As you get ready to go through cosmetology school, one thing you’ll probably start thinking about is money. Most people don’t have the money to put all their bills on hold and just go to cosmetology school full time without incurring any debt, which means there are a number of opportunities people take so they can make it through school with minimal debt. Here are just a few ways you may be able to mitigate your debt as you go through cosmetology school.

1. Do Freelance Work for Friends

Before you have your cosmetology license, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to find a job as a cosmetologist, hairdresser, barber or other worker at a salon. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re completely out of luck when it comes to cosmetology. You may be able to do some work on the side for friends and family members. This can even give you some insight into the process of drawing up contracts, negotiating terms, and other freelancing concepts.

2. Build a Social Media Portfolio

You want to have plenty of examples of your work available as soon as you get out of cosmetology school. That may mean using your social media presence as a way to build a portfolio. Create a social media account specifically for your cosmetology work, so you don’t have to combine personal and professional posts, and start posting pictures of your work. Whether you’re doing it for fun, for school or for profit, these pictures can help potential employers get a sense of your skills.

3. Consider Extracurriculars at Your School

Extracurriculars can be an amazing way to earn a little bit of money on the side or to potentially qualify for scholarships and grants. Not all extracurricular opportunities available at your school will necessarily lead to something beneficial with regard to your monetary situation, but some of them might. Plus, they can also be great additional things to put on your resume, especially if you end up with any awards or recognitions through the process.

4. Ask Your School About Working at the Student Salon

Many schools have their own student salons available on campus. These student salons provide reduced fees to the customers, and in return, these customers allow students to practice on them under the watchful eye of an instructor. Payment may vary for students working at the student salon, but you’re usually at least allowed to keep customer tips. If you’ve already completed a significant portion of your schooling, talk to your school about working at its salon.

5. Make Sure You’ve Looked Into All Financial Aid Opportunities

There are many factors that go into student financial aid; it’s not just about whether you’re eligible for federal financial aid or other financial aid programs a school may offer. There are other financial aid opportunities you might be able to take advantage of, like low-interest loans for students, scholarships and grants, and payment plans. You may even be able to find low-income or student housing in your area that you can use to reduce your living expenses. Before you give up entirely, make sure you’ve considered all your options.

Conclusion

There isn’t just one thing you need to make it through cosmetology school. You need a lot of things: you need to be dedicated to your craft, you need to make sure you have a good school, and you need to know you’ll be able to afford the entire process. If you’re worried about being able to afford cosmetology school, it’s important that you look into all the financial aid options and work on various opportunities to make money through your cosmetology schooling. When you talk to an Ogle School team member about signing up, you’ll be able to learn more about your opportunities at Ogle School.