How to Become a Cosmetologist in Nebraska

Just as the word ‘cosmetologist’ means ‘beautifying’, a cosmetologist is a person who performs beauty treatments, to make people more attractive, gorgeous and charming.

By perceiving the way celebrities look, the new catchy and stylish appearance is in constant demand and people invest a lot of money to reach the desired physical appearance.

Many people think that creativity and talent are enough for this job, but the truth is that you want to become a cosmetologist, you will need much more than that.

Job Description

Every day a cosmetologist has duties like cutting and coloring hair, skincare and doing pedicures, manicures, facials, or applying make-up to a client, among many others.

Popular Programs

Some cosmetologists specialize in other cosmetology fields such as removing hair, massaging and application of chemicals on skin and hair.

All of them are responsible to maintain a clean, disinfected and safe working environment and equipment so as not to spread infection.

As they need to be on their feet for most of the shift, the physical stamina is important.

Also, working with chemicals includes the importance of protecting the skin from the damage by wearing gloves or aprons.

Cosmetology Programs in Nebraska 

A future cosmetologist in Nebraska needs to pass 2100 hours of training in a Board-approved cosmetology school or as an apprentice in a salon established by the licensed professional.

Other requirements are to be 17 years old and have a high school education.

The most prominent cosmetology schools in Nebraska are:

• Capitol School of Hairstyling & Esthetics – Omaha
• College of Hair Design – Lincoln
• Fullen School of Hair Design – Scottsbluff
• Joseph’s College of Cosmetology – Lincoln
• Paul Mitchell School – Lincoln
• Xenon Academy – Omaha.

The curriculum offers both theoretical and practical education done on real clients, and the knowledge that you will gain is about:

• Salon marketing
• Guest service raining
• Men’s hair care services
• Skincare techniques
• Hair design
• Texture services
• Coloring
• Hair sculpture

Other cities in Nebraska that offer Board-approved programs involve:

• Omaha
• Norfolk
• Beatrice
• Hastings
• Lincoln
• Grand Island
• Kearney
• Fremont
• North Platte

Cosmetology Exams in Nebraska

To apply for Nebraska licensure by examination you will have to take the Cosmetologist Application by Examination and complete it, as well as pay the licensure fees that can vary with the month that your license will be issued.

With the application, the documentation that should be submitted is:

• Copy of the proof that you are at least 17 years old
• Copy of a document that proves that you are a citizen or lawful permanent resident
• Copy of your high school diploma or GED
• Copy of the diploma you received after finishing your cosmetology program
• Your cosmetology school or apprentice salon should complete Attachment 1 of the application
• Documents if you have ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor
• Documents of any other credentials you have held in any jurisdiction in environmental services, health services or health-related services submitted directly by the credentialing agency
• Copies of any disciplinary action taken against your credential

All these should be sent to:

State of Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health –Licensure Unit,

P.O. Box 94986,

Lincoln, NE 68509-4986.

That way, the Unit will determine your examination eligibility and allow you to schedule the exam online.

You will be required to pass a computerized written exam administered by LaserGrade/PSI in Sidney, Omaha or Kearney, and a Jurisprudence Exam.

The NIC Cosmetology Theory Examination Series 58 is the required examination and you will be asked to pay the fee of $53, payable online to LaserGrade/PSI when you schedule your exam.

The written test lasts 90 minutes and your score needs to be 75% to pass it.

The Jurisprudence Exam is about state law and rules and regulations relating to cosmetology.

It can also be taken online, but you will need to print it and send it to:

State of Nebraska Licensure Unit,

301 Centennial Mall South (P.O. Box 94986),

Lincoln, NE 68509.

Upon passing both exams, the licensure unit will mail your Nebraska cosmetology license to you.

Keeping Your License Current in Nebraska

Once you become a licensed cosmetologist in Nebraska, you will be obliged to renew your license every December 31 of even years.

The renewal can be done online or via paper application.

Unlike in many other states, the state of Nebraska requires further education to be able to maintain your license.

Eight hours of continuing education are compulsory during each licensure period only through Board-approved providers.

The possible continuing education courses are:

• Eyelash extension
• Color solutions
• Hair regrowth
• Texture cut and style
• Body sugaring hair removal
• Anti-aging and acne skincare
• Moroccan oil
• All about eyes
• Introduction to essential foiling

Average Annual Cosmetologist Salary and Job Prospects in Nebraska 

Licensed cosmetologists in Florida can decide whether they want to work on their own or to join some of the already established beauty premises.

It is good to know that those who want to open their salons cannot expect to have great clientele immediately and the high salaries as the experienced ones.

The clients are their only way of earning and attracting customers is not an easy job as many of them already have the cosmetologist they trust and would not simply change him/her.

You should also have enough money to get the necessary equipment for the opening of a salon, so it is maybe better to start as a worker and later on think about becoming the owner.

Nebraska is full of job opportunities for licensed cosmetologists if they want to work for somebody else.

The work settings for Nebraska’s cosmetologists include:

• Family Fun Cutz – Omaha
• Great Clips – Beatrice, Lincoln, and Omaha
• ULTA Salon – Omaha, Lincoln, and Papillion
• Cost Cutters- Kearney
• Life Time Fitness – Omaha
• SmartStyle – Bellevue
• L’oreal SalonCentric- Omaha
• JC Penney – Norfolk

The salary highly depends on the experience and successful performance of the work, as well as the location of the salon.

The average cosmetologist salary in Nebraska varies among the major cities, and the cosmetologist in Norfolk earns only $ 21 477 per year, while his/her colleague in Bellevue gets $ 24 672.

Regional Salary in Nebraska

Cosmetology by State