Become a Cosmetologist | Cosmetology Schools Westwood NJ

How to Find the Right Beauty School near Westwood New Jersey

nail technicians training at Westwood NJ beauty school Once you have decided to train as a cosmetologist and attend a beauty school near Westwood NJ, the process begins to find and enroll in the best school. It’s important that the school you pick not only provides the proper education for the specialty you have selected, but also prepares you for passing the licensing exam. When you start your initial search, you might be rather puzzled about the distinction between beauty schools and cosmetology schools. Well don’t be, because the names are basically interchangeable and both pertain to the same type of school. We’ll speak a little bit further concerning that in the upcoming section. If you intend on commuting to classes you will need to choose a school that is within driving distance of your Westwood residence. Tuition will likewise be an important factor when assessing potential schools. Just bear in mind that because a school is the nearest or the lowest cost it’s not necessarily the right choice. There are several other considerations that you should weigh when reviewing schools, such as their reputation and accreditation. We will examine what questions you should ask about the cosmetology schools you are looking at later in this article. Before we do, let’s talk a little bit about what cosmetology is, and what kinds of courses are available.

Defining Cosmetology

Westwood NJ makeup ar4tist applying makeup Cosmetology is an occupation that is everything about making the human anatomy look more attractive with the application of cosmetics. So of course it makes sense that a number of cosmetology schools are referred to as beauty schools. Most of us think of makeup when we hear the term cosmetics, but really a cosmetic may be almost anything that enhances the appearance of a person’s skin, hair or nails. If you want to work as a cosmetologist, the majority of states require that you go through some type of specialized training and then be licensed. Once licensed, the work settings include not only Westwood NJ beauty salons and barber shops, but also such businesses as spas, hotels and resorts. Many cosmetologists, after they have gotten experience and a client base, open their own shops or salons. Others will begin seeing clients either in their own residences or will travel to the client’s house, or both. Cosmetology college graduates are known by many names and work in a wide range of specialties including:

Hairdressers
Hairstylists
Beauticians
Barbers
Manicurists
Nail Technicians
Makeup Artists
Hair Coloring Specialists
Estheticians
Electrolysis Technicians

As formerly stated, in most states practicing cosmetologists must be licensed. In certain states there is an exemption. Only those conducting more skilled services, for instance hairstylists, are required to be licensed. Others employed in cosmetology and less skilled, which include shampooers, are not required to become licensed in those states.

Cosmetology Degrees and Certificates

Westwood NJ hairdresser cutting hair There are primarily two avenues available to receive cosmetology training and a credential after completion. You can enroll in a certificate (or diploma) course, or you can pursue an Associate’s degree. Certificate programs normally require 12 to 18 months to complete, while an Associate’s degree ordinarily takes about 2 years. If you enroll in a certificate program you will be trained in each of the main areas of cosmetology. Briefer programs are available if you prefer to concentrate on just one area, for example hair coloring. A degree program will also most likely include management and marketing training to ensure that graduates are better prepared to operate a parlor or other Westwood NJ business. Higher degrees are not prevalent, but Bachelor and Master’s degree programs are available in such areas as salon or spa management. Whichever type of training program you decide on, it’s essential to make certain that it’s certified by the New Jersey Board of Cosmetology. Many states only recognize schools that are accredited by certain reputable agencies, such as the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS). We will cover the advantages of accreditation for the school you decide on in the upcoming segment.

Online Cosmetologist Training

student attending cosmetology school online in Westwood NJ Online beauty programs are advantageous for Westwood NJ students who are employed full-time and have family commitments that make it challenging to enroll in a more traditional school. There are numerous web-based cosmetology school programs available that can be accessed through a desktop computer or laptop at the student’s convenience. More conventional beauty programs are frequently fast paced because many programs are as brief as 6 or 8 months. This means that a considerable amount of time is spent in the classroom. With online courses, you are covering the same amount of material, but you’re not spending numerous hours away from your home or commuting to and from classes. However, it’s essential that the school you select can provide internship training in local salons and parlors in order that you also obtain the hands-on training required for a complete education. Without the internship portion of the training, it’s impossible to obtain the skills necessary to work in any facet of the cosmetology industry. So make sure if you decide to enroll in an online school to confirm that internship training is available in your area.

What to Ask Beauty Training Classes

Questions to ask Westwood NJ beauty schools Below is a list of questions that you will want to look into for any beauty training school you are contemplating. As we have already covered, the location of the school in relation to your Westwood NJ residence, as well as the cost of tuition, will undoubtedly be your primary qualifiers. Whether you wish to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will no doubt be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school options based on those initial qualifications, there are even more factors that you should research and take into consideration before enrolling in a cosmetology program. Below we have compiled some of those additional questions that you should ask every school before making a final decision.

Is the Program Accredited? It’s necessary to make certain that the cosmetology training program you enroll in is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education certified local or national organization, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Programs accredited by the NACCAS must comply with their high standards assuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be essential for acquiring student loans or financial aid, which often are not offered in 07675 for non- accredited schools. It’s also a prerequisite for licensing in some states that the training be accredited. And as a final benefit, a number of Westwood NJ businesses will not hire recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or might look more favorably upon individuals with accredited training.

