When choosing between online beauty courses the first consideration should be whether you need all all-around qualification or if you would like to specialize in one area. The second consideration should be finding an online beauty course that is accredited and recognized, either nationally or internationally. It's also best to look at the costs involved, and to evaluate the amount of time you have to commit to practical instruction at the school or campus.
Before you choose an online beauty course you should have some idea what kind of qualification you want to obtain. Short courses usually focus on just one skill or area, such as waxing, brow sculpting and tinting, facials, massages, or manicures. These courses usually offer a certificate upon completion. Should you want a well-rounded qualification, you should consider getting a beautician or aesthetician diploma or enrolling for a health and beauty degree.
Finding a school that is accredited is very important if you plan to work in the health and beauty industry. Some online beauty courses are accredited at a national level only, while others are accredited internationally by governing bodies such as the International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC). If you are US based, the online beauty courses you choose should adhere to state requirements, as this will be a prerequisite to getting your license to work in this field.
The cost of online beauty courses is generally lower than the cost for full-time courses, but there may still be hidden costs to consider. You may have to attend in-person classes to complete the practical modules of the course, and if so you, should include travel expenses in your calculations. Other hidden expenses include kit fees, uniforms, and examination fees, so be sure to look into this before you decide which course to enroll in.
Since this is a very practical line of study you should expect to spend at least some time on campus, but the number of hours required can vary from one school to the next. Some courses allow you to only complete the theory modules or prerequisite courses online, while others offer instruction via online video clips or DVDs. Courses that are entirely correspondence based are usually not accredited but are suitable if you want to learn the skills for your own benefit or enjoyment. Reputable schools usually require practical instruction as part of online beauty courses and are probably a better choice if you plan to work in the field.