Cosmetology careers have become increasingly popular over the years, and as such more schools continue to emerge to deal with the growing number of students wishing to get involved in the beauty field.

“A lot of new schools are opening up; there are close to 2,000 in the U.S.,” said Jim Cox, executive director of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools, located in Scottsdale, Arizona. “It used to be most schools were small and privately owned, but now brand names like Paul Mitchell and Aveda are also getting into the business.”

Mr. Cox said that while the majority of students enrolling at cosmetology school are fresh out high school, a number of older students dissatisfied with their careers are quitting their jobs and embarking on a new career path. There is no longer the stigma attached to those who study cosmetology as the type of students who can’t make it in an academic college.

Studying cosmetology nowadays is not like it once was years ago. Naturally, the basics (hair, skin and nails) are still covered but now the curriculum is expanded to include massage, wellness and skin care. As well as this, holistic health treatments such as massage, reflexology, and hydrotherapy are also being taught in some schools.

Another positive aspect for cosmetology is how well it has fared during the recession. Angela O’Brien, a student at Empire Beauty School in Indianapolis, said that, “I saw that while the beauty industry was being affected by the downturn, it didn’t devastate it. Everyone has to get their hair cut – they may spend less, but they will still get it cut.”

It normally takes between 10 to 18 months of training to qualify as a cosmetologist, and depending on the school and course the tuition fees can vary from $8,000 to $18,000. Each student must complete a number of practical study hours (ranging from 1,000 to 2,200) before they can sit the licensing exam.

Lynelle Lynch, owner of Bellus Academy, which has 240 students, believes that working as a cosmetologist is an enjoyable and rewarding career. “You are taking care of people all day, people who come to you to make them feel better. And that makes people feel really good about what they do.”