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.

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.