Beauty Salon Schools

By Laurie Brown

Choosing a career is probably one of the most difficult decisions facing today’s young adult.  A lagging, unpredictable economy; a tightened grip on scholarships for beauty school, and dwindling employment opportunities, compels job seekers to consider a host of factors other than, “It’s just what I love to do.”

The good news is that careers in cosmetology, hair styling, nails, and skin care have withstood the test of time. Nationwide, these occupations are predicted to grow by 12 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, even exceeding the average growth rate for all other occupations by almost 20 percent. Hair school students can expect favorable hiring opportunities upon graduation but should prepare for keen competition at high-end establishments.

How does the industry account for such rapid growth?  Several reasons.  One, not only does our population continue to increase but people are living longer. And those who live longer don’t mind dropping a dime (or so) to look good.  Demand for skilled stylists who make the most of hot trends in hair coloring and specialized treatments has increased significantly in recent years, and is expected to continue.

Second, the industry has experienced huge increases in the number of males and even teens who seek the help of professional stylists, nail technicians, estheticians, and more.  Today’s professional male recognizes the importance of a good, personal appearance both on and off the job, and expects more than a weekly visit to the traditional barbershop. For teens in many areas of the country, visits to the day spa or salon have become almost routine, with some youngsters starting their first nail and hair treatments as early as eight years old—a phenomenon that will continue to prosper.

Lastly, small business continues to flourish, despite the lagging economy.  America’s economy is fueled by the entrepreneurial spirit of its citizens, and nowhere is that more evident than in the number of full-service spas and salons found in every city and hometown across the country.  In 2008, more than 800,000 stylists, nail technicians, cosmetologists and estheticians were gainfully employed in the beauty industry.

Which beauty-related occupation will experience the greatest gain?  Estheticians and other skin care specialists, says the bureau of labor statistics.  Driven by the popularity of advanced skin care treatments and the population’s desire for a youthful appearance, estheticians can expect almost a 38 percent increase in job openings.

By Laurie Brown

Don’t let the name fool you.  Any beauty, cosmetology, or styling school can post sophisticated titles such as academy or institute on its front door, but only a top-rated school, with an earned reputation for guaranteed job placement will land you the job you deserve.

Look for a school that integrates the science of cutting, styling, coloring, skin care, and nail technology with the artistry of esthetics and make-up.  A successful cosmetology school will produce a portfolio of students who have landed great jobs in reputable salons, as well as visibly demonstrate a cutting-edge approach to today’s styling and cosmetology applications.

Most importantly, make a personal visit to every school on your list.  And let your intuition guide you.  How friendly is the staff?  Do the students look engaged and productive?  Are they working on mannequins or live models?  Is the environment professional, creative, upbeat, and especially clean? 

Make time to sit down with an enrollment counselor with pertinent, well-thought out questions, such as:

1. Where did last year’s students find jobs and in what professions?  Does your beauty school guarantee job placement, provide internships/apprenticeships, or both? 
2. What type of federally funded financial aid, grants, or loans does the school provide? (Be sure to understand the loan’s interest rates before signing on the bottom line.)
3. Do you provide a broad curriculum that expands my opportunities for employment in a variety of fields?  What would my school day look like?
4. What changes do you foresee coming in this field and how can I most prepare myself to embrace these changes?
5. What types of continuing education will I need beyond this program and how can you help?
6. Will you provide contact information for former students who can serve as a reference for the school?

In response, the enrollment counselor should demonstrate a unique interest in your creative abilities, helping to identify your particular talents and how the beauty school can best meet your needs. 

By Laurie Brown

So you have a passion for personal appearance?  Maybe you’ve consulted others on the latest trends in hair, nails, skin, and make-up for years and are finally considering getting serious about a career in beauty.

Before you decide (which of course starts with choosing the right beauty school or academy), learn more about the perks and pitfalls of this exciting industry and whether you have what it takes to be a ‘cut-above’ cosmetologist, hair stylist, esthetician, nail technician, or barber.

True or False. 

I’m ready to put in the time.  Beauty school programs range from several weeks to a year or more depending on the options you choose. Research and identify an accredited beauty school that visibly demonstrates a cutting-edge approach to today’s styling and cosmetology applications.  Ask about scholarships, student loans, grants for beauty school; and even apprenticeships and job placement.

