Whether you are just beginning to prepare for a career in the beauty industry, or you want a career change and have a passion for beauty and fashion, there is no age limit to your cosmetology education. Sure, many men and women attending beauty schools are in their 20s and 30s, but don’t let that intimidate you or hold you back.

In a recent beauty article, a 58-year-old woman achieved her goal of attaining her cosmetology degree after years of being an army wife and stay-at-home mom. She showed that 1,250 hours of cosmetology training can be done if you set your mind to it.

If you have been thinking about a beauty career and/or want to explore your artistic ability, don’t hesitate to find the beauty school that is perfect for you!

Here are some simple steps you can take to begin your education:
•    Go online and look for schools in your area.
•    Read the school reviews, find out if they give beauty school scholarships and financial aid opportunities, see how much the school costs, and check if any professional beauty companies support the school.
•    Set up a school visit with your top 3-5 schools and take a tour.
•    Sit down with all of your information and rank your schools from favorite to least favorite.
•    Start at the top of your list and being applying.

Don’t let things like age set your back from having the career in the beauty industry you want. If you are ready to start your career as a cosmetologist, begin your preparation pick and choose the beauty school that is right for you!

Beauty school students dream of making the world a little more stunning. Beauty Schools Marketing Group (BSMG), the company that works with the well-known cosmetology school directory websites BeautySchool.com and BeautySchoolsDirectory.com as well as the beauty social networking site MySocialBeauty.com, wants to make that vision become real for hardworking students that want to pursue a career in cosmetology.

“We’re excited to announce that we are now taking applications for a $2,500 scholarship,” said Bridget Duffy, Director of Beauty Schools Marketing Group. “There are so many students who dream about entering the cosmetology field, but are worried about how to pay for the cost of school. We wanted to help make these dream careers a reality.”

Candidates will be selected based on their answers to various questions, including their most meaningful achievement and how it relates to their future in cosmetology and what issues they think are most important in the cosmetology industry today.

To apply for the beauty school scholarship, visit: http://www.beautyschool.com/beauty-school-scholarships

Watch the beauty school scholarship official rules here:

If beauty is your career passion, you can succeed in any state. Take Texas on for size. Beauty schools in Texas offer of variety of schools to best fit the program you are looking to specialize in.

Barber, cosmetologist, manicurist and facial specialist are some the programs available. Remember when enrolling in beauty schools in Texas to be sure to note the required school hours needed in order to get your cosmetology license.

The required hours for the following programs are:

Barber: 1500 Barber School Hours
Cosmetologist: 1500 Beauty School Hours
Manicurist: 600 Nail School Hours
Facial Specialist: 750 Beauty School Hours

There are many beauty schools in Texas. Watch some of the schools highlighted below, or view the complete list of all beauty schools in Texas.

Photo provided by Junior Style Stars

Junior Style Stars awarded three cosmetology students over $85,000.00 in prizes during its 2011 competition season. Over 350 of the Nations top students competed in this online competition. Jenney Kohlenberg, a student at Hair California Beauty Academy has won the Junior Star Styles Peoples Pick Award and a trip to New York City to shadow celebrity stylist, Ted Gibson. Pavros Olivarez of Santa Monica College won the bridal categories top prize valued at $50,000.00. This prize includes cash, travel and one on one education with some of the industry’s most notable professionals. For the first time, Junior Style Stars had a men’s division and the winner was Jacob Nieto of Los Angeles Trade Tech. Jacob took home an all cash prize of $25,000.00.

The winners were all awarded their prize during a surprise presentation at their schools by Junior Style Stars founder Paul Barry and representatives from the competition sponsors. Each was presented their title in front of their Instructors and peers who supported and helped them win.

The Junior Style Stars competition invited cosmetology students to create a theme-inspired style demonstrating their skill at hair design and color. All students competed on identical Clic mannequin heads and had their creations photographed at J.C. Penney Portrait Studio locations across the country. All 2011 competition submissions reflected a style themed as either “Real Life Bridal” or “Men’s Open”. “We wanted the students to focus on the types of styles they will be creating once they graduate from cosmetology school, versus focusing on more fantasy-inspired looks,” noted Paul Barry.

