The profession of cosmetologist will have grown by 20% by 2020 and with good reason. She is dynamic and requires great social skills as well as an eye for beauty. Although the main activity is often cutting, color and hairstyle, many cosmetologists do manicures and pedicures, make-up and facials. If you want to find out what it takes to become a cosmetologist, follow these tips.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Learn
Step 1. Age and educational requirements
Most cosmetology programs require 16 years of age and a high school diploma or equivalent. Each state has slightly different rules and requirements so it is always worthwhile to inquire first. In some cases, there are schools that have stricter requirements, so you will need to consider each school on its own.
There are high schools that allow students of the last and penultimate year to participate in cosmetology programs. They serve to provide an overview of the profession as well as to give an experience and a number of hours that will then be taken into consideration once the actual courses have begun
Step 2. Enroll in a cosmetology school
Students enroll in state aesthetic or professional aesthetic courses, which still issue a diploma. The costs vary according to the courses offered, the location where the school is located, the hours of lessons and everything they offer in parallel. You can also enroll in a private school, college, or non-profit cosmetology program.
- Check at least three different schools in the city you want to go to and compare the prices, the percentage of students who find work and the length of the programs.
- Talk to the admissions team to find out which school is right for you.
- Some schools offer part-time or evening courses so that students have flexible hours. If it's your need, you should make it a priority.
Step 3. Complete the path
Most courses last between 9 and 15 months. Almost every state requires 1,600 hours of study before issuing the license, some more, some less, but on average it always remains between 1,000 and 2,300 hours. You will have to plan moments of intense study and learn various subjects from bleaching to human anatomy. You will have to attend courses, pass exams and do many hours of manual practice. Here are some of the possible activities:
- Courses that teach anatomy, chemistry, how to wash, cut and style hair.
- Courses on chemicals used to color, smooth and curl.
- Facial treatments and massages.
- Use of facial peeling chemicals.
- How to wax the various parts of the body including upper lip, eyebrows, armpits, legs and pubis.
- Principles of micro dermabrasion.
- How to carry out micro dermabrasion on the face of customers.
Step 4. Think about a specialization
Finding something in particular to specialize in can be very useful for the job: it will usually take around 600 extra course hours for a specialization. Even if your degree will be in "cosmetology" there are many types of specialization you can take. Remember that a cosmetologist also works as a magazine editor, consultant, marketing specialist so having years of experience behind your back in this field could lead you to one of these careers. Here are some jobs you could undertake:
- Beauty expert
- Hairdresser
- Wedding stylist
- Barber shop
- Nail Expert
- Manager stylist
- Assistant in beauty salons / hairdressers
- Spa manager
Step 5. Pass the exam
In the United States, for example, all 50 states require a cosmetology degree in order to take the licensing exam. Requirements include compliance with local guidelines. Each candidate must pass a written exam and practice test, applying makeup and doing their hair. If so, you get a license as a cosmetologist, beautician and beauty technician.
- Once you have obtained your license you can continue to study to specialize.
- When you pass the exam, you will still have to pay a license fee.
Method 2 of 3: Finding Jobs
Step 1. Take part in an apprenticeship program at some local salon
It's a great way to get in on the ride and get experience. If you're having trouble getting a job, this may help you become a better candidate. You will need to sign up for an apprenticeship in the beauty salon and gain at least two years of experience.
You should still get paid even if you are an apprentice, but not as much as you would if you were a finished cosmetologist
Step 2. Find the best place for your job
Not all of them work in beauty salons. Many cosmetologists are self-employed or work part-time. This gives them more time and flexibility during the week. If you want to work on your own, you will first need to invest some time practicing at another store. But you can choose where. Here are the most popular places:
- Beauty salons and barbers
- Daily, hotel and resort spas
- Beauty products shops
- Nursing homes and residential facilities
Step 3. Apply for open positions you find in your community
When you apply to work at a beauty salon, it's as if you were applying for any other job: you will need to write a resume, make phone calls, check if the salon needs staff and leave the resume in case they are not looking at the moment. You can also search for jobs online. Remember that even if you send out a CV, it is best to go in person or call to make sure you are noticed and taken seriously.
- As with other professions, having knowledge helps. If you know someone in cosmetology school or who works at a salon, it will be easier to find a job.
- If you are willing to move, then you may want to move to areas where there is a higher employment opportunity for a cosmetologist such as: Palm Coast, FL, Ocean City, NJ, Longview, WA, Mansfield, OH, and Springfield, OH.
Method 3 of 3: Succeed
Step 1. Develop the skills needed to be a fantastic cosmetologist
It's one thing to get a job, it's another to be excellent at it. If you want to be good, you will need to spend time learning how to work with different hair and skin types. But not only. Here are some other features you will need to develop to move forward in your career:
- Excellent communication skills. If you want to satisfy your clients, you will need to be able to explain your plans for their hair and skin to them and know how to give them what they want (as far as possible).
- Great social skills. It's different from being good at communicating with the client. You will have to spend more than an hour with each customer and you will need to know how to have small conversations, put customers at ease, make them laugh. If you want them to come back, you will need to know how to socialize.
- Experience in business and finance. This is crucial, especially if you are planning on setting up your own business.
- Artistic skills. The more hours you work and a better artistic sense you will develop, understanding what goes and what doesn't for each of your clients.
- Ability to be multi-tasking. You will have to manage many clients in a single day and often you will find yourself using different skills.
Step 2. Stay up to date
If you want to be successful in this profession you will always have to keep up with the fashions and trends in your branch. The hairstyle and makeup that is in fashion today, in ten or even five years will no longer be, so it's vital to know how to give customers what they want today, at that particular age. Here are some ways to keep yourself updated as much as possible:
- Attend shows
- Continue to study
- Subscribe to well-known magazines
- Read specific blogs
Step 3. Develop your customer network
Without clients, your career won't take off. If you want to be a great cosmetologist, you will have to develop and cultivate a parterre of clients and make sure that these people always and only want to come back to you. To do this, you will need to know how to treat them, make them feel at home and make them understand what your profession is for you.
- Whenever you finish working on a client, you will need to encourage her to make the next appointment. Try: "If you want to keep this new cut you should be back in a month. Remember to book the next cut."
- Ask to spread the word. Your customers may send you friends and acquaintances in exchange for a discount. It is another way to increase the clientele.
- Make sure every customer feels important. Remember the names of their children, husbands and ask how they are when you see them. Show them that you don't consider them just a bill.
Step 4. Expand
Once you have had enough experience under another person, you can consider opening your own beauty or hairdressing salon. It will be easier if you build your customers first, so you will already have someone who trusts you and you can expand your network of contacts with other cosmetologists, who you can possibly hire. Having your own business means more work but also more recognition if you are successful.
You can also think about climbing up to a managerial position at a beauty salon or spa. In this case, you will have less work and better pay
Advice
- Cosmetologists usually work on their own or as freelancers. Their rates include the costs for the rental of some equipment. Some cosmetologists work on commission.
- Open your salon when you have learned everything about rates and management of the company you will be responsible for.
- Work in an established salon until you are familiar with all aspects of its operation, including responsibilities for rentals, taxes, utility bills, insurance and payment of merchandise orders.
- A cosmetology program lasts from 9 months to a year and allows you to take courses, graduate, get a license and a job in less than two years.
- Cosmetology students can obtain a certificate that allows them to work in the beauty field or start their own business. Once you get the certificate, you can take the license exam. Certificates are issued individually by each state.
