How To Become A Cosmetologist
A lot of people, especially women, turn to salons and spas when they feel sad or worried. When this happens, the hair is the most common victim. Most of the time, women impulsively decide they want to cut their hair short to experience something new. While this is considered a temporary fix, it really does make people feel a whole lot better - especially when the stylist is really good.
Even men nowadays have grown to be equally conscious about personal appearance as women. They also visit salons and spas to be pampered and have their nails done! Cosmetologists are all-around beauty professionals that take care of your personal needs from hair, nails, make-up, facial treatments, spas and getting a massage. They are professionals in their own fields and you can expect that they know what they are doing.
How to become a cosmetologist
Do you think you like what they do? Do you possess a good eye for beauty and fashion? And would you like to know how to become a cosmetologist yourself? Here’s how.
1 Enroll in a Cosmetology course in any vocational, trade, or community colleges within your state. The course has to be accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS). Training programs require that students are at least 16-18 years old, with a high school diploma or currently working towards a GED. A list of accredited cosmetology and beauty schools can be found in the beauty school directory.2 Cosmetology training programs usually range from 9 months to 2 years depending on your school, or if you took specialization courses. The basic cosmetology program finishes in an average of 1300 hours. Taking special classes on make-up, nail care or hair treatment is an additional 600 training hours each.
3 As soon as you finish the training program, the next step to becoming a cosmetologist is to be licensed. It is strictly required that all cosmetologists, barbers and all personal appearance workers should be licensed by the state and the NACCAS. Licensing includes both written and practical exams that will measure your skills and capabilities in the field. If you took specialization courses, practical exams may take longer.
4 With a license in hand, you can set out to look for a job in salons and spas within your state. Visit local beauty parlors, salons and massage spas and see if there are available entry level positions. You would probably start out doing washing, shampooing and drying client’s hair. Your first few years of experience may serve as your internship and mostly, you do not get paid as a full-time employee. Don’t be discouraged and take whatever is open. Learn from every experience, observe how expert stylists move around and study their techniques. You’ll be surprised to see how useful the experience will be for you in the future.
- Mostly, private cosmetology schools offer their students a chance to work in their own simulation salons. This will provide their students the real experience where they serve and offer beauty services to clients. This is the best time to establish yourself as a good stylist, or a nail technician. Do your best to stand out and be noticed by clients. This can be the start of establishing a strong client base.
5 Working in the beauty industry is a tough job. There are thousands of other cosmetology graduates just like you or with higher qualifications. Your best bet to landing a good paying job is to have the necessary skill set, cosmetology training and specialized courses in fashion and business. Continuing education is very important if you want to move up the professional ladder. The best bet for course choices are fashion, art and business. It is a must to know and be updated with the latest trends in fashion and hair design. Business courses can be a huge advantage since you will have an in-depth understanding of how to operate a business from scratch. You can use this information when you decide to open your own salon.
6 Gaining more years of experience is always an advantage. In the United States, it is common for new cosmetologists to rent out a small area in salons. They either pay directly to salon managers or give a portion of their earnings or commissions. Through time, if you perform well, you will become more known to customers and at the same time, start building your own client base.
7 Cosmetologists also sell products to their customers. The most common items for sale are hair products like medicinal shampoo, conditioner or hair color items. They do not only offer beauty services, they also give advice to their clients as to their hair is concerned, or which nail color fits their complexion or the type of make-up appropriate for the event they’re attending.
Cosmetologists are experts in the beauty industry. They offer personal appearance services to their clients and make sure they feel and look their best. Cosmetologists have a lot of responsibilities under their shoulder. They do nails, hair, skin treatments, and even massage services. They undergo a lot of stress too as they spend most part of their shifts on their feet. Plus, the inevitable situation of having clients who are difficult to deal with and those who seem unsatisfied with their new looks.
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