By tamara Do you want to be the next Michelle Phan? Who wouldn’t?! With over two million subscribers on YouTube and a successful company (ipsy), Michelle makes a career in cosmetology seem glamorous. Just think of all the people she has helped: making them look better on the outside and feel better on the inside. Her beauty tips have helped both the young and the old. When you think about it, cosmetologists aren’t just hairdressers, nail technicians, or makeup artists; they are confidence creators and miracle workers (especially for some of us older folk!). But getting a degree can often cost a pretty penny, so locating financial aid to help cover the costs is essential. Unfortunately, finding cosmetology scholarships can often seem like looking for a needle in a haystack. But, you are in luck because I have done some of the work for you. If you are looking to become the next big thing in the world of beauty, check out these upcoming scholarships that can help you on your way. Just promise me that I get a free manicure or facial when you win! 1. Fred Luster, Sr. Education Foundation Scholarship Fund Current cosmetology students, who have completed 300 hours and maintained an 85 percent passing grade, may be eligible to apply. Twelve (12) $250 scholarships are available. Deadline: November 30, 2012. 2. NCEA Esthetician Scholarship The National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers/Distributors and Associations (NCEA) offers four (4) $1,000 scholarships throughout the year (one award each quarter). Students must be midway through an esthetician only training program, maintain at least 80 percent attendance, and 80 percent grade average. Next deadline: December 1, 2012. 3. Beauty Changes Lives Scholarship Students who plan to start school no later than March 31, 2012, and will be taking courses in cosmetology, esthetics, nails, barbering or massage, may apply for this scholarship. To be eligible, students must submit a video or an essay explaining how beauty changes lives. Winners will receive a $2,000 scholarship. Deadline: December 3, 2012. 4. Alice Madden Barton Scholarship Any U.S. high school senior (or older), who is planning to attend a cosmetology or barbering school, may apply. Great Clips, Inc. will provide two scholarships, each valued up to $500. Deadline: December 31, 2012. 5. Cosmetology Scholarship The Beauty Schools Marketing Group is providing one $2,500 scholarship through this program. Students must be 18 years or older and not currently enrolled in a cosmetology school. Deadline: January 31, 2013. 6. Oregon Barber and Hairdresser Grant Program Oregon residents, who are currently attending or planning to attend a licensed school of barbering, hair design, cosmetology, or manicure in Oregon, may apply for this award. The number of grants varies (typically 30 or more), with each being valued between $100 and $1,500. Deadline: February 1, 2013. Another great program is the Sally Beauty Supply High School Graduate Scholarship. Although this program recently ended, be sure to bookmark it for next year. Applications should be available in the summer of 2013. If you are looking for additional scholarship opportunities, be sure to use a free online scholarship search service, like Unigo.com, as there may be other award programs available to you.