Cosmetology is a field for those with good and crafty hands, so if you have these talented hands, you want to invest more in your education. However, not everyone can afford the courses that can actually help to mold you into a certified expert. Fortunately, there are some free online cosmetology courses with certificates. One thing with online cosmetology training is that nobody will be there to encourage you. So, you really have to prepare and encourage yourself to follow these courses.
Meanwhile, inner beauty is wonderful, yet adding a bit of mascara can also be nice. But you may not expertly handle the mascara, which explains why you need courses. The goal is always to enhance someone’s appearance, as well as their sense of well-being.
Free Online Cosmetology Courses with Certificates
In the beauty industry, there is endless opportunity to discover new trends and approaches. This is why hair and beauty conferences are so appealing, and there are so many webinars featuring beauty experts. In this profession, continuous learning will help your skills. Another method is really to invest in courses, and thankfully, there are some free classes that are going to be discussed in this article.
1. Beyond Black Friday Holiday Sales Course
So, the first is the Beyond Black Friday Holiday Sales Course which I have found to be a useful and free online cosmetology course. In partnership with beauty industry expert Nina Tulio, Beyond Black Friday provides a free 4-week online course that helps small business owners increase revenue during the holiday season. Beyond Black Friday for Cosmetology is a Schedulicity course, so you just have to sign in and watch the courses whenever it’s convenient. This course is specially tailored for professionals in the hair and beauty industry.
2. Hair Color Industry Classes with Shannon
While checking YouTube, I came across the channel, VanFleet. Yes, this cosmetology course is decent and is 100% free as well. Here, you will discover fantastic mini-classes available for free. The courses are taught by hair extension expert and YouTuber Shannon VanFleet.
3. Makeup and Nails Certification Course
Ready for a deeper dive? This comprehensive sixteen-week course, with almost 52,000 online students, offers certification in advanced makeup and nail techniques. Though the first four weeks are free, Upskillist charges $69.99 per month thereafter. Suitable for beginners and as a refresher for veteran makeup artists, this cosmetology certification has been highly praised. As one reviewer mentioned, the course provides insights into many aspects of makeup application that are often overlooked.
4. Beauty Tips and Tricks: An Introduction to Applying Makeup
For those considering a career as a makeup artist, this is one of the free online cosmetology courses with certificates for you. The course is offered by Skillshare, and it includes a free trial. So, it allows you to learn beauty basics from makeup artist Chelsie Baker without a fee.
5. Beauty Therapy Course
Here is another comprehensive course that offers both practical training in treatments and thorough theoretical knowledge. Topics covered include skincare, body treatments, and hair removal.
It begins with fundamental skills, progresses to advanced skincare, and then to professional makeup techniques. Upskillist indicates that the course can be completed in 4 weeks, which coincides with the duration of their free trial.
6. Get Free Cosmetology School Education via Financial Aid
Don’t let the fear of debt stop you from pursuing a cosmetology school education. Many schools provide financial aid, but you’ll need to do some research and talk to the right people. In 2021, lots of makeup courses went online. Try searching for “cosmetology programs near me” and then check out the Financial Aid pages of these local schools to see what’s available. Meanwhile, I wrote a very detailed article that will help you to get a cosmetology degree for free.
7. How-to Beauty Courses
We know YouTube isn’t a formal online cosmetology course, but it’s still worth considering. Many talented makeup artists have learned their skills independently, and even certified makeup artists often turn to YouTube to keep up with new techniques. Don’t overlook this free online resource! A great channel to start with is that of celebrity makeup artist and influencer Huda Kattan. It’s perfect for staying up-to-date and learning new skills in between client appointments.
8. QC Makeup Academy
Whether you’re just starting or looking to shift careers, QC Makeup Academy offers the opportunity to learn free online cosmetology courses with certificates and makeup techniques online. Their courses cover essential training in various areas such as:
- Airbrush techniques
- Skincare consulting
- Global beauty
- Hair styling
- Portfolio development
- Makeup artistry
- Special FX
- Fashion
- And more!
An additional perk for students here is that QC Makeup Academy is a MAC Pro Eligible School. So, it provides discounts on MAC Cosmetics both online and in stores. They also have partnerships with other brands, and offer discounts from 5-40% on makeup products.
9. Alison Courses in Cosmetology
If you are unfamiliar with Alison Courses, it’s time to explore. This platform is akin to Upskillest, offering both Certificate Courses, which are 2-4 hours long, and Diploma Courses, lasting 8-10 hours. You can learn from certified, award-winning beautician Kristina Bagrova on various topics such as:
- Mesotherapy for the Face and Lips Using Hyaluron Pen
- Professional Nail Care and Treatment
- Permanent Eyebrow Makeup with Machine
- Fundamentals of Cosmetology
- Pedicure Treatment and Nail Polish Application
10. Online Makeup Academy
Mariana Bull, a Brazilian makeup artist with experience at Make-Up Designory, Vogue, Chanel, OK Magazine, and celebrities, shares her extensive knowledge through this platform. After completing modules, you can earn an OMACA-approved certificate in:
- Halo eyes, lashes, eyebrows, and strobing
- Natural makeup and smoky eyes
- Bridal makeup
- Makeup application for sensitive skin and acne
- Working with kids in beauty
- Sanitation and hygiene
- Skin prep
- Imperfections and cool eyeshadow techniques
- Casual and glamour makeup
- Photoshoot etiquette
- Mature skin makeup
- Male grooming
- And more!
