| Getting there is not easy, but the path is replete | | | | States-or the Accrediting Commission of Career |
| with others who are there to help guide aspiring hair | | | | Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT). An |
| stylists, estheticians, cosmetologists, make-up artists, | | | | approved institute enables students to gain |
| nail technicians, massage therapists, and barbers along | | | | employment at a reputable salon, day spa, resort, |
| the path to great success. | | | | medical office, etc., and even makes it easier for the |
| Choosing the right cosmetology school usually starts | | | | student to transfer his or her skills to other states if |
| with a basic Internet search. Students might choose | | | | when necessary. |
| to target a specific geographic region of the United | | | | Look for a school that integrates the science of |
| States, such as the northeast or west coast, with | | | | cutting, styling, coloring, skin care and nail technology |
| particular interest in metropolitan hot spots like New | | | | with the artistry of esthetics and make-up. A good |
| York City or Los Angeles. Others might prefer to | | | | academy will offer state-of-the-art clinics where |
| contribute to their local economies, open up their | | | | students gain hands-on laboratory experience working |
| own salon, or even enter the international cruise | | | | on both mannequins and live models. A tour of the |
| industry. Whichever the case, there are thousands of | | | | academy will highlight positive and negative aspects |
| top beauty schools nationwide that offer accredited | | | | of its environment such as: |
| programs in cosmetology, skin care, make-up, nail | | | | Do the students look engaged and productive? Is the |
| artistry, school administration, and even cosmetology | | | | environment professional? Are teachers friendly and |
| school teaching licenses. | | | | energetic? |
| An accredited design college will provide | | | | Finally, ask the beauty institute's admissions counselor |
| documentation attesting to its standing as an | | | | for a list of the financial aid programs available |
| approved school. Ask where the academy received | | | | through the school, including the ACE Grant, American |
| its designation and then research that agency on the | | | | Cosmetology Education Grant, Federal Pell Grant, |
| World Wide Web for a full evaluation. Some of the | | | | NCEA Scholarship, and Federal Supplemental Education |
| most prestigious national accrediting agencies include | | | | Opportunity Grant. Some colleges even offer private |
| the National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology | | | | scholarships amounting up to $2,000 per year for |
| Arts & Sciences (NACCAS)-the largest in the United | | | | qualified students. |