Nova Scotia is a place of beautiful seaside towns, and gorgeous natural resources. If you’re looking to add to that beauty as a stylist, makeup artist, and more, a career in cosmetology and hairdressing might be right for you. Nova Scotia’s Board of Cosmetology not only gets you access to the great beauty schools in the area, but it can even help you get your first job, to ensure you’re well on your way once you complete your training, and get your license!
Check with different institutions to see if you can do night classes or even start your training while you are in high school. The high school option is either free or low cost!
Hours Required in NS Beauty Schools
Nova Scotia’s Board of Cosmetology has different levels of education requirements and licensing stipulations. But it begins with having a high school diploma, and registering at an accredited course. You must complete 1,500 hours of theory and practical instruction in makeup application, hair treatments, skin diseases, and other courses. 1,500 hours is on par with many states in the U.S. like California, Florida or Michigan. Check with your school if you’re not sure what to specialize in, or you would like to pursue multiple disciplines.
And new in the NS is that possibility to get your cosmetology license via apprenticeship!
Getting Your Nova Scotia Cosmetology License
You will need apprenticeship hours while you study. Students must apply for a student permit 30 days into your course to allow you to complete your required work hours.
After your graduation, you will be permitted to apply for a temporary license, which is good for a maximum of one year. During that year, you are expected to complete a theory and practical exam set out by the board, and you are permitted to work while waiting for your results.
After you pass your exams, you will officially be issued a license. As with other Canadian provinces, if you’re looking to move around the country, you may consider a Red Seal certification, which is a separate exam, to ensure Interprovincial training qualifications.
Professionals Moving To NS
It is possible to get credential recognition for out of province and even out of country applicants of an esthetician. To qualify, you must hold a valid current license issued by another province or territory. You must also hold a completion certificate or diploma from a registered school, including those which have no license requirements. Check with the Cosmetology board in the province you’re relocating to, as they may want records of any course upgrades, or further qualifications you have.
Renew Your Nova Scotia Cosmetology License
You must renew your license every year on or before December 31st. The association’s website offers many opportunities to continue training, as well as technology upgrades, and trade shows. You should always make yourself available to upgrade your skills, but they’re not necessary to renew your license. You just need to pay the fee and submit the licensing application.
Work Opportunities
Nova Scotia has a thriving beauty industry. It has a smaller population, but Nova Scotia’s Cosmetology Association offers plenty of opportunity for upgrades.
You may decide to become an instructor of esthetics, by taking an additional 1,500 hours of training to become a master esthetician.
With only a few years of experience, you will be qualified to open your own salon, spa, or even a medical aesthetic office. It all starts with building a good foundation in education, and getting your first job.
… so how much does school cost anyway, and how will you pay for it, and generally speaking just how long will the training take?
Other NS schools for nail technicians, estheticians, and makeup artists.
Academy of Cosmetology – Dartmouth
New Dawn College of Cosmetology – Sydney
Cape Breton Business College – Sydney
Hair Design Centre – Halifax
Hair Masters – North Sydney
Victoria Court Career College – Middleton
Nova Scotia Community College – Yarmouth, Sydney, Stellarton, Port Hawkesbury
Did we miss any NS cosmetology schools in this list. Please let us know.