How to Become a Cosmetologist in Massachusetts

People who are deeply into the latest trends and styles are aware of the fact that the cosmetology profession is not at all easy and requires constant development and advantage.

This means that they understand the importance of education and training to be successful in this field.

As the need for beauticians is growing, more and more young people decide to educate themselves and become a cosmetologist.

It is a rewarding job, as your clients will feel more self-confident if the results of your work suit them.

Popular Programs

Job Description

Cosmetologists are hair, nail and skin care professionals who might work in a variety of places.

They can be found in spas, salons, hotels, resorts, and even in healthcare centers.

Cosmetologists have daily duties that are expected to be done like making their clients feel relaxed by listening to their needs and preferences, and even their problems, perform a detailed and satisfying work that will meet the client’s needs and schedule the appointments.

They usually work more than forty hours a week, including weekends and even holidays.

Their physical stamina is very important as they have to stand for many hours on their feet.

The usage of harsh chemicals is very often, so they should protect themselves by wearing gloves and aprons.

Cosmetology Programs in Massachusetts

Cosmetologists are usually trained in public or private vocational schools or as apprentices in licensed salons, where they get the necessary knowledge and training, so as not to harm their client’s hair, nail, and skin.

The duration of the courses varies, and they are allowed only to the people who are at least 17 years old and have a 10th-grade education.

Massachusetts’s cosmetology education can prepare students for the function of the Operator – Type 2, Hairdresser/Cosmetologist – Type 1 and Cosmetology Instructor – Type 4.

All these titles can be gained through 24 cosmetology programs in the state of Massachusetts.

They are all accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences, and can be found in:

• Lowell
• Framingham
• West Springfield
• Ludlow
• Fitchburg
• Brockton
• Boston
• Fall River
• Taunton
• Quincy

The first option is Operator – Type 2, which involves the training course which is six months long and includes 1000 hours of professional training in a Board-approved cosmetology school.

Operator-type 2 has a limited number of duties that can perform and those are:

• Cosmetic services under the supervision of a licensed hairdresser/cosmetologist Type 1
• Aesthetic services under the supervision of a licensed hairdresser/cosmetologist Type 1 or an aesthetician Type 6
• Manicure services without supervision

The second option is Hairdresser/Cosmetologist – Type 1 which is the advanced level.

It requires two years of experience as an Operator-Type 1 and all your duties will be performed under the supervision of a licensed hairdresser/cosmetologist.

You will be allowed to do cosmetic services and the supervision of operators, aestheticians, and manicurists

The third possibility is Cosmetology Instructor – Type 4 which you can become after two years of experience as a hairdresser/cosmetologist Type 1.

You may instruct in a cosmetology school.

Some of the popular beauty schools which offer these kinds of programs in Massachusetts are:

• Aliano School of Cosmetology – Brockton.
• Alexander Academy – Lunenburg.
• Henri’s School of Hair Design – Fitchburg.
• Jolie Hair and Beauty Academy – Ludlow.
• Jupiter Beauty Academy – Boston.
• LeBaron Hairdressing Academy – Brockton.
• Lowell Academy Hairstyling Institute – Lowell.

Cosmetology programs last 1000 hours and include both classroom and salon education and training.

In the classroom, you will learn about :

• Haircutting
• Permanent wave
• Design
• Chemical relaxing
• Skincare
• Nail care
• Hair treatment
• Hair coloring

The salon part involves putting your knowledge at practice and your performance will be assessed by licensed Massachusetts cosmetology instructors.

Cosmetology Exams in Massachusetts

After the completion of the program, you should take the required examinations to become an Operator – Type 2.

Your school should educate your Completion/Licensing Application Form and you are supposed to submit it to Pearson Vue.

You have two years to finish the examination after the completion of your cosmetology education.

The examination is scheduled via phone and the fee is $120.

Written and Practical examination is obligatory, and the practical exam tests you through 16 timed tasks.

The whole examination lasts 3 ½ hours and you need to score 80 or better to pass it.

What will be tested is:

• Facials
• Makeup application
• Manicures
• Haircolor – retouching
• Haircolor- highlighting
• Braiding
• Thermal styling –blow-drying
• Thermal styling – curling iron

The written part has 100 multiple-choice questions which should be answered in two hours.

The score needs to be more than 75 to pass the exam.

The questions are about:

• Rules, regulations, and safety
• Styling
• Haircutting
• Hair coloring/bleaching/lightening/tinting
• Permanent waving
• Chemical straightening and relaxing
• Nails

License

To get the license you will need to pass both parts of the exam and pay the licensing fee of $68.

You will be given a photo license, and you can start working as an Operator- Type.

However, your first license needs to be renewed after one year.

All the other licenses need to be renewed every two years on your birthday.

The price is $68 and further education is not obligatory.

You can upgrade to a Hairdresser/Cosmetologist – Type 1 license after two years of experience, by submitting the Cosmetology Type 1 application and paying $82.

You will also need to submit a passport-sized photo of yourself, a copy of your Operator’s Type 2 license, a copy of your driver’s license, and a copy of your social security card, as well as a notarized affidavit that proves that you have worked as an operator for at least two years.

All the documentation should be sent to:

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure,

1000 Washington St, Suite 710,

Boston, MA 02118-6100.

You can become a Cosmetology Instructor if you have gained two years of experience as a Cosmetologist Type 1, but you must pass the Written Exam-Instructor administered by Pearson Vue.

Average Annual Cosmetologist Salary in Massachusetts

Most schools of cosmetology help their students find jobs and the prominence of the school leads to a myriad of job opportunities.

Employment information can be found everywhere, and the cosmetology salaries in Massachusetts are very stable and decent.

Even though they vary substantially between different regions in the state, the average cosmetology salary is $ 27 000.

Regional Salary in Massachusetts

Cosmetology by State