How to Become an Esthetician | Esthetician Schools Highwood IL

How to Select an Esthetics School near Highwood Illinois

Highwood IL esthetician client with cucumber facialNow that you have made a decision to enter the field of cosmetology and attend an esthetician school near Highwood IL, the task starts to find and enroll in the best program. It’s imperative that the program you choose not only provides the appropriate training for the specialty you have decided on, but also preps you for passing the licensing exam. When you start your initial search, you may be rather puzzled about the contrast between beauty schools and cosmetology schools. Well don’t be, because the names are basically interchangeable and both refer 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 want to locate a school that is within driving distance of your Highwood home. Tuition will also be a critical aspect when assessing potential schools. Just bear in mind that because a school is the closest or the cheapest it’s not automatically the best option. There are many other factors that you should weigh when analyzing schools, for instance their reputation and accreditation. We will examine what questions you should ask concerning the cosmetology schools you are thinking about later in this article. Before we do, let’s discuss a bit about what cosmetology is, and what kinds of programs are offered.

Defining Cosmetology

esthetics facial toners Highwood ILCosmetology is a profession that is all about making the human anatomy look more beautiful through the use of cosmetics. So of course it makes sense that many cosmetology schools are described as beauty schools. Most of us think of makeup when we hear the term cosmetics, but really a cosmetic can be anything that improves the appearance of a person’s skin, hair or nails. If you want to work as a cosmetologist, almost all states mandate that you undergo some type of specialized training and then become licensed. Once you are licensed, the work settings include not only Highwood IL beauty salons and barber shops, but also such businesses as spas, hotels and resorts. Many cosmetologists, once they have gotten experience and a clientele, launch their own shops or salons. Others will start servicing customers either in their own residences or will go to the client’s house, or both. Cosmetology college graduates are known by many professional names and work in a wide range of specialties including:

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

As already mentioned, in most states working cosmetologists must be licensed. In certain states there is an exemption. Only those offering more skilled services, for example hairstylists, are required to be licensed. Others working in cosmetology and less skilled, including shampooers, are not required to be licensed in those states.

Esthetics Degrees

Highwood IL esthetician client with face maskThere are primarily two pathways offered to obtain esthetician training and a credential upon completion. You can enroll in a certificate (or diploma) course, or you can pursue an Associate’s degree. Certificate programs usually 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 all of the main areas of cosmetology. Shorter programs are offered if you prefer to specialize in just one area, such as esthetics. A degree program will also probably include management and marketing training so that graduates are better prepared to run a parlor or other Highwood IL business. More advanced degrees are not prevalent, but Bachelor and Master’s degree programs are available in such areas as salon or spa management. Whichever type of course you choose, it’s essential to make certain that it’s approved by the Illinois Board of Cosmetology. A number of states only certify schools that are accredited by certain reputable agencies, including the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS). We will examine the benefits of accreditation for the school you choose in the following section.

Online Esthetics Programs

woman attending esthetician school online in Highwood ILOnline esthetician schools are advantageous for Highwood IL students who are working full-time and have family commitments that make it challenging to attend a more traditional school. There are a large number of web-based beauty school programs available that can be attended by means of a personal computer or laptop at the student’s convenience. More conventional cosmetology programs are often fast paced due to the fact that many programs are as short as six or eight months. This means that a substantial amount of time is spent in the classroom. With online programs, you are covering the same amount of material, but you’re not devoting numerous hours outside of your home or commuting back and forth from classes. On the other hand, it’s important that the program you select can provide internship training in nearby salons and parlors in order that you also get the hands-on training required for a complete education. Without the internship part of the training, it’s impossible to acquire the skills needed to work in any area of the cosmetology industry. So don’t forget if you choose to enroll in an online program to verify that internship training is provided in your area.

What to Ask Esthetics Training Classes

Highwood IL models benefit from esthetic treatmentsFollowing is a series of questions that you need to investigate for any esthetician training school you are contemplating. As we have already discussed, the location of the school in relation to your Highwood residence, as well as the expense of tuition, will most likely be your initial qualifiers. Whether you want to earn a certificate, diploma or a degree will no doubt be next on your list. But once you have narrowed your school choices based on those initial qualifications, there are even more factors that you must research and consider before enrolling in a cosmetology program. Following we have put together several of those supplemental questions that you should ask every school before making a final decision.

