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Cosmetology Instructors

Cosmetologists with a desire to teach others can share this passion with others by teaching students to cut, color, style, and treat hair, perform manicures and pedicures, carry out skin care treatments, apply make-up and much more.

A cosmetology instructor needs to be personable and well-experienced in the field of cosmetology, with a proven ability to work as a team.

Cosmetology instructors teach a large variety of courses in all aspects of the industry, including nail technology, hair styling, skincare, recordkeeping, management, and marketing. They often begin their careers as licensed cosmetologists and then take further coursework to become educators.

All states require cosmetologists to be licensed and some require additional licensure to become cosmetology instructors. Most cosmetology instructor positions require several years of experience in the industry. Positions are available in cosmetology schools, vocational schools, and community colleges. Many employers prefer applicants with an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in addition to a cosmetology license.

Cosmetology instructors sometimes receive health care, insurance and other benefits that their contemporaries who work in a salon may not receive. Some cosmetology schools offer Cosmetology Teacher Training programs within their curriculum. These programs prepare licensed cosmetologists to instruct and inspire cosmetology students, and effectively prepare them for their careers. Becoming an instructor can be a rewarding position which allows cosmetologists to help influence future professionals.

Cosmetology education is vocational, which means that students are taught detailed techniques through a hands-on approach. For this reason, cosmetology instructors must blend the teaching of theory with practical skill instruction.

Effective lesson planning ensures that the right information is communicated and demonstrated in ways that all types of learners find interesting and are able to understand. Cosmetology instructors must also be prepared to use technology in their teaching methods.

The old saying, "If you can't do, teach" does not apply to cosmetology school. If cosmetologists can't "do" as an instructor, their students won't "do" well either. If instructors cannot effectively educate cosmetology students, they may not pass the state board exams to earn their license, which is a no-win situation for everyone involved.