If you’ve decided to turn your passion for cutting and styling hair and perfecting skin and makeup into a profession you don’t have to do all the funding on your own. There are a number of ways that budding style mavens can get the assistance they need to pay for cosmetology school. This will leave you with more time to worry about your skills with the scissors or makeup brush and more funds to start your career with.

Grants and scholarships for cosmetology school are often based on need and students from disadvantaged backgrounds or those who simply cannot otherwise afford to pay for school may be chosen first for awards. This isn’t to say that talent doesn’t play a big role. Grades and pure potential can also get students a free or discounted ride through cosmetology school. Those attending larger technical schools with cosmetology programs may be applicable for more awards than those attending more specialized schools.

National organizations like the American Association of Cosmetology offer grants to students through funding that is provided by corporate sponsors. These grants are quite competitive and are offered to those attending particular degree programs or who have financial need. Many programs have limited slots open, which may make it difficult to get in, so students should keep this in mind when applying.

Students more interested in the scientific side of beauty products may be able to find scholarships through corporations who specialize in these kinds of products. Students will learn about the biology and chemistry behind skin and hair care in order to help them better understand what it takes to care for these body parts and maybe even to develop their own beauty products.

Cosmetology College Grants

• Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship Program: $1,000 awarded each year to 16 undergraduate students majoring in cosmetology.
• American Cosmetology Education Association: Varying amounts of money depending on the school the student wants to attend.