Decisions, decisions. We all need to make daily decisions, like what to wear to work or where to go for dinner. And then there are the big decisions, like whether you should go to beauty school. You may have been debating this for a while—perhaps you’d like to be a licensed professional in the salon industry, but you’re not sure you have what it takes.

The cosmetology field is booming, with employment expected to grow 10-20 percent through 2010, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Salon professionals can average up to $50,000 or more, including tips, with the industry experiencing a continual shortage of licensed professionals.

Attending a top beauty college is a must to enter this field, since all states require cosmetologists to be licensed, as well as complete a designated number of hours of instruction and practice at a licensed cosmetology school.

But is beauty school for you? If you’re thinking about a career in this profitable and rewarding profession, take this quiz to see if beauty is in your destiny.

1.Do you enjoy being creative?

Almost anyone can cut hair with a comb or scissors, but it takes sheer genius to transform hair into an art form, whether it’s a bob, chignon, perm, or bouffant. As a cosmetologist, you’ll enjoy using hair design and color theory to create new looks and transform a client’s appearance from drab to dynamic.

2.Are you a people-person?

Whether you’re a nail technologist, esthetician, or hair stylist, you’ll be interacting with clients on a daily basis, establishing trusting relationships and communicating ideas, trying to help others look and feel their best. Services can include consultations on hair or scalp treatments or nail enhancement techniques. You’ll need to be organized and a team player, especially if you’re part of a spa or large salon. The most successful cosmetologists are confident, friendly service-orientated professionals who respect a client’s preferences.

3.Do you keep up with the fashion world?

Styles are constantly changing, whether it’s the short, spiky tresses that Spice Girl “Posh" Beckingham sports, or the new dark, indulgent nail colors and metallic sheens of celeb manicures. As a cosmetologist, you’ll be constantly upgrading and refining your skills to meet the needs of a diverse clientele.

4.Are you healthy and physically competent?

Chances are you’ll be working with chemicals, many of them harsh, and you may need to stand for long intervals. And as for physical strength, hairdressers need to spend hours on their feet, and nail technologists and estheticians often need to give massages as part of treatments, requiring strong hand muscles. If you’re fit and take care of your well-being, you won’t have any problem with these requirements.

5.Do you look for opportunities and personal growth?

As a licensed cosmetologist, options abound, whether it’s becoming a salon owner, make-up artist, movie set stylist, image consultant, sales representative, product sales, platform artist or educator. If you enjoy flexibility, many professionals enjoy this business niche because of the part-time and full-time possibilities.

6.Do you care about hygiene and cleanliness?

Whether it’s a salon or spa, working conditions are optimal when the environment is well-ventilated, adequately lit, and immaculately maintained. You’ll be keeping your personal workspace clean and neat and properly sanitizing all your tools and implements after each use. At beauty school, you’ll learn about disinfection and sanitation as well as how to safely handle hazardous substances.

7.Would you like to learn in a real-world environment?

Learning in a real-salon atmosphere challenges you and prepares you for job placement after graduation. You’ll start out training on mannequins, then proceed to actual clients or models. Exciting and educational, live Beauty Shows will provide expertise, and you’ll continue your professional growth and accomplishments after you graduate.

If you answered “Yes" to four or more questions, there’s a world of opportunity awaiting you in the beauty industry. To learn more and request free information, visit the Salon Success Academy Website.