Also, students of the Online Makeup Academy are entitled to a 40% discount on products from various cosmetics brands, including Make Up For Ever, L’Oreal, Stila, Naked Cosmetics, Beautyblender, Anastasia Beverly Hills, NYX, Smashbox, and Temptu.
What is the Work of a Cosmetologist?
A Cosmetologist typically:
- assist clients in achieving or enhancing a specific look with appropriate hairstyles and hair color, well-manicured nails, a neatly trimmed beard, or carefully selected makeup;
- analyze the client’s facial characteristics, hair, skin, and scalp, explore potential styles, consult with clients, and offer advice to achieve the desired outcomes;
- accurately estimate the duration of a session; document detailed notes and photographs of their work to keep a current professional portfolio;
- ensure a safe and healthy environment while providing quality service by following organizational standards and legal regulations; clean and sterilize all tools and workspaces;
- perform hair cutting, shampooing, drying, conditioning, styling, and coloring; prepare hair for styling by assessing hair condition and discussing hairstyle possibilities; provide scalp treatments when needed;
- arrange, shape, curl, cut, trim, set, bleach, dye, and tint hair to create desired results; manage and sell wigs and hairpieces;
- monitor stock levels, predict requirements, plan budgets, and order materials and equipment from specialized suppliers to keep inventory well-stocked;
- handle administrative duties, such as answering telephone calls and scheduling appointments;
- show and recommend the best ways to use makeup; innovate new hairstyles, makeup application methods, and other beauty treatments; and
- implement suitable measures to reduce any adverse effects that might arise from the application of makeup or hairdressing techniques.
Where Can You Work as a Cosmetologist?
You can typically work in various settings, including dressing rooms, cramped studios, and sometimes in cold outdoor locations. Many are employed in salons or spas that offer a calm and peaceful environment. Some specialize in non-medical skin treatments and collaborate with dermatologists in their offices.
Traveling during the workday, regularly moving to different locations, and being away from home overnight are common for them. Those in the film industry might travel to unique places for shoots.
Cosmetologists are expected to dress professionally. Wearing lab coats is often required for those working in dermatologists’ offices.
Work Schedule
Self-employed cosmetologists usually work extended hours to promote their business. While many positions are full-time, there are also part-time opportunities. Work schedules often include evenings and weekends, which is when most clients are available. When working on film or TV projects, cosmetologists need to be on set before shooting starts and stay on location during filming to reapply makeup as needed.
Employers
Most Cosmetologists work independently or on a freelance basis, getting hired for projects either directly or via an agent. They are often employed by event management companies for special occasions like weddings and fashion events. Additionally, Cosmetologists have the option to teach makeup courses in drama or theatrical studies programs at educational institutions.
Common employers of Cosmetologists include:
- Hair and Nail Salons
- Barbershops, Spas, and Resorts
- Film and Television Studios
- Theatres
- Video, Advertising, and Commercial Companies
- Commercial, Fashion, and Portrait Photographers
- Event Management Companies
- Educational Institutions
- Dermatologists
You Really Need Cosmetology Courses to Enhance Your Skills
A career in cosmetology needs specific skills, so those who want to become Cosmetologists have to go through intensive training for about 6 months to a year. This training isn’t just classroom learning; it involves hands-on practice, and most times, you’ll find yourself in an internship or apprenticeship. If you want a really good internship while you’re still learning, you need to have a certain number of credit hours, good grades, and either your instructor’s permission or recommendation.
But don’t forget, learning on your own is just as important as what you learn in school. Real-world experience, whether you’re getting paid or not, you have to keep growing professionally. You can get this experience in different ways, like helping out behind the scenes at local theater shows or in a beauty or hair salon. Shadowing a Cosmetologist at work or helping them can also be really beneficial. It’s a great way to understand the job better, build up your own portfolio, meet people in the industry, and show that you are serious about this career.
Essential Qualifications for a Cosmetologist
To become a skilled Cosmetologist, you can’t just learn everything in a week or two. It takes a lot of intensive training and plenty of time to practice and perfect your skills. Usually, Cosmetologists go through a two-year program at a vocational or cosmetology school, or sometimes at a community college. In this field, being creative and good with practical tasks is more important than academic achievements.
The program you choose should cover important topics like basic safety and sanitation, hair care, aesthetics & hair removal, nail care, skin science, and how to manage a salon.
Certifications, Licenses, and Registration
To work as a Cosmetologist, you need a license. The training programs are designed to help you get ready for the licensing exams. These exams usually include a written test, a practical test where you show your styling skills, or sometimes an oral exam.
The requirements for getting a license can be different depending on where you are. But generally, you need to be at least 16, have a high school diploma or something similar, and have finished a program at an accredited cosmetology school.
A good cosmetology certification course will not only teach you the skills you need but also prepare you to deal with all kinds of challenging clients. So, that’s why we covered some of the best free online cosmetology courses with certificates that you can practice at your convenience.
Conclusion
So, we have been able to look at some of the free online cosmetology courses with certificates you should get right now before they become paid. As a cosmetologist, you must be ready for tough competition, especially when trying to get jobs or clients in salons that pay well. With these additional certifications, you can enhance your experience and land a job at one of the higher-paying salons.
Read also: Cosmetology Grants for Single Mothers