Is the Program Accredited? It’s necessary to make sure that the esthetician college you enroll in is accredited. The accreditation should be by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged local or national agency, such as the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (NACCAS). Schools accredited by the NACCAS must measure up to their high standards ensuring a quality curriculum and education. Accreditation can also be essential for getting student loans or financial aid, which frequently are not available in 60040 for non- accredited schools. It’s also a requirement for licensing in many states that the training be accredited. And as a concluding benefit, numerous Highwood IL businesses will not recruit recent graduates of non-accredited schools, or may look more favorably upon individuals with accredited training.

Does the School have a Great Reputation?  Each esthetician college that you are seriously evaluating should have a good to outstanding reputation within the profession. Being accredited is an excellent starting point. Next, ask the schools for testimonials from their network of employers where they have placed their students. Verify that the schools have high job placement rates, showing that their students are highly sought after. Visit rating companies for reviews along with the school’s accrediting agencies. If you have any relationships with Highwood IL salon owners or managers, or someone working in the industry, ask them if they are acquainted with the schools you are considering. They may even be able to suggest others that you had not thought of. And last, check with the Illinois school licensing authority to find out if there have been any grievances submitted or if the schools are in full compliance.

What’s the School’s Specialty?  Some esthetician schools offer programs that are comprehensive in nature, focusing on all areas of cosmetology. Others are more focused, offering training in a particular specialty, for instance hairstyling, manicuring or electrolysis. Schools that offer degree programs commonly expand into a management and marketing curriculum. So it’s imperative that you select a school that focuses on 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 well regarded for that program. If your aspiration is to start a Highwood IL beauty salon, then you need to enroll in a degree program that will teach you how to be an owner/operator. Picking a highly regarded school with a poor program in the specialty you are pursuing will not provide the training you require.

Is Plenty of Hands-On Training Provided?  Studying and perfecting esthetician techniques and abilities requires plenty of practice on people. Find out how much live, hands-on training is provided in the beauty classes you will be attending. Some schools have salons on campus that make it possible for students to practice their developing talents on real people. If a beauty program provides minimal or no scheduled live training, but rather relies predominantly on using mannequins, it might not be the most effective alternative for acquiring your skills. So try to find other schools that offer this kind of training.

Does the School have a Job Placement Program?  As soon as a student graduates from an esthetician school, it’s important that he or she receives help in finding that first job. Job placement programs are an important part of that process. Schools that offer assistance maintain relationships with Highwood IL businesses that are searching for skilled graduates available for hiring. Confirm that the programs you are contemplating have job placement programs and find out which salons and businesses they refer students to. In addition, find out what their job placement rates are. Higher rates not only verify that they have extensive networks of employers, but that their programs are highly respected as well.

Is Financial Assistance Offered?  Most esthetician schools provide financial aid or student loan assistance for their students. Find out if the schools you are investigating have a financial aid department. Speak with a counselor and identify what student loans or grants you might get approved for. If the school is a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), it will have scholarships accessible to students too. If a school satisfies each of your other qualifications except for cost, do not omit it as an alternative until you learn what financial aid may be offered.

Attending Esthetician School Near Highwood IL?

Perhaps you live in the Highwood Illinois area, or have found a school that you will commute to or even relocate to attend.  Either way, following is some interesting background information about the location of your new esthetician program.

Highwood, Illinois

Originally, the land was owned by the Potawatomi until the 1833 when it was ceded to the United States through the Treaty of Chicago.[5] The first non-Native American settled in the town in 1846. In 1851 Highwood became the headquarter location of the Chicago North Shore and Milwaukee Railroad, which ran parallel to the Chicago and North Western Railway's and is now know today as Metra's Union Pacific/North line. Thomas Curley suggested the name High Woods because the land was the highest ground between Chicago and Milwaukee and was covered with trees.

