degrees and Certificates

Northwood NH hairdresser cutting hairThere are primarily two options available to get cosmetology training and a credential upon completion. You can enroll in a certificate (or diploma) course, or you can work toward an Associate’s degree. Certificate programs typically take 12 to 18 months to complete, while an Associate’s degree usually takes about 2 years. If you enroll in a certificate program you will be instructed in all of the main areas of cosmetology. Briefer programs are offered if you prefer to focus on just one area, such as hair coloring. A degree program will also probably include management and marketing training to ensure that graduates are better prepared to operate a parlor or other Northwood NH business. More advanced degrees are not common, but Bachelor and Master’s degree programs are available in such specializations as salon or spa management. Whatever type of training program you go with, it’s essential to make sure that it’s recognized by the New Hampshire Board of Cosmetology. Many states only certify schools that are accredited by certain highly regarded organizations, for example the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS). We will examine the advantages of accreditation for the school you select in the upcoming segment.

Online Cosmetology Schools

student attending cosmetology school online in Northwood NHOnline beauty schools are accommodating for Northwood NH students who are employed full time and have family responsibilities that make it difficult to enroll in a more traditional school. There are many web-based beauty school programs available that can be accessed by means of a desktop computer or laptop at the student’s convenience. More traditional cosmetology programs are frequently fast paced because many courses are as short as 6 or 8 months. This means that a significant portion of time is spent in the classroom. With online courses, you are covering the same volume of material, but you are not spending many hours away from your home or travelling to and from classes. However, it’s vital that the training program you select can provide internship training in local salons and parlors so that you also receive the hands-on training needed for a comprehensive education. Without the internship portion of the training, it’s difficult to gain the skills needed to work in any facet of the cosmetology industry. So don’t forget if you choose to enroll in an online school to verify that internship training is available in your area.

What to Ask Beauty Degree Programs

Questions to ask Northwood NH beauty schoolsFollowing is a list of questions that you will want to look into for any beauty training school you are contemplating. As we have already discussed, the location of the school relative to your Northwood NH home, as well as the expense of tuition, will undoubtedly be your initial qualifiers. Whether you wish to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will probably be next on your list. But once you have reduced your school options based on those initial qualifications, there are additional factors that you should research and consider before enrolling in a cosmetology school. Below we have compiled some of those supplemental questions that you should ask each school before making a final selection.

Is the Program Accredited? It’s important to make certain that the cosmetology school you pick is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education recognized local or national organization, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must meet their high standards assuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be important for securing student loans or financial aid, which typically are not obtainable in 03261 for non- accredited schools. It’s also a requirement for licensing in several states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, many Northwood NH businesses will not hire recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more favorably upon individuals with accredited training.

Does the School have an Excellent Reputation?  Every cosmetologist college that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to exceptional reputation within the industry. Being accredited is a good starting point. Next, ask the schools for references from their network of businesses where they have referred their students. Confirm that the schools have high job placement rates, signifying that their students are highly sought after. Check rating companies for reviews as well as the school’s accrediting agencies. If you have any relationships with Northwood NH salon owners or managers, or anyone working in the business, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are considering. They may even be able to propose others that you had not considered. Finally, contact the New Hampshire school licensing authority to see if there have been any grievances submitted or if the schools are in complete compliance.

What’s the School’s Specialty?  A number of cosmetology schools offer programs that are broad in nature, focusing on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a particular specialty, such as hairstyling, manicuring or electrolysis. Schools that offer degree programs often expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it’s essential that you select a school that specializes in your area of interest. If your intention is to be trained as an esthetician, make sure that the school you enroll in is accredited and respected for that program. If your dream is to launch a hair salon in Northwood NH, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Picking a highly rated school with a weak program in the specialty you are pursuing will not provide the training you need.

Is Enough Live Training Provided?  Practicing and refining cosmetology skills and techniques demands lots of practice on people. Check how much live, hands-on training is provided in the cosmetology lessons you will be attending. A number of schools have salons on campus that enable students to practice their growing talents on real people. If a beauty school provides little or no scheduled live training, but instead relies predominantly on utilizing mannequins, it might not be the most effective option for cultivating your skills. So search for alternate schools that provide this kind of training.

Does the School Provide Job Assistance?  As soon as a student graduates from a cosmetology school, it’s imperative that she or he receives aid in finding that initial job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that offer help develope relationships with Northwood NH employers that are searching for trained graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the schools you are contemplating have job placement programs and inquire which salons and organizations they refer students to. Additionally, find out what their job placement rates are. High rates not only verify that they have wide networks of employers, but that their programs are highly regarded as well.