Junior Style Stars is for the enhancement of careers in the cosmetology field by providing the platform for the future hairstylist to develop their artistic skills. Unlike other competitions, Junior Style Stars allows all students, regardless of location, to compete on a completely level playing field, void of all the usual politics. For information or sponsorship opportunities please contact, 1- 800-SHOW-432.

To view the competition and be a part of our over 4.5 million visitors, go to www.juniorstylestars.com.

Summer is here and it’s easy to relax and lounge in the sun but if you could combine a summer vacation environment with getting an education? Attending beauty schools in Los Angeles allows you to be around a warm climate all the time. There are many other important factors to look at when finding a beauty school though in addition to the area, the local attractions and the climate.

Here are a few handy questions to ask yourself:

- Is my school accredited?
- Does my school offer cosmetology scholarships?
- Will my school assist with financial aid?
- Does my school have a student salon?
- Will my school help with job placement?

Beauty schools in Los Angeles offer many great opportunities to start your career. To find out which the cosmetology schools in the area, watch the video below.

In some states like Virginia, officials are asking for a bigger percent when barbers, hairstylists and cosmetologists get their cosmetology state licenses. The Virginia Board of  Cosmetology has proposed almost doubling the license fees for individuals and facilities it regulates.

The current cosmetology license fee for barbers, cosmetologists and nail technicians to get a cosmetology license is $75. The cost covers validation for two years. The board has propose nearly doubling this fee and charging $140 to obtain a two year license.

“It’s reflecting the increased cost of doing business,” said Mary Vaughn, the director of communications, legislation and consumer education at the state Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.
Increasing this fee would also cause other licensing fees to rise. Licensing fees for salons and other facilities also would increase from $115 to $225. Licensing fees for beauty schools would go from $145 to $255.

Why the big increases? Is it really necessary? The Board for Barbers and Cosmetology says it needs the fee increases because the agency is self-supporting. The Board’s side is they rely on the fees to cover the costs for its operations, which include inspectors’ salaries and website management.

The proposal was approved by Jim Cheng, Virginia’s secretary of commerce of trade, this past April. The licensing fee increases are now waiting for Gov. Bob McDonnell’s signature. Upon signature the higher fees would do into effect immediately. To see what all the old and new proposed fees are for all areas of beauty in Virginia, visit http://snipurl.com/va_fees

State law requires all individuals employed in barbering, cosmetology, nail care, waxing, hair braiding, tattooing, body-piercing, esthetics and hair braiding to have a valid issued by the Board for Barbers and Cosmetology. For questions, contact the Virginia State Board of Cosmetology.

Our favorite celebrities always seem so put together—perfect hair and glowing, flawless complexions. We’d all like to replicate their look but most of us aren’t willing to shell out the big bucks that they do to look that good.  How can you be red-carpet worthy without spending a fortune on spa treatments and blowouts at the salon?  We’ve picked out a few celebrity make-up artist tips that won’t break the bank.  In fact, these items can all be purchased at your local drugstore.  No need for a shopping trip to Rodeo Drive!

Five Inexpensive Hollywood Beauty Tricks:

1. Primer: Okay, some stars really are born with perfect skin.  But most of them have a little secret called skin primer.  Most skin primers are silicone-based and act as a thin layer that fills in fine lines, large pores and acne scars. The result? A smooth, flawless complexion! Give skin primer a try and you’ll understand why Hollywood make-up artists call it the under-make-up make-up.

2. Skin Illuminator: Where do all the stars get their glow? Skin illuminators!  Most skin illuminators are pearlized shimmer creams that you put under your foundation or mix with your foundation for a fresh, glowing complexion.   Celebrity make-up artists warn that skin illuminators should not be confused with shimmery powder, which can end up looking like a sparkle-overdose.

