Beauty school graduates go by many names: cosmetologists, beauticians, beauty specialists, estheticians, manicurists, stylists, nail technicians…the list goes on. Yet at one level they're all the same: they're all licensed as cosmetologists.

Going to a beauty school is a great way to start your way up the career ladder, or toward your dream of owning your own salon. Most beauty schools have flexible hours and curricula that allow you to work part-time while preparing to join the multimillion-dollar beauty industry.

There are several types of beauty schools to choose from. Some focus on in-depth knowledge requiring a full-time learning commitment, while others are somewhat more flexible, with course requirements and hours that can accommodate your work and family schedule.