How to Become a Cosmetologist in Connecticut

Being driven by the possibility of accessing the information about the latest beauty trends and how to apply make-up, do the hairstyling and manicure, many young people think that it is a stress-free, relaxed and well-paid job that does not demand too much education and decide to involve into this vocation without previously thinking well about the services they will need to provide.

Cosmetologists offer beauty services to their clients and the client’s satisfaction is the main aim.

However, the process of reaching their satisfaction is not at all easy, as the desires are one and possibilities are something else.

Still, your future work depends on their approval, so before getting involved in this, consider thinking about whether you are ready and have enough calmness and patience to listen to, understand and meet all the clients’ needs and wishes.

Popular Programs

Job Description

Shampooing, coloring, cutting, and styling of hair, advising clients on how to properly care about it, doing manicures, pedicures, facials, and scalp treatments are their daily duties.

Each of them can specialize in each field and provide services to clients depending on their specialization.

Cosmetologists are beauty professionals and they need to be skilled and trained, have artistic skills and great listening and understanding skills so that they can accept the information about the desired style from the clients and reach their approval.

Cosmetology Programs in Connecticut

All US states require cosmetologists to hold a license and finish the required and accredited education.

So being at least 16 years old and having a high school diploma or GED makes you an ideal candidate for some of the state-approved cosmetology programs.

As cosmetologists are beauty care specialists who provide services such as facials, they need to obtain licensure to prove that they have passed all the necessary education to apply the chemicals without causing damage to hair or skin.

Connecticut State Board of Barbers and Hairdressers requires that future cosmetologist need to put in long hours and learn a variety of subjects, ranging from hair coloring to human anatomy, they have to attend classes, pass exams, and get hands-on practice before getting their license and are allowed to legally work in this field.

The completion of a comprehensive cosmetology program lasts 1,500 training hours for cosmetician, hairdresser and barber license and 600 hours to become an electrologist.

The person can choose between a certificate or an associate degree programs but he/she need to pay attention to elect the program approved by the Board or recognized by the Connecticut State Board of Education.

The certificate programs are shorter and offer less knowledge, while a more advanced study in areas such as business and salon management can be achieved through an associate degree program.

Some of the most famous schools that offer these kinds of programs in Connecticut are:

• Academy Di Capelli – Wallingford.
• Ace Cosmetology Barber Training – Waterbury.
• Belle Academy of Cosmetology – Waterbury.
• Branford Academy of Hair and Cosmetology – Branford.
• Dolce LLC The Academy – Waterbury.

License

The licensed professionals are allowed to perform many duties.

Even though they have the title licensed hairdresser, they can perform manicures and pedicures, facials and eyebrow arching, besides coloring, cutting, and styling hair.

To be allowed to get the license, you need to complete the 9th grade, a formal education program and passed the cosmetology examination.

A Hairdresser License Application should be filled in and submitted online or to the Department of Public Health at:

410 Capitol Avenue
P.O. Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134

Cosmetology Exams in Connecticut

Each licensing applicant in Connecticut has to pass written testing related to skincare, applying makeup and hair care.

Prometric Inc. is in charge of cosmetology examination and the written part consists of 100 multiple-choice questions related to general concepts, applied anatomy, physical and chemical services, and hairstyling and shaping.

You take 2 hours to complete the examination which costs $65.

Prometric informs you about the results within 10 business days and to pass the exam you need to score at least 70 points.

Keeping Your License Current in Connecticut

The gaining of the license just makes you able to perform your job legally, but it is not the end of your professional development.

Cosmetologist needs to keep their skills up to date and to be conscious of current trends in this ever-changing industry.

Also, they need to renew their cosmetology license on a biennial basis by completing a renewal form and paying the renewal fee of $100, without any further education.

Those who have completed an associate degree can continue their education to get a bachelor’s degree related to business management, salon and spa management, etc.

Average Annual Cosmetologist Salary in Connecticut

It is a great thing for a cosmetologist in Connecticut to know that Connecticut’s Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk metropolitan area has numerous wealthy people living there and the trendy salons throughout Connecticut maybe your future employment opportunity.

Or you might choose to become self-employed and express your passion for hair, makeup, and style in your salon.

As the Connecticut Department of Labor informed that cosmetologists are the occupation with the largest employment levels many future cosmetology professionals decide to try their luck in this field.

The salary depends on the level of experience and the prominence of the salon, but it ranges from $ 27 923 in New London up to 30082 in Norwalk and Stamford.

Regional Salary in Connecticut

Summary

Being a professional cosmetologist is a long-term career option.

It is a great job for someone that likes working with people and is interested in cosmetology.

To succeed in the field you first need to complete the formal education program, get the license and start working in a salon.

You can determine whether you will be working for somebody else or you will start your own business.

Maybe, it is advisable to start at some already established salon and learn how to deal with customers and get more training.

Later, you will better serve your clients and keep them, which will facilitate your business opening.

So, this occupation, like any other, requires patience, determination and calmness as the success cannot be achieved easily and quickly.

Cosmetology by State