I consider myself an entrepreneur.  Business skills and a competitive spirit are key to earning your full potential in the beauty industry.  Almost 50 percent of U.S. stylists, nail technicians, cosmetologists, and estheticians are self-employed.  Grow your business by effectively managing your time, maintaining a budget, satisfying clients and earning new business. Stay ahead of the latest fashions and beauty techniques, enroll in continuing education courses, and participate in trade shows. In all, be prepared to market yourself and your business.

I have good people skills and place high value on the concept of good customer service. A successful stylist greets every client with a smile, demonstrates a personal interest in the client’s appearance, listens well, and then translates those desires into something tangible.

I’m in good health. Stamina—the ability to maintain physical or mental energy and strength for a long time—is critical, especially for entry-level stylists.  Be prepared to spend long hours on your feet and in constant motion.

I don’t mind working nights and weekends. Most full-time stylists work when others don’t.  Expect bookings after 5 p.m., and on most Saturdays and Sundays, until you’ve established a strong clientele base and can start to dictate your schedule a bit more.

Good job.  If you answered, “yes” to just a few of these questions, you may have what it takes to change the world, one beautiful person at a time.

You might think that looking glamorous with the help of long, thick eyelashes is exclusive to Hollywood movie stars. Well that just isn’t the case anymore.  Eyelash extensions are the latest beauty trend. Using a wide array of styles and colors, eyelash extension professionals attach synthetic threads to each individual eyelash in order to produce a number of different looks.

Whether it’s models at a photo shoot or homemakers, women everywhere are making eyelash extensions part of their beauty regime, and that opens up all kinds of career opportunities.

An Eyelash Extension School can train you to be an Eyelash Extension Technician in this fast expanding market. You will learn what’s needed to properly apply synthetic eyelashes to a patient. Once your training is complete, you’ll have the potential of working in a beauty salon, or opening your own business.  As eyelash extensions increase in popularity, the demand for professional applications by trained Eyelash Extension Schools may also be expected to increase.

There are a number of characteristics you should have in order to become a proficient Eyelash Extension Technician, including:

·        Steady hands

·        Keen vision

·        Good depth perception

·        Attention to detail

·        Patience

·        Good dexterity

Looking for a rewarding career? An Eyelash Extension Specialist could be in your future.

Once you decide to pursue a career as a Barber, you have a wide range of places where you can learn your trade, including a barber school, a barber college or a barber academy. You’ll enjoy a curriculum that combines theoretical instruction, practical practice, and actual services provided to the public. Most Barber Schools offer diploma, certificate and associate degree programs. Students at Barber School are taught:

·        The art of cutting

·        Straight razor shave

·        Clipper work

·        Creation of modern hairstyles

·        Hair and scalp care

·        Interpersonal skills designed to help you build a roster of repeat customers

·        The business side of Barbering

Barbering programs will also prepare you for your state board licensing exams. After that, you’ll be ready to work in a barbershop or salon – you might even consider opening your own shop. 

To be successful barber, it’s very important that you enjoy working with the public and don’t have a problem following clients’ instructions. Good communication skills, an outgoing attitude, and a presentable image are a must.

As a Barber, your thirst for knowledge should never end. Even as you gain valuable experience through your Barbering career, you should also take advantage of opportunities to attend further classes, designed to both broaden your skills and keep up with professional trends.

If you want to be part of a respected, centuries-old profession, start exploring Barbering programs. It could be the start of a successful career.

For starters, once you’ve decided that Cosmetology School is for you, you can rest assured that you’re on your way to pursuing a rewarding and exciting career. With the rising popularity in the beauty industry and beauty careers, and with more than 300,000 salons and spas in the U.S. constantly searching for talent, the opportunities to break into the Cosmetology business are endless.

Cosmetology School will teach you all the basics needed to transform you into a valuable professional. You’ll learn all about fundamental hair cuts, color, design, proper technique, and more. In addition, Cosmetologists are trained to give manicures, pedicures, polishing, and nail extensions to their clients. You’ll apply your skills to your mannequins, practicing daily and reviewing your notes and textbooks.

As cosmetologists become more experienced and gain a customer base, they can increase their earnings. Some become self-employed, others open their own salons. Opportunities exist to become sales representatives or beauty consultants, or to teach in cosmetology classes.

If you’re interested in attending Cosmetology School, there are certain attributes that you should possess. It’s very important that you enjoy working with the public and don’t have a problem following clients’ instructions. Good communication skills, an outgoing attitude, and a presentable image are a must.

As a Cosmetologist, your thirst for knowledge should never end. Even as you gain valuable experience through your Cosmetology career, you should also take advantage of opportunities to attend further classes, designed to both broaden your skills and keep up withy professional trends.