How to Become a Cosmetologist in Utah

Younger generations are constantly searching for “How to do yourself” videos on the Internet to learn how to make new hairstyles and apply makeup.

They are dreaming of working in a luxury salon dedicated to giving their clients the full beauty experience and many of them decide to take the cosmetologist job as their future vocation.

They are interested in fashion and beauty trends, but they need to know that it might be a problem spending all day working with all kinds of people and standing on their feet all the time.

Job Description

Cosmetologists are people who are educated to change hairstyles, nails and to apply makeup to help their clients look attractive and beautiful.

Popular Programs

Offering beauty treatments would be their job as the field of cosmetology includes barbers, hairdressers, and cosmetologists.

Either working on their own or in somebody else’s salons, spas, hotels and resorts, their main aim is to make their customers happy and satisfied.

They are multi-talented people who do various tasks and have aesthetic sense and creativity.

What they need to do is to start a conversation with shy clients, and listen to talkative ones to know how to fulfill their desires.

But first and foremost, they need to acquire fundamental skills and modern techniques for all aspects of the cosmetology industry.

Cosmetology Programs in Utah

In all US states, there are laws requiring cosmetologists to finish cosmetology education and possess a renewed license, to legally work.

The Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing is in charge of issuing your license after you meet all the criteria.

First, you need to graduate from an approved cosmetology school and there are around 50 accredited cosmetology training programs in Utah.

Some of the most popular schools are:

• American Beauty Academy – Payson & Salt Lake City
• Avalon School of Cosmetology – Layton
• Aveda Institute – Provo
• Collective Academy – Midvale
• Evans Hairstyling College

You will have to take 1,600 hours of instruction and learn the basics about:

• Safety of personnel, salon, and clients
• Sanitary procedures and aseptic techniques
• Business and salon management
• Professional ethics
• Public relations and advertising
• Human immune system and bacteriology
• Hairdresser training
• Sculptured nails and nail art
• Physiology of skin and nails
• Wet and thermal styling
• Permanent waves
• Clipper variations
• Wigs and artificial hair
• Makeup training

Cosmetology Exams in Utah

The ending of the program makes you eligible to take the examination.

The cosmetology exams in Utah consist of theory and practical examinations.

The National-Interstate Council (NIC) of State Boards of Cosmetology administers the exams by the testing company PSI.

Detailed information about the exams can be found in Utah Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB), as well as a registration form that should be submitted to PSI.

Another way of registering for these exams is online.

Cosmetology Theory Examination can be done throughout the state in:

• Hurricane near Saint George
• North Orem near Provo
• North Salt Lake City
• Sunset near Ogden

It is done on a computer with one question displayed at a time and you are given the score immediately.

Topic areas for the theory exam are:

• Haircare and services – 40 percent
• Scientific concepts – 30 percent
• Skincare and services – 15 percent
• Nail care and services – 15 percent

Cosmetology Practical Examination can be done in:

• Hurricane near Saint George
• North Salt Lake City
• Sunset near Ogden

You should bring your mannequin and you will be tested cosmetology skills trained during the classes:

• Client protection during a proper set-up
• Thermal hair curling
• Haircutting
• Chemical waving
• Hair color retouch and virgin lightening
• Virgin relaxer application and relaxer retouch
• Nail sculpturing

License

Upon passing both examinations, you can apply for licensure with the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.

This can be done by completing a Cosmetology Application Packet which should be sent to:

State of Utah
Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
160 East 300 South, PO Box 146741
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6741

In the Cosmetology Application Packet, there is Utah Cosmetologist Law and Rule Examination which will need to complete.

The preparation for this test can be made by reading the following:

• Cosmetologist Licensing Act 58-11a
• Cosmetologist Licensing Act Rule R156-11a

A licensed cosmetologist who achieved education in another state can apply for the license but only if educational requirements are similar to those of Utah,

He/she should submit a Request for Verification of Out-of-State Licensure form, included in the application packet.

If the cosmetology school where graduated required less than 1,600 hours of instruction you will need to have work experience and submit a Verification of Work Experience form that is also part of the application packet.

Another way of gaining the license is via an apprentice program in another state but only if you include the Completion of Apprentice Program form that is contained in the application packet when submitting other documentation.

Keeping Your License Current 

The license has to be renewed biannually by September 30^th of odd-numbered years.

No additional education is required.

Average Annual Cosmetologist Salary and Job Prospects in Utah

If you have proved that you are skillful, educated and eager to advance in the field of cosmetology, you will become a desired employee.

Newly licensed graduates can find a job in many cosmetology salons in Utah.

There are numerous locations where cosmetologists can look for their chances:

• 1,670 in Salt Lake City
• 460 in the Ogden-Clearfield area
• 250 in the Provo-Orem area
• 100 in Saint George
• 30 in the eastern non-metropolitan region of the state

The cosmetology license allows you to look for a job on many premises like spas, nursing homes, health care facilities, resorts and more.

Finding work is very important for your future, but the salary is also crucial when choosing the working place.

Your education, quality of work and advancement will affect the possible salary that you can get.

The state of Utah belongs to the states with high employment rates but not so high salaries.

Nowadays, the annual cosmetologist salary is decent and it ranges from $ 23 581 in Lehi to $ 26 748 in Saint George.

Regional Salary in Utah

Cosmetology by State