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The development of technology allowed us to get access to the information about the latest beauty trends and how to apply make-up, do hairstyling and manicure.
By watching the “How to do it yourself” videos, many young people think that they can so it and easily become cosmetologists.
However, beautician indeed has a relaxed and well-paid job, but it still does demand proper education.
So, all those eager to involve in this vocation should previously think well about the services they will need to provide and what they need to pass to get to that position.
Article Table of Contents
Popular Programs
Job Description
Cosmetologists are there to offer beauty services to their clients.
The client’s satisfaction is their main aim ad that is the only way of keeping them and the process of reaching their satisfaction is not at all easy.
Being that the future work depends on their approval, cosmetologists have to be calm and patient, to listen to and understand the clients’ needs and wishes.
Hair shampooing, coloring, cutting and styling, advising clients on how to properly care about their beauty, doing manicures, pedicures and facials are their daily duties.
Cosmetology Programs in New Hampshire
As all US states require cosmetologists to hold a license and finish the required and accredited education, first you need to get acquainted with the cosmetology programs that lead to the achievement of the license.
An ideal candidate should apply at some of the state-approved cosmetology programs, accredited by the New Hampshire Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics.
The completion of 1500 hours of school training or 3000 hours of apprentice training during at least 18 months is mandatory.
Electrologists are required to pass 1100 hours, estheticians 600 hours and manicurists 300 hours.
The most prominent cosmetology schools in New Hampshire are:
- Continental Academie of Hair Design – Hudson
- Keene Beauty Academy – Keene
- Michael’s School of Hair Design and Esthetics – Bedford
- Paul Mitchell – Portsmouth.
Still, there are many other less famous located within the cities of:
- Laconia
- Hudson
- Hooksett
- Somersworth
- Portsmouth
- Keene
- Bedford
- West Lebanon
The curriculum involves classroom instruction combined with practical instruction.
Once graduated, you will become a successful cosmetologist able to perform hair cutting, hair styling, skincare, and makeup application.
As you are very likely to become a manager of your salon upon gaining a license, the courses also offer business training.
Cosmetology Exams in New Hampshire
The National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology Inc. is in charge of the New Hampshire Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics examination.
It consists of NIC Written Exam, NIC Practical Exam, and NH State Law Exam.
You are supposed to visit the website of DL Roope Administrators, Inc. to schedule your NIC Practical Exam and NIC Written Exam and pay fees online.
The Practical Exam costs $104, and the written and state law combined exam price is $88.
The NIC Written Exam and NH State Law Exam are computerized.
The NIC Written Exam lasts 90 minutes and you are supposed to correctly answer questions on:
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Infection control
- Hair draping services
- Shampooing, conditioning, massaging, brushing
- Haircutting
- Hair design
- Hairstyling
- Wigs, extensions and hair enhancements
- Hair coloring
- Chemical services
- Hair coloring
- Skincare services
- Facial draping services
- Hair removal
- Facial techniques
- Applying facial makeup
- Nail care
- Nail structure
- Manicure and pedicure techniques
- Advanced nail care
You can review the Rough Guide for the NH State Law Exam before taking the test to get acquainted with the rules and regulations in New Hampshire.
The NIC Practical Exam lasts four hours and is designed to test candidates skills related to cosmetology, such as:
- Client protection and setting up
- Thermal curling
- Haircutting
- Chemical wave
- Virgin hair lightening/hair color retouch
- Virgin relaxer application /relaxer retouch
The information about this exam can be found in the NIC Practical Exam bulletin.
The results will be sent to you, but they need to be 75% or better, to get the license.
License
The license can be achieved after graduation, but only if you pass the licensing exam.
What you need to do first is to apply for it, and your school should provide you with the application to submit.
However, if you graduated from an out-of-state school, you need to collect and send the following documentation:
- Completed application form
- Copy of your driver’s license
- Copy of your high school diploma or GED
- Two recent passport-sized photos of yourself
- A letter verifying your school training
- If you do not have 1800 hours of training, a notarized letter verifying 3000 hours of work experience
- The completed questionnaire found within the application form
This should be sent to:
State of New Hampshire Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics,
121 South Fruit St,
Concord, NH 03301.
Keeping Your License Current
The state of New Hampshire requires that the cosmetology license should be renewed every two years during your birth month.
The further education is not required but you will need to complete this Renewal Form and send it to the NH State Board of Barbering, Cosmetology and Esthetics, 121 South Fruit St, Concord, NH 03301.
The documentation that should be attached includes:
- A 2”x2” passport photo of yourself
- Copy of your driver’s license or your expired cosmetology license
- The completed questionnaire found in the application
- Social security number
- Money order or check for $40 payable to Treasurer, State of NH
- Your current name and address with official documentation of any name changes
Average Annual Cosmetologist Salary and Job Prospects in New Hampshire
Once you get the license, you will have many opportunities in New Hampshire.
You can work for someone else, rent a booth in an established salon, or open your salon.
There are regulations for each of these options.
If you are renting a booth, you need to complete the Booth Rental Application with the necessary fees and documentation and mail it to the Board to get a Booth Rental License.
If you decide to open your shop, you must complete this Shop Application and mail it, with fees and documentation, to the Board.
Your shop will be inspected and only after it is approved by the Board you can open it.
Last, but not the least, without too much trouble, you can look for a job in some of New Hampshire’s most popular salons:
- Omni Mount Washington Resort- Bretton Woods
- Bella Viaggio Spa & Salon – Windham
- Great Clips – Manchester, Nashua, and Epping
- JC Penney Salon – Concord
- L’oreal – Lebanon
- Hair Cuttery – Nashua and Seabrook
- Cost Cutters – Manchester
Your salary depends on the level of experience and the prominence of the salon, but it is estimated to be around $ 27 000.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Bedford,NH | $27,557 |
| Concord,NH | $26,930 |
| Derry,NH | $27,892 |
| Dover,NH | $26,722 |
| Keene,NH | $27,405 |
| Manchester,NH | $27,557 |
| Merrimack,NH | $28,287 |
| Nashua,NH | $28,287 |
| Portsmouth,NH | $26,722 |
| Rochester,NH | $26,612 |
| Salem,NH | $27,661 |
Regional Salary in New Hampshire
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dover-Durham, NH-ME | 110 | $40,040 | $19.25 | $56,360 | $22,570 |
| Manchester, NH | 190 | $33,230 | $15.97 | $53,540 | $22,780 |
| Portsmouth, NH-ME | 190 | $37,460 | $18.01 | $56,490 | $22,710 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Cosmetologist
Cosmetology by State