Is Financial Aid Available?  Almost all beauty schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Check if the schools you are investigating have a financial aid department. Speak with a counselor and identify what student loans or grants you might qualify for. If the school is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships accessible to students as well. If a school fulfills all of your other qualifications with the exception of cost, do not discard it as an option until you learn what financial aid may be available.

Enrolled in Cosmetology School near Northwood NH?

If you have decided to attend Beauty School in the greater Northwood NH area, following is some interesting and perhaps useful information about the location of your new school campus.

Northwood, New Hampshire

First settled in 1763, Northwood was incorporated on February 6, 1773 by Colonial Governor John Wentworth, when a large tract of land called "North Woods" was separated from Nottingham. Around 1800, the Portsmouth to Concord Turnpike was built, and the town began to prosper. Numerous taverns accommodated sledge and stage passengers. At one time,[when?] there were some twelve sawmills in the town, five of which were replaced by shoe factories during the latter half of the 19th century.[citation needed] By 1920, however, the last shoe factory had closed. More recently,[when?] the town has been a popular vacation spot, being home to nine lakes and many antique shops.[citation needed]

Four Northwood districts along Route 4 are considered historic sections of town.[citation needed] They are, from east to west, East Northwood, Northwood Ridge, Northwood Center and Northwood Narrows. The town is home to Coe-Brown Northwood Academy, founded in 1867.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 30.0 square miles (78 km2), of which 28.0 sq mi (73 km2) is land and 2.1 sq mi (5.4 km2) is water, comprising 6.89% of the town. Northwood is well known for its lakes, with both seasonal and year-round residences. The larger lakes and ponds include Bow Lake, which is part of the Piscataqua River drainage basin, and Northwood Lake, Pleasant Lake, Jenness Pond, Harvey Lake, and Long Pond, all of which drain to the Suncook River, a tributary of the Merrimack River. The highest point in Northwood is Saddleback Mountain, at 1,150 feet (350 m) above sea level.

Choose the Right Cosmetologist Vocational School near Northwood NH

Northwood NH barber blow drying client's hairChoosing and enrolling in the ideal cosmetologist college is essential to obtain the appropriate training to become a licensed cosmetology specialist. Make sure to ask all the questions that you need to in order to feel positive about your decision. Be sure to compile all of the information you receive from the cosmetology school admissions departments, prioritize what matters the most to you, and then employ that information to contrast schools. A good start in your due diligence process is to make sure that the college and program you pick are accredited and have outstanding reputations within the profession. If you begin with that base, and address the additional questions provided in this post, you will be able to narrow down your list of schools so that you can make the proper selection. And when you graduate and pass your licensing exam, you will be self-assured that you are prepared to begin your new career as a professional cosmetologist in Northwood NH.

Other Beautiful Locations in New Hampshire

  • Become a Cosmetologist | Cosmetology Schools Pike NH
  • Become a Cosmetologist | Cosmetology Schools Center Harbor NH
  • Become a Cosmetologist | Cosmetology Schools Greenville NH
  • Become a Cosmetologist | Cosmetology Schools Warren NH
  • Become a Cosmetologist | Cosmetology Schools Meredith NH
  • Become a Cosmetologist | Cosmetology Schools Alstead NH
  • Become a Cosmetologist | Cosmetology Schools South Tamworth NH
  • Become a Cosmetologist | Cosmetology Schools Auburn NH
  • Become a Cosmetologist | Cosmetology Schools Center Sandwich NH
  • Become a Cosmetologist | Cosmetology Schools Milton NH
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 6

    Trends Salon
    1 Reviews
    Hair Salons, Tanning, Hair Removal
    Phone:
    17 Freetown Rd, Raymond, NH 03077

    Organic Bonita Studio
    2 Reviews
    Day Spas, Hair Salons, Waxing
    Phone:
    45 Bay Rd, Newmarket, NH 03857

    Amour 24
    1 Reviews
    Waxing, Hair Stylists, Nail Salons
    Phone:
    33 Main St, Dover, NH 03820

    Ulta Beauty
    14 Reviews
    Cosmetics & Beauty Supply, Hair Salons, Skin Care
    Phone:
    11 Brickyard Sq, Ste 21, Epping, NH 03042

    Design Her Eyes Lash & Brow Extensions
    4 Reviews
    Eyelash Service, Waxing, Eyebrow Services
    Phone:
    62 Wingate St, Haverhill, MA 01832

    ZEBA Beauty
    8 Reviews
    Eyelash Service, Waxing, Eyebrow Services
    Phone:
    373 S Willow St, Ste D1-7, Manchester Commons Shopping Plz, Manchester, NH 03103