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Because Louisiana had two salons that were on Elle’s list of Top 100 Salons in the US, it can be said that Louisiana cosmetologist is very deeply involved into this field and highly passionate about the highest possible levels of advancement.
This is very positive and should be highly respected, but at the same time, it is very demanding and requires more from a cosmetologist than it will be required in some states.
You will be encouraged and it would be expected of you to stay on top of the latest beauty and fashion trends.
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Job Description
The main job of a cosmetologist is the quality of hair or skin care treatments.
Popular Programs
The job is quite demanding as the right experience and knowledge are obligatory in order not to make a mistake and cause harm to the client’s skin.
They can specialize in beauty treatments for hair, skin, nails, or even makeup artistry and their job should have a positive impact on the client’s self-esteem.
Their second daily duty is to keep their salons clean and disinfect the equipment they use, as well as protect themselves and the clients from possible damage, as they are working with dangerous chemical substances.
Cosmetology Programs in Louisiana
A cosmetologist, no matter whether he/she is a nail stylist, hairdressers or makeup artist will have to reach cosmetology licensure in Louisiana by completing the required number of hours in a Board-approved cosmetology school.
Louisiana law determines that a cosmetologist needs to pass 1500 hours of training, electrologist 600 hours, esthetician 750 hours, while nail technology requires only 500 hours.
Cosmetology programs offer not only the theory and practice of cosmetology but also courses focused around the business and marketing as salons and beauty centers are businesses as well.
The curriculum includes lessons about:
- Infection control
- Chemical Principles
- Rinsing and Conditioning
- Facials
- Makeup Applying
- Manicuring
- Chemical Services
- Hair Designing
- Hair Shaping
When choosing a program, you should pay special attention to whether it is accredited or not, as those who are not accredited might be cheaper and attract you, but the graduation will not make you eligible for taking an examination and that can be problematic.
Cosmetology schools which offer accredited programs in Louisiana are:
- Aveda Institute – Lafayette
- Avery James School of Cosmetology – Lake Charles
- Blue Cliff College – Alexandria
- Celebrity Stylist Beauty School – Monroe
- Cloyd’s Beauty School – Monroe.
The Board is also in charge of issuing special permits in microdermabrasion, makeup application, shampoo assistants and alternative hair design.
To get them, you will need to expand your skills through an alternative curriculum which is Board approved.
The curriculum consists of 500 hours of instruction related to the following subjects:
- Ancient Origins of Braiding
- Traditional Multi-Cultural Braid Styles
- Bacteriology and Sanitation
- Types of Bacteria
- Prevention Techniques
- Hair Types and Structures
- Scalp Diseases and Disorders
- Shampoos, Conditioners, Herbal Treatments and Rinses for Synthetic Hair
Cosmetology Exams in Louisiana
In Louisiana, the beauty school graduates need to pass the National Exam and the state exam.
The national NIC exam consists of both written and practical parts.
Your beauty school should help you with setting up and scheduling the exam and your aim should be achieving more than 75%.
The National Cosmetology Written Exam takes 90 minutes while the National Cosmetology Practical Exam lasts three hours and it tests your performance of thermal curling, haircutting, chemical waving, hair color retouch, to mention just a few.
The exam results will be sent to your beauty school which forwards them directly to the Louisiana Board.
The state exam focuses on Louisiana cosmetology laws and regulations and it is also obligatory before the issuing of the license.
The beauty school should schedule this exam for you.
License
Louisiana is the state where you do not have to apply for the license once you have passed the exams.
The Board will issue it once it receives the exam scores, and the passing of the exam is enough to become certified.
On the other hand, if you have already had a license in other states, you will need to apply for a license based on reciprocity, and you will need to provide application, photo, copy of social security card, original cosmetology license, educational or training certification and the application fee.
Keeping Your License Current in Louisiana
Even though it is not necessary to apply for the license, it is obligatory to renew it to be allowed to legally work.
The licensure renewal form and the appropriate fee should be sent to the Board at the following address:
Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology
11622 Sunbelt Court
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
License renewal does not demand further education, but it is beneficial to attend some to maintain your skills, improve knowledge or even learn something new related to the changes in law and education requirements and newest trends.
Average Annual Cosmetologist Salary and Job Prospects in Louisiana
The achievement of the license allows you to legally work and apply at the salons, spas and beauty centers in Louisiana.
The license also makes you able to open your beauty premises if you have enough money and know-how to manage it.
Salons are the places where newly licensed cosmetologists should look for their first job, as there they will learn the latest fashion and beauty trends and achieve the necessary experience before starting their career.
Top salons in the state that offer employment are:
- Paris Parker, New Orleans
- Steven Sobel Salon, New Orleans
- Changes Unlimited Salon, Baton Rouge
- Shear Illusions Salon, Baton Rouge
- Aperio Salon, Shreveport
There are job opportunities for a hairstylist, hairdresser, makeup artist or full cosmetologist.
Five years of experience is enough to gain all the knowledge necessary for the opening of your salon.
Another way of getting informed about the latest job opportunities is by joining the Louisiana State Beauticians and Barbers Association.
When the salary is in question, it can be said that cosmetologist earns a decent and satisfying salary, but get even more through tipping which is very frequent in this vocation.
Louisiana cosmetologist earns an average annual salary of approximately $ 24 000, depending on the location and prominence of the salon, as well as of daily duties, number of clients and the quality of the done work.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alexandria,LA | $23,121 |
| Baton Rouge,LA | $24,005 |
| Bossier City,LA | $23,992 |
| Houma,LA | $25,697 |
| Kenner,LA | $25,892 |
| La Place,LA | $25,618 |
| Lafayette,LA | $23,820 |
| Lake Charles,LA | $23,647 |
| Marrero,LA | $25,906 |
| Metairie,LA | $25,906 |
| Monroe,LA | $23,867 |
| New Iberia,LA | $23,681 |
| New Orleans,LA | $25,906 |
| Shreveport,LA | $23,992 |
Regional Salary in Louisiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LA | 50 | $24,050 | $11.56 | $45,730 | $16,140 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | 530 | $30,510 | $14.67 | $46,540 | $17,400 |
| Houma-Thibodaux, LA | 50 | $23,640 | $11.36 | $36,520 | $16,320 |
| Lafayette, LA | 270 | $26,810 | $12.89 | $42,140 | $16,670 |
| Lake Charles, LA | 130 | $26,400 | $12.69 | $43,210 | $17,160 |
| Monroe, LA | 60 | $24,070 | $11.57 | $37,120 | $15,810 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | 790 | $29,660 | $14.26 | $46,340 | $17,150 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | 210 | $28,810 | $13.85 | $47,770 | $16,670 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Cosmetologist
Cosmetology by State
Thanks for the info, I moved to Louisiana not long ago and looking to get into the cosmetology field, financials aren’t in a good way currently, I am on the lookout for on the job training and training programs that won’t be too costly.