The Importance of Cosmetology Continuing Education

Despite every minute you spend in the classroom and every hour you log while practicing to be a cosmetologist, receiving a license does not mean your learning is over; but rather that you can begin practicing out in the real world while ideally taking cosmetology continuing education courses. In some areas, even cosmetologists that received their license from the state board are still required to take education classes periodically after they have graduated.

Regardless of state mandated requirements for license holders, clients naturally expects stylists to keep up with the rise and fall of cosmetic trends while being an expert at implanting them. The fact is that a cosmetologist receives his or her license in order to verify his knowledge of the absolute basics. A license allows a stylist to practice his or her skill, but it does not make them a permanent professional.

What More is There to Learn?

One of the greatest aspects of the beauty industry is the constant change of the most popular items and the evolution that takes places on every style and tradition. Cosmetologists have to always be ready to take on these new challenges and slowly learn to incorporate the techniques in order to turn out stunning modernized looks. Everyone has something, however minor or major it may be, that they could use a little practice on. This is why furthering your knowledge of the cosmetology industry can do more than keep you up-to-date, but can even provide you with assistance and confidence in a particular area where you may have previously lacked experience.

How to Further Your Education Once Licensed

Continuing your education in the cosmetology field will not only benefit you by enhancing your skills and furthering your experience, but it will also provide proof for current and potential future clients that shows you take your job and the industry seriously. In order to remain on the fast track to success, enroll in an online beauty education school or even take classes at a local beauty college. Just because it is not necessarily a requirement, it does not mean that it will not be a huge benefit.

Continuous Education Requirements by State (necessary every two years)

• Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and North Carolina require a minimum of sixteen hours of further education courses.
• Illinois is the only state requesting fourteen hours of further education.
• Kentucky, South Carolina, and Texas mandate twelve hours of extra education.
• Iowa, Nebraska, and Ohio each require eight hours of continued education classes.
• Georgia stipulates only five hours of further cosmetology education is necessary.
• States not mentioned above currently have no legal requirements on cosmetology continuing education classes or courses.