In 1886 civil and labor unrest in Chicago eventually led to the Haymarket Riot. Chicago businessmen felt that having a military presence near the city would help alleviate tensions within the city and on November 8, 1887 purchased Camp Highwood. This land would come to host members of the Sixth Infantry Regiment. On February 27, 1888 Camp Highwood was officially named Fort Sheridan in honor of General Philip Sheridan for his ability to maintain order after the Chicago Fire of 1871.

Highwood provided several business and employment opportunities and following the fire, many of those who lost their home and a wave of immigrants settled into the town. Highwood can also give credit to much of their economic success to the Chicago and Milwaukee Electric Railway. However, with increased transportation it also caused a sudden rise in gambling dens and illegal "blind-pig" taverns which catered to off duty soldiers. This eventually provoked federal authorities to enact the "Highwood Quadrangle" which prohibited the sale of liquor within 1 1/8th miles of the army base.

Choose the Right Esthetician School near Highwood IL

Choosing and enrolling in the ideal esthetician school is imperative to obtain the necessary training to become a licensed cosmetology professional. Make sure to ask all the questions that you need to so as to feel confident about your decision. Make certain to organize all of the responses you get from the cosmetology school admissions departments, prioritize what matters the most to you, and then utilize that data to compare schools. A reasonable beginning in your due diligence procedure is to make sure that the school and program you pick are accredited and have outstanding reputations within the field. If you start with that base, and address the additional questions provided in this post, you will be able to filter your list of schools so that you can make the ideal choice. And when you graduate and pass your licensing test, you will be confident that you are qualified to begin your new career as a professional esthetician in Highwood IL.

Other Beautiful Locations in Highwood Illinois

  • How to Become an Esthetician | Esthetician Schools Findlay IL
  • How to Become an Esthetician | Esthetician Schools Glasford IL
  • How to Become an Esthetician | Esthetician Schools Fairfield IL
  • How to Become an Esthetician | Esthetician Schools Goreville IL
  • How to Become an Esthetician | Esthetician Schools Fox River Grove IL
  • How to Become an Esthetician | Esthetician Schools Bellflower IL
  • How to Become an Esthetician | Esthetician Schools Pecatonica IL
  • How to Become an Esthetician | Esthetician Schools Cicero IL
  • How to Become an Esthetician | Esthetician Schools Elk Grove Village IL
  • How to Become an Esthetician | Esthetician Schools Bridgeview IL
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 2100

    Magdalena European Med Spa
    14 Reviews
    Medical Spas, Skin Care, Waxing
    Phone:
    272 E Deerpath Rd, Ste 102, Lake Forest, IL 60045

    Celeste Beauty
    59 Reviews
    Skin Care, Eyelash Service, Threading Services
    Phone:
    742 Sheridan Rd, Ste 3, Highwood, IL 60040

    Olena Skin Esthetics
    7 Reviews
    Makeup Artists, Skin Care, Waxing
    Phone:
    1877 Waukegan Rd, Glenview, IL 60025

    Lena's Skin Care
    16 Reviews
    Skin Care, Waxing, Permanent Makeup
    Phone:
    660 Vernon Ave, Glencoe, IL 60022

    ForeverYoung MedSpa Health & Wellness
    11 Reviews
    Medical Spas, Skin Care, Weight Loss Centers
    Phone:
    471 Lake Cook Rd, Deerfield, IL 60015

    Skin Care by Ellen
    13 Reviews
    Skin Care
    Phone:
    572 Roger Williams Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035

    Skincare by Jenn
    8 Reviews
    Skin Care, Waxing
    Phone:
    1161 N Arlington Heights Rd, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

    Nusheen Skin+Care
    5 Reviews
    Hair Removal, Skin Care, Massage
    Phone:
    950 Green Bay Rd, Winnetka, IL 60093

    Jen Z's Beauty Services
    3 Reviews
    Skin Care, Makeup Artists
    Phone:
    2665 Waukegan Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035

    Cos Bar Highland Park
    19 Reviews
    Cosmetics & Beauty Supply, Skin Care
    Phone:
    662 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035