3. Fast Lash by Tweezerman: Medication to make your eyelashes grow? Expensive.  Fake eyelashes? Messy and inconvenient.  The trick to get quick Hollywood lashes?  A secret to the stars—Fast Lash by Tweezerman.  In fact, it’s one of the most requested products for celebrity photo shoots and special events.  You first coat your lashes with regular mascara, then use Fast Lash which looks like a normal mascara tube but really contains dry white flakes.  These pieces of harmless polyester fiber act as a lash builder when you add another coat of regular mascara.  You’ll end up with thick, luscious lashes!

4. Blue, Yellow or Orange Concealer: You may not believe us, but putting these colors of concealer under your eyes will actually make them look better– trust us!  Blue-based concealer helps reflect light and makes eyes look brighter.  For even darker under-eye circles use yellow or orange concealer which will neutralize the darkness beneath the eyes.

5. Shampoo With Dimethicone Copolyol: Ya, we can’t pronounce it either. What we do know though is that shampoo that contains this ingredient has a little extra “oomph!”  Next time you need to purchase shampoo, make sure it has this volume booster in it.

Love makeup beyond just reading about it. Consider going to a makeup artist school and becoming certified.

If you are looking for cosmetology scholarships to apply to, consider applying to Marinello’s School of Beauty’s third annual Raw Talent High School Beauty Scholarship challenge. Eight students will be awarded cosmetology scholarships and prizes totaling $33,750. Just think you would be one step closer to realizing their dreams of pursuing a career in the beauty industry. Over the past two years, Marinello has donated $60,000 worth of scholarships to students beginning their careers in the beauty industry.

What are the prizes? The first place cosmetology scholarship is $10,000 toward tuition at any of the 46 Marinello campus locations. Second through fifth place scholarships are valued at $5,000 toward tuition, plus the top five winners will also receive a valuable Apple iPad to help with their studies. Sixth through eighth place winners will receive a Professional Makeup Workshop with Kit which will be utilized as they complete their coursework.

How to enter: There are two ways pieces involved in the Raw Talent Scholarship contest. All high school seniors interested in pursuing an exciting career in the beauty industry are encouraged to apply at www.marinello.com/scholarship. The first element is the hands-on portion. Applicants will need to contact Marinello Schools of Beauty campus location in their area to schedule an in-person visit between April 18 through April 29, 2011. Candidates interested in the Cosmetology program will complete a formal updo hairstyle befitting a special event, and those interested in the Esthetics course will execute a full make-up routine. All candidates must bring a model with them during this hands-on portion, and then appointed personnel will take before and after photographs of the candidates’ work, which will then be submitted for review.

The second element is the essay portion. Candidates will be required to submit an essay about what they will do to make a difference in the beauty industry. The essay will be reviewed by the High School Scholarship Committee at the corporate headquarters of Marinello Schools of Beauty and will be graded on content, spelling, syntax and grammar. All essays need to include a Marinello application, and can be submitted as early as March 25, 2011, but the deadline for submission is April 29, 2011 at midnight.

“Marinello is delighted to present the Raw Talent Scholarship competition again for the third year in a row,” said Dr. Nagui Elyas, President and COO, Marinello Schools of Beauty. “We firmly believe in fostering creativity and beauty in our community and see no better way than to offer students the opportunity to join the Marinello family and achieve success for their future.”

Fran Drescher, Donny and Marie Osmond, and motivational speaker Kathy Buckley were just a few of the stars onstage at Paul Mitchell Schools’ 26th annual Caper event. Held February 9–10 at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, the smoke-free, alcohol-free, hands-on educational extravaganza drew over 2,300 students (known as “Future Professionals”) who earned the trip by selling more than $2.8 million in specially packaged Paul Mitchell products.

Top leaders in and out of the professional beauty industry delivered two days of nonstop education, motivation, and inspiration. On day one, an hour before show time, the doors opened and Future Professionals raced inside to grab great seats, filling the room with sky-high energy as they waited for the magic to begin.

