Educational Requirements - Cosmetologists In order to work as a hairstylist or cosmetologist, one must attend a state-licensed barber or cosmetology school and be at least 16 years old. In some states one must earn a high school or equivalency diploma as well. Training programs in hairstyling and cosmetology last approximately nine months and may result in earning an associate degree. Manicurist training programs are not as long.
Hairstylist for TV, Movies, or Theater
If you like the idea of working with celebrities, you may want to consider this career option. You can choose to style hair for a weekly TV show, be a make-up artist for the latest theatrical production, or even create the newest alien race as part of a special-effects team for a science fiction movie. Working in this area will allow you to color hair, add texture, use hair extensions, work with wigs, or simply style hair. Who know? There may even be a Academy Award in your future.