Q: My daughter is in her late teens and is interested in becoming a hairdresser. Lately, she has been talking about becoming an apprentice in a hair salon. My husband and I are unsure about this choice and feel she should go to cosmetology school first to learn her skills. Can you give us any guidance about the options available?
A: David Barron: First of all, I am pleased that your daughter wants to become a hairdresser. The industry is always looking for new talent. There is a big difference between an apprenticeship and going to cosmetology school.
Hairstylist Apprenticeship
Hairstylist ApprenticeshipAs an apprentice, you are hired as a regular employee – usually for minimum wage or slightly higher – and typically work in a salon for two years. You are assigned to a hairstylist who is responsible for teaching you everything from hair color techniques to cutting and styling, to helping you pass the State Board exam in order to become a licensed hairdresser. It’s a lengthy process, but there is tremendous value in getting many hours of hands-on training.
Pros of Hairstylist Apprenticeship:
- Extensive hands-on training in a real salon environment
- Paid as a regular employee during the training period
- Often leads to job placement in the same salon after completing the apprenticeship
Cons of Hairstylist Apprenticeship:
- Takes longer (around two years)
- Requires more self-discipline and initiative
- Can be competitive to secure an apprenticeship position
Attending Cosmetology School
Attending cosmetology school to become licensed takes about nine months. It is an extensive training program, teaching all the necessary skills to pass the State Boards. There are many great schools out there, but the downside is that there is less on-the-job training and there is not a job promised once your get your license. Your daughter may have to work as an assistant until a salon feels she is ready to work on her own. If your daughter does choose to go to cosmetology school, make sure she selects an accredited institution.
Pros of Attending Cosmetology School:
- Extensive, structured training
- Typically shorter time commitment (around nine months)
- Prepares students to pass the State Board exam and earn their license
Cons of Attending Cosmetology School:
- Limited hands-on experience with real clients
- No guaranteed job placement after graduation
- May still need to work as an assistant before building a client base
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: Will my daughter need a license whether she chooses an apprenticeship or cosmetology school?
- Yes, regardless of the path she chooses, your daughter will need to pass the State Board exam to become a licensed hairdresser.
Q: Can she switch paths later on? For example, if she starts an apprenticeship, can she still go to cosmetology school?
- Absolutely! Some individuals choose to start in an apprenticeship for hands-on experience and later attend cosmetology school for more formal training, or vice versa.
Q: Is one path more prestigious than the other in the industry?
- Not necessarily. Both paths are respected, and it ultimately comes down to the skills and experience your daughter gains. Some salons may have a preference for one path over the other, but the key is finding what best fits her learning style and career goals.
Both options offer unique benefits, so it really depends on your daughter’s learning style and long-term goals. If she’s someone who thrives in a hands-on environment, an apprenticeship might be the better fit. If she prefers a structured academic setting, cosmetology school could be the way to go.