Hi! I'm an HR specialist and blogger. The schooling required to become a cosmetologist usually lasts an average of one year. But, if the school offers evening courses and does not require you to attend all day, it could take two years. The cost will vary depending on what part of the country you will be attending school. A New York cosmetology school could cost $10,000 for a year’s tuition. Yet a school in the Midwest may run just over $6,000. An accredited cosmetology school will probably offer financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, or payment options. Check with the school of your choice if this is a need for you. You may be one who loves to learn anything related to hair, makeup, nails and skin. But you will be required to master a variety of subjects in school. You will have a comprehensive cosmetology textbook, which you will need to study from, along with classroom learning. Good notes are helpful to get prepared for written exams. All this is in addition to the hands-on experience you derive from working in the school salon. There really is a good bit to learn in order to be a qualified cosmetologist. You will need to know how to keep your tools clean and decontaminated. You will learn about anatomy, basic chemistry, business skills, your professional image and the laws governing the trade in your state. Any accredited cosmetology school in your area should give you the necessary tools you need to begin your career in cosmetology.