Donny and Marie Osmond asked to be part of Caper this year. Joined by members of their Las Vegas show, they entertained for half an hour and extended heartfelt thanks to Future Professionals for supporting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals through the Paul Mitchell Schools 2010 and 2011 FUNraising campaign. The Nanny star, Fran Drescher, popped in for a surprise visit and extended her thanks for support of her Cancer Schmancer Foundation. Audience favorite Kathy Buckley, America’s first hearing impaired comedian and founder of No Limits, shared her inspiring life story and reminded the audience that who you are is up to you and everyone is special.

Additional speakers included author and Paul Mitchell school owner Giulio Veglio and Modern Salon publisher Steve Reiss, who recognized Lucie Doughty, Scott Cole, and Linda Yodice for their feature article and cover of this month’s Modern Salon magazine. Diana Schmidtke, celebrity men’s grooming specialist whose clients include George Clooney, Matt Damon, Harrison Ford, and countless Hollywood superstars, shared her secrets for career success.

Other highlights included the Career Fair, where Future Professionals mingled with salon representatives, practiced their interview skills, and learned about opportunities across America, and the Caper Mall, featuring a full line of Paul Mitchell logo wear and educational tools. Day one ended with a favorite Paul Mitchell tradition: the White Party, where Future Professionals took pictures with their favorite stars and danced the night away.

Day two centered around three hands-on classroom rotations with top Paul Mitchell artists and educators. Haircutting and color classes were awash in a sea of mannequin heads: one for each of the 300-plus attendees in each room. Working with a theme of “What Inspires You?,” Future Professionals incorporated their own inspirations into new cutting and color techniques. In the “Look and Learn” classroom, Robert, Stephanie, Angus, Scott, and others demonstrated tips and techniques. New in this year’s lineup: a specialty class for skin care Future Professionals.

The closing show featured four top salon companies: A Robert Cromeans Salon, Lunatic Fringe, Floyd’s 99 Barbershops, and Angus Mitchell Salon. As Winn Claybaugh introduced the backstage teams responsible for the entire show—including wardrobe, makeup, production, logistics, choreography, classroom leaders, dancers, and models—his final message centered on the variety of careers and opportunities available in the beauty industry.
When asked what was the best thing that happened to her at Caper, one Future Professional said, “It felt like we were the celebrities. They’re teaching us to be the stars!”  For more information, visit www.paulmitchell.edu and www.paulmitchellschoolsFUNraising.org.

For the eighth consecutive year, the nationwide network of Paul Mitchell beauty schools will spend the months of February through April raising money for charitable organizations. In 2010, the schools raised an all-time high of $1.2 million, bringing their seven-year total to over $4.6 million.

This year they plan to raise $1.5 million for seven organizations: Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation, Food 4 Africa, Fran Drescher’s Cancer Schmancer Foundation, and newcomers Morris Animal Foundation, represented by Betty White, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

“We’re so excited to welcome Betty White and Dolly Parton this year, and we’re thrilled to welcome Leeza Gibbons, Donny and Marie Osmond, and Fran Drescher back again,” said Paul Mitchell Schools Dean and Cofounder Winn Claybaugh. “All of these incredible superstar celebrities will play an active role in motivating and encouraging our 12,000 future professionals as they take part in thousands of grassroots ‘FUNraisers,’ from cut-a-thons and car washes to fashion shows and charity balls. They’ve also joined an elite group of wonderful celebrities who’ve supported us in the past, including Larry King and Vidal Sassoon.”

Leeza Gibbons, whose Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation has been a supported charity since the FUNraising campaign began, says, “If I could start all over, I swear I would sign up to be a student at the Paul Mitchell Schools. These future professionals prove over and over again that they are committed to using their talents and passion for the greater good, and they really know how to spread the love!”

Returning to the campaign for the second year, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals founders Donny and Marie Osmond said, “In our family, we were raised to believe we all have a responsibility to give back and help others. We feel like we’ve found an extended family in Paul Mitchell Schools. From last year’s generous donation (twice the amount they originally promised) to the way they’ve reached out locally to the 170-plus Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals with their love, service, and passion, Paul Mitchell Schools have shown that giving back is not just about raising money.”