Does the School have a Good Reputation? Every beauty institute that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to exceptional reputation within the profession. Being accredited is a good beginning. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of businesses where they have placed their students. Confirm that the schools have high job placement rates, signifying that their students are highly demanded. Check rating companies for reviews in addition to the school’s accrediting agencies. If you have any connections with Westwood NJ salon owners or managers, or any person working in the business, ask them if they are familiar with the schools you are looking at. They may even be able to suggest others that you had not thought of. And finally, contact the New Jersey school licensing authority to see if there have been any complaints submitted or if the schools are in total compliance.

What’s the School’s Specialty? Some beauty schools offer programs that are broad in nature, concentrating on all facets of cosmetology. Others are more focused, providing training in a specific specialty, for instance hairstyling, manicuring or electrolysis. Schools that offer degree programs frequently broaden into a management and marketing curriculum. So it’s imperative that you pick a school that specializes in your area of interest. If your goal is to be trained as an esthetician, make sure that the school you enroll in is accredited and respected for that program. If your vision is to open a hair salon in Westwood NJ, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Choosing a highly regarded school with a poor program in the specialty you are seeking will not provide the training you need.

Is Plenty of Hands-On Training Provided? Practicing and perfecting cosmetology techniques and abilities demands plenty of practice on volunteers. Ask how much live, hands-on training is provided in the beauty classes you will be attending. A number of schools have salons on campus that allow students to practice their growing talents on volunteers. If a beauty program furnishes minimal or no scheduled live training, but rather relies heavily on utilizing mannequins, it may not be the most effective option for cultivating your skills. So search for other schools that furnish this kind of training.

Does the School Provide Job Assistance? Once a student graduates from a cosmetology academy, it’s crucial that he or she gets aid in securing that first job. Job placement programs are an integral part of that process. Schools that furnish help maintain relationships with Westwood NJ businesses that are looking for skilled graduates available for hiring. Check that the programs you are considering have job placement programs and inquire which salons and organizations they refer students to. Also, ask what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only confirm that they have wide networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.

Is Financial Assistance Available? The majority of beauty schools offer financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out if the schools you are reviewing have a financial aid office. Speak with a counselor and identify what student loans or grants you may qualify for. If the school is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships available to students also. If a school satisfies all of your other qualifications with the exception of expense, do not omit it as an alternative until you find out what financial aid may be offered.

Enrolled in Cosmetology School near Westwood NJ?

If you have decided to attend Beauty School in the greater Westwood NJ area, following is some interesting and perhaps useful information about the location of your new school campus.

Westwood, New Jersey

Westwood (known as "The Hub of the Pascack Valley"[21]) is a borough in Bergen County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough's population was 10,908,[10][11][12] reflecting a decline of 91 (-0.8%) from the 10,999 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn increased by 553 (+5.3%) from the 10,446 counted in the 1990 Census.[22] Westwood is part of the New York metropolitan area.[23] Many of its residents regularly commute to New York City for work and leisure, many using public transportation.[24][25]

Westwood was officially incorporated as a borough on May 8, 1894, from portions of Washington Township, early during the "Boroughitis" phenomenon then sweeping through Bergen County, in which 26 boroughs were formed in the county in 1894 alone.[26][27] Isaac D. Bogert served as the first mayor of the Borough.[28] In April 1909, Westwood was enlarged through the annexation of the "Old Hook" section of the borough of Emerson,[29] and on September 24, 1957, portions of the borough were exchanged with Emerson.[26]

The Lenni-Lenape Native Americans inhabited this part of the state and shared it with the transient hunters and trappers until the permanent settlers began to enter in mid-18th century.[30] In the early 19th century, the area that would later become Westwood was within the larger political boundaries of Harrington Township, which had been established by royal charter in 1775. In 1840, the western half of Harrington Township became Washington Township, with the Hackensack River as the dividing line.[26] Washington Township was an agrarian region with isolated farmsteads. Early families, including the Hoppers and Ackermans, are buried at the Old Hook Cemetery. An 18th-century mill was situated at the dammed stream near the intersection of today's Mill Street and First Avenue. This mill was on an important east west pathway and was the first on Musquapsink Brook.[31] The mill was largely destroyed after a fire set by an arsonist and was dismantled in 1910.[32]

Enroll in the Right Cosmetology Vocational School near Westwood NJ

Westwood NJ barber blow drying client's hair Selecting and enrolling in the ideal beauty school is essential to obtain the appropriate training to become a licensed cosmetology technician. Make sure to ask all the questions that you need to so as to feel positive about your decision. Make certain to consolidate all of the responses you receive from the beauty school admissions departments, focus on what matters the most to you, and then utilize that information to compare schools. A sensible beginning in your due diligence process is to make sure that the college and program you pick are accredited and have impressive reputations within the field. If you start with that foundation, and answer the additional questions provided in this post, you will be able to narrow down your list of schools so that you can make the proper selection. And when you graduate and pass your licensing examination, you will be confident that you are prepared to launch your career as a professional cosmetologist in Westwood NJ.