How to Become a Cosmetologist in Illinois

Have you ever wondered about a future in beauty? If you love hair, makeup, and helping others, cosmetology might be a great fit for you! At Hair Professionals Career College, we strive to provide our students with the education and preparation they need to be successful in the industry.

 In this blog, we’ll take a look at the steps you need to take to become a cosmetologist in Illinois! 

Research Schools

The first step in becoming a cosmetologist in Illinois is to research cosmetology schools in the state. Illinois is home to several cosmetology schools, and you need to find one that fits your needs.

When researching cosmetology schools, you should look at their reputation, course offerings, location, and tuition fees. You should also check if they offer financial aid or scholarships to help you fund your education.

Tour a School!

The best way to get to know a school is to take a tour! Tours will allow you to get a feel for the school and see what it has to offer, which can hopefully lead you to make a decision on where you want to attend. 

Follow these tips to ensure you get the most out of your tour:

• Read about the cosmetology program online
• Make a list of questions beforehand
• Bring something to write on
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions

It’s okay to feel nervous, but school representatives are excited to help prospective students! It can also be helpful for a lot of students to bring a friend.

Enroll In A Cosmetology Program

Once you’ve found a cosmetology school that you like, the next step is to enroll in a cosmetology program. Our cosmetology program covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Haircutting
• Coloring
• Hair Design
• Skincare
• Manicures and Pedicures
• And more!

When not in the classroom, our students can master their skills in our salon and spa. Under the direct supervision of supportive, licensed professionals, you can gain first-hand experience working with real clients using leading products.

Decide How to Pay for School

There are various ways students can pay for school. If you are interested in financial aid*, you’ll want to start by contacting us to speak to an admissions representative. After that, the next step will be to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). FAFSA can help you determine if you are eligible for grants, unsubsidized loans, or subsidized loans for your education.

Aside from financial aid, there are other ways to pay for school! There are scholarships for many types of students. From high school graduate scholarships to transferring students, check out our full list of scholarships to see which ones you might qualify for!

Pass The Exams

After you’ve graduated from your program, you’ll need to take and pass an online exam in order to receive your license! In order to apply for the exam, you will need to complete the following steps:

• Read the study guide.
• Submit an application or apply online.
• Submit exam fee.
• Schedule testing location and date.

Here is what you can expect to be tested on:

• Salon Safety and Sanitation (32%)
• Analyze & Treat Scalp, Hair, Skin & Nails (11%)
• Cut & Style Hair (13%)
• Waving & Relaxing (13%)
• Hair Coloring & Lightening (13%)
• Nail Services (9%)
• Skin Services (9%)

Gain Experience And Build Your Reputation

Once you’ve obtained your cosmetology license, the next step is to gain experience in the field. You can gain experience by working at a salon or by starting your own business. You should also attend industry events and conferences to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques.

To build your reputation as a cosmetologist, you should focus on providing high-quality services to your clients and building strong relationships with them. You should also ask your satisfied clients to leave reviews on your website or social media pages and encourage them to refer their friends and family to you.

License Renewal

License renewal takes place every two years, and you will need to complete at least fourteen hours of continuing education within the two-year renewal period in order to renew your license. 

Continuing education can also help you advance your career and increase your earning potential. By specializing in a particular area of cosmetology, you can become a sought-after expert in your field and command higher fees for your services.

Get Started with Us!

Becoming a cosmetologist in Illinois requires hard work, dedication, and a commitment to ongoing education. By following the steps outlined in this blog, you can achieve your goal of becoming a licensed cosmetologist in Illinois and build a successful career in the industry.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in cosmetology, contact us today to learn more about our programs and how we can help you achieve your goals. We look forward to helping you start your journey toward a career in the cosmetology industry.

*Financial aid is available to those who qualify.