Cosmetology deals with the expert study of hair and make up, skin care and beauty products and is an important part of fashion today. Self grooming and pampering is steadily on the rise and it is commonplace for people to want to colour their hair in various shades to enhance and work upon their identities. The way you make yourself look is how you create an impression in the world.

Pursuing a career in Cosmetology is a great direction to take your future in. If you love hair in all colours and shapes, nails adorned with creative art and make up to sweeten the deal, a career in cosmetology is what you are looking for. But, this is no longer an arbitrary business option. Cosmetology schools exist to make a professional out of your natural skills. Various cosmetology school grants exist to make paying for school easier on your budget. Cosmetology grants are given by a range of institutes to help get started on this colourful career.

1. Government aid

Various kinds of government aid in the form of grants are given to students with financial needs or students showing great promise. This is more common in legitimate cosmetology schools that are accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (also known as the NACCAS) located in Alexandria, Virginia. It is best to choose a government accredited school for your career prospects.

2. Scholarships based on financial needs

The government offers a number of grants to people who want to pursue their dreams in cosmetology but lack the financial aid to do so. The Federal Pell Grant is one such programme. With this grant, any extra amount from the scholarship is transferred to you for personal use to give you a head-start on your career. The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is another grant meant for people with exceptional financial needs.

3. If you are a woman

There are a range of scholarships and grants aimed at women pursuing a career in beautifying the masses. Some of these are listed here. The Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship is meant for low income women over the age of 35 who have been accepted into an accredited school. The Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity Programme is an international scholarship designed to give grants to women with families where they are the sole breadwinner. The Women’s Independence Scholarship Programme helps those women who come out of intimate and abusive relationships and are in dire need of economical aid.

4. Other scholarships

To promote cosmetology as a career, many institutions give grants to promising students. The ACE Grants (Access to Cosmetology Education) were created by the American Association of Cosmetology Schools and partners with sponsors to provide grants to working adults with the desire to earn a cosmetology license. The NCEA Scholarship (National Coalition of Aestheticians) is given on the basis of high performance and financial need. The Alice Madden Barton Cosmetology School Scholarship is available for anyone with the zeal to pursue a career in cosmetology.

5. Enrol first

If you have a basic financial backing, it is best to enrol at an accredited cosmetology school and then go looking for scholarships. Most grants may be given to people with poor finances, but the chances of getting a grant are increased tenfold if you have already enrolled for it bears a mark of your talent in the field that you have chosen. Getting into an accredited school is not easy and the fact that you have already taken admission stands as a testament to your commitment towards a career in cosmetology.

Gone are the days when people frowned down upon ‘beauty schools’ for today, schools providing education in cosmetology are on the rise!