How to Become a Cosmetologist in Delaware

The global beauty industry keeps growing offering myriad opportunities for the professionals whose business is beauty.

Hair, nails, makeup, and skincare are of crucial importance for many modern people whose attractiveness is their main concern.

But, before deciding to get involved in this field, it is advisable to pay attention to the requirements and visit networking events and career counseling options, to find out everything that this vocation entails.

Job Description

Cosmetologists, no matter whether they specialize in nails, hair or skincare are experts in all things related to beauty.

Popular Programs

They can be found working in salons, beauty centers, spas, and hotels, performing not only chemical and other beauty treatments but massage and advanced hygiene practices as well.

Besides being a beauty care person, they are business people as well, as it is needed to possess management skills to be able to work as an independent cosmetologist in their beauty centers.

Cosmetology Programs in Delaware

To become a legal cosmetologist in Delaware, you will need to attend cosmetology training programs offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and specialized cosmetology schools.

These programs can be completed within a maximum of 24 months and there you will receive training in hairstyling, personal appearance, and skincare, as well as sales and marketing.

The great thing is that these programs are flexible and it allows people to work while also going to school.

The Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering requires the successful completion of the educational and training program or apprenticeship, the passing of the exams and the achievement of a license before you will be allowed to work independently.

When the approved cosmetology programs in Delaware are in question, they include at least 1,500 classroom hours to become cosmetologists or barber, 300 hours for an electrologist and nail technology and 600 hours for an esthetician.

The instructor needs to have 250 hours with two years of experience.

The completing of these kinds of programs can be achieved through a vocational school, dedicated cosmetology school, or junior college, and some of the most prominent ones in Delaware are:

• Delaware Learning Institute of Cosmetology – Dagsboro.
• Del-Mar-Va Beauty Academy – Salisbury, MD.
• Hair Academy of Barbering & Beauty – Newark.
• Paul Mitchell School – Newark.
• Schilling-Douglas School of Hair Design, LLC – Newark.

You will get either a certificate/diploma or an associate degree depending on the program you have chosen.

Certificate and diploma programs last form 15 and 18 months in duration, while an associate degree takes about 2 years to complete.

Once you finish the studies,  you will be permitted to perform all hair services, including chemically coloring, massaging or stimulating the scalp, face, arms, hands, or upper body.

Another way of getting the license is through the approved apprenticeship program which includes at least 3,000 apprenticeship hours.

Your sponsor needs to supervise your apprenticeship that holds both professional and business licenses.

You also need to complete, sign, and notarize an Application for Apprenticeship which costs $40 and provides the Board with proof that you have finished the 10th grade.

License and cosmetology examinations in Delaware

To be able to get the license, you need to fill in an online Examination and License application through Professional Credential Services (PCS) which costs $225.

The examination includes both theoretical and practical exams.

The National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) is in charge of the examinations.

You will get a Practical Admission Notice confirming the date and time to take the practical examination.

Newark, New Jersey are the locations where all practical examinations for cosmetology are administered.

The theoretical exam can be taken at the PSI testing centers in Dover or Georgetown.

To pass the exam, you must score at least 75 on both examinations and your license can be issued.

Keeping Your License Current in Delaware

The issued cosmetology licenses in Delaware expire on October 31 of each even-numbered year. You will get all the instructions on how to access the online renewal application and pay the renewal fee of $110.

Education is not required unless you want to get acquainted with something new, related to cosmetology, business and marketing, and fashion trends.

Many cosmetologists are eager to run their practices and usually take business classes which will help them understand financing,  bookkeeping, accounting, marketing, and management.

The business classes can be found at colleges and universities.

Some cosmetologists might decide to become cosmetology instructors in Delaware, so they must complete at least 500 hours of instruction or 250 hours if they have two years of experience before they can sit for the instructor examination.

Average Annual Cosmetologist Salary in Delaware

The jobs for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists in the state of Delaware are flourishing and the future for them seems bright.

Delaware is not a too large a state, but it is estimated to be the third-highest paying the state for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists in the country.

This is the reason why you should think about pursuing your cosmetology career in Delaware.

How much you will earn annually depends whether you will be working in one of Delaware’s salons, or will open up your own.

The average annual salary is around $27 000 and the difference among major cities is not at all significant.

Regional Salary in Delaware

Summary

The field of cosmetology is growing and offers numerous employment options and job prospects are increasing.

It also gives you a chance of becoming self-employed, improving your earnings even more.

The salary is decent and it does not include the additional profits derived from service tips which are very frequently gifted to cosmetologists.

Though job opportunities overall are positive, you should be ready to face stiff competition for jobs at luxury salons and your success will only depend on your skills and personal characteristics as the best cosmetologists inspire trust and people entrust their beauty to them.

By treating the clients well and giving your best to meet their needs and leave a good impression, he/she will come back and recommend you to his/her family and friends.

Cosmetology by State