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Cosmetologists help customers change and make their physical appearance more attractive, thus affecting the client’s self-esteem and confidence.
Young generations are more involved in the latest beauty developments and they tend to involve more deeply into this field.
The aspects of beauty and the importance of it have significantly changed thus leading to the further advancement of cosmetology.
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Job Description
Barbers, hairdressers, and cosmetologists usually work in pleasant surroundings such as salons and spas, hotels and resorts.
Popular Programs
They can work full time or part-time, but they are on their feet during their shift so they need to have physical strength.
As their services are needed during the weekend too, they are asked to work then as well.
They have to be careful when working with chemicals which may cause skin irritation and should wear gloves or aprons.
The great thing is that as a cosmetologist you can be self-employed and determine your schedule.
Cosmetology Programs in Arkansas
Applying for a position at a salon as a cosmetologist is much like applying for any other job and it requires certain qualifications and knowledge to give you priority among other candidates.
Whether you decide to specialize in cutting, coloring and styling hair or fields such as skincare or nails, you will need to complete a cosmetology training program.
They usually take 9-12 months to complete and you get a certificate/diploma or an associate degree.
When it comes to Arkansas, to qualify for licensure, you must complete at least 1,500 hours of training and get qualifications to perform cleaning, waxing, and massaging the body, cutting, polishing, coloring, manicuring nails, removing hair from the body, styling, coloring, cutting, dyeing, and treating hair and using lotions, tonics, and creams to beautify the body.
The person interested in providing electrolysis has to complete another 350 hours of electrolysis training.
Locations, where you can achieve the required knowledge in Arkansas, are:
- Arkansas Beauty College – Russellville.
- Arkansas Beauty School – Little Rock.
- Arthur’s Beauty College – Fort Smith.
- The Beauty School of Mountain Home – Mountain Home.
- Career Academy of Hair Design – Fort Smith.
Before deciding which one to choose to compare the prices and the duration of the program, as well as the accreditation of its programs.
License
The successful completion of a cosmetology program makes you eligible for taking an examination to get the license.
You need to apply for it by submitting an Application for Practitioner Examination form and a Certificate of Training form and paying fees of $65 for the practical examination.
Except for educational requirements related to cosmetology, other personal requirements are to be at least 16 years old and have passed 2 years of high school.
Electrologist in Arkansas can be people who are at least 18 years old and have graduated from high school.
Cosmetology Exams in Arkansas
The certification exams consist of both written and practical parts.
The National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) determines the practical examination section.
The examination is scheduled automatically for the next examination date and it takes place in 101 East Capitol Street, Suite 106, Little Rock.
Upon passing the practical examination, you can schedule the written examination by contacting PSI Services at 1-800-733-9267.
The PSI examination centers are located in:
- Bentonville
- Fayetteville
- Harrison
- Jonesboro
- North Little Rock
The written examination fee is $60 and after passing both examinations, you will automatically receive your Arkansas cosmetology license.
Keeping Your License Current in Arkansas
The finishing of formal education and the achievement of the license should not be the end of your further professional development.
You should further advance your skills to be a great cosmetologist and keep in touch with the newest trends and styles.
That is the only way of succeeding in this profession.
To keep your skills as current as possible you should attend trend shows, enroll in continuing education classes or subscribe to popular style magazines.
Popular hair and makeup trends today are very different from popular trends five years ago.
According to the Arkansas law, you should renew your cosmetologist license online through CLIPS: the Arkansas Cosmetology, Licensing, Inspection, and Permit System on a biennial basis and pay a $50 renewal fee.
Many cosmetologists in Arkansas have a desire to open their businesses so the completion of an associate or bachelor business degree would be beneficial for them.
Information related to the cosmetology profession and continuing education opportunities can be found at the Professional Beauty Association.
Average Annual Cosmetologist Salary in Arkansas
The Arkansas Department of Workforce Services estimates that cosmetologists, including both hairdressers and hairstylists, as well as nail and skincare practitioners, earn an average salary of $25,050 per year.
The fact is that inexperienced cosmetologists cannot expect to earn equal salaries as their more experienced colleagues.
Cosmetologists working in Arkansas could potentially earn within a wide-ranging pay scale depending on the location, city development and the social status of citizens.
The salary will also depend on the personal characteristics of a cosmetologist, such as level of education and training, quality of work and the number of daily activities in the salon.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Bentonville,AR | $23,165 |
| Conway,AR | $24,091 |
| Fayetteville,AR | $23,353 |
| Fort Smith,AR | $22,590 |
| Jacksonville,AR | $24,222 |
| Jonesboro,AR | $24,504 |
| Little Rock,AR | $24,254 |
| Pine Bluff,AR | $23,355 |
| Rogers,AR | $23,212 |
| Springdale,AR | $23,353 |
| Texarkana,AR | $23,783 |
Regional Salary in Arkansas
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO | 480 | $33,730 | $16.22 | $62,870 | $24,400 |
| Hot Springs, AR | 40 | $30,620 | $14.72 | $37,080 | $22,880 |
| Jonesboro, AR | 80 | $31,460 | $15.12 | $47,130 | $23,790 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | 410 | $34,290 | $16.49 | $74,230 | $23,860 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Summary
So, when deciding to enter the cosmetology field, bear in mind the fact that it is one thing to just get involved in a job as a cosmetologist without any prior knowledge and training related to the field, and another is to be truly excellent in your career by becoming a certified cosmetologist respected and appreciated by the clients.
If you want to be a cosmetologist who would attract a lot of clients and whose work will be his/her best reference and advertisement, then you have to put some time and effort into learning how to work with different hair and skin types.
Besides that, you need to possess great social skills as you will be talking to a client about what hairstyle he/she wants ad you need to understand his/her desires.
By taking and understanding them, you make your clients feel comfortable, and they will keep coming back to you.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Cosmetologist
Cosmetology by State