Arizona Schools

In Arizona, as in most states, formal training is the quickest route to a career as a beauty professional. If you enjoy making people look great, research the courses and programs offered at the state's many qualified cosmetology schools. Beauty training programs prepare students to work as hair stylists, nail technicians, make up artists, estheticians, and even salon owners.

Why You Should Attend Beauty School

Beauty schools teach students the skills they need to make it in a competitive field, and how to properly market those skills to employers. In Arizona you must have a valid state license before professionally practicing any beauty-related craft. The Arizona Board of Cosmetology requires aspiring beauticians to have a substantial amount of formal training before they can apply for a license.

You may have a preferred specialization already. Options include hairdressing, hair styling, nail care, and skin care. If you are still undecided, most programs begin with an overview of the cosmetology field that may help you choose. Beauty schools offer courses in hair chemistry, exfoliation, sanitation, manicures and pedicures, facials, hair removal, and much more. Depending on your specialization, training programs can take anywhere from several weeks to two years to complete.

Beauty Careers in Arizona

In Arizona, the 2008 average hourly wage for beauty professionals ranged from $9.89 for nail technicians to $13.21 for hairdressers, hair stylists, and general cosmetologists, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are roughly 8,000 Arizonians who work in a beauty-related profession. The Phoenix metropolitan area employs the most beauty experts, followed by Tucson. Tucson also boasts the highest average hourly wage.