The Essential Skills and Training for Cosmetologists

Cosmetologists offer a range of beauty services such as hair, skin, and nail care to improve clients' appearance and self-assurance. This field includes hairstylists, barbers, skincare specialists, and nail technicians who play a crucial role in boosting confidence. To succeed in cosmetology, one must have good vision, communication skills, professionalism, creativity in suggesting new styles, excellent customer service for building a loyal clientele, and effective time management for smooth salon operations.

Cosmetologists need to have strong physical endurance for long hours on their feet, whether they own their own shop or work for someone else.

Owning a shop involves tasks like paying bills, maintaining the shop's appearance, stocking supplies, and hiring staff. Working in another person's shop includes responsibilities such as managing personal supplies, keeping a clean workstation, handling clients, and building positive relationships with colleagues to improve the customer experience ("Barbers, Hairdressers, and Cosmetologist"). To become a cosmetologist, individuals must attend a state-licensed cosmetology school and be at least 16 years old; some states also require a high school diploma or equivalent.

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Full-time training programs typically last about nine months and may result in earning an associate degree. Training for cosmetologists is continuous.

Most cosmetologists, hairstylists, and hairdressers stay current on trends by taking advanced courses. All personal appearance workers, except shampooers, must obtain a license. After completing a state-approved cosmetology training program, individuals must pass a licensing exam specific to their field - whether manicurists, pedicurists, or skin care specialists. Many states have reciprocity agreements that allow licensed cosmetologists to work in other states without additional exams.

Cosmetology school provides students with the technical skills needed for the profession and can be found at community colleges or beauty schools. Students will need various supplies such as barber kits which may include shaving supplies like razors and shaving cream brushes.

Aspiring nail technicians, estheticians, and makeup artists all require specialized kits for their training. Nail technicians need an acrylic set and hand mannequins in their kit. Estheticians require skincare products like cleansers and moisturizers in their kit. Makeup artists may need theatrical makeup supplies and professional makeup in their kit.

The makeup artist kit typically includes a variety of brushes, application pads, puffs, foundations, lining/highlighting/rouge shades, eye and lip pencils, powders, latex and stipple sponges, modeling wax and more. It often comes with individual bags to organize and separate the supplies of the makeup artist. Mannequin heads are a crucial component of a student’s cosmetology kit as they are equipped with human hair of different textures. These mannequin heads serve as the initial clients for students to practice various cuts and styles on. When starting a cosmetology course, students usually require a cosmetology textbook. Although the school might provide their own set of textbooks, it is recommended by the beauty schools directory for students to purchase their own to have a comprehensive source of information at all times. In a typical day, a cosmetologist may carry out specific tasks based on their specialization such as cutting, trimming,
shaping hair or hair pieces,and applying bleach or dye to hair or hair pieces.

Cosmetologists perform a variety of tasks such as styling hair or wigs, treating scalps, applying cosmetics, and grooming nails. They may also provide advice on skincare and recommend medical treatments for certain conditions. Cosmetologists keep customer records updated while carrying a cosmetology belt with essential tools like shears and clippers. Workplaces can range from owning a business to working part-time with flexible hours. Salon managers are responsible for overseeing supplies, equipment, appointments, finances, and legal compliance.

The owner of a business takes on a significant amount of risk and responsibility, but also has the potential to earn a substantial profit. Instructors at cosmetology, barber schools, and vocational training schools typically require experience in the field along with some college education. Cosmetologists must familiarize themselves with terms such as booth, electrolysis, first chair, pedicure, rods, and skin peel. A booth is a workstation in a beauty shop equipped with a chair, countertop, mirror, small table, and shampooing sink. Electrolysis involves using electricity for hair removal and imperfections. First chair is where skilled barbers work near the entrance of a barber shop. Pedicures involve foot and toenail care. Rods are curlers used for permanent waves or curls. Skin peels remove dirt and dead skin cells to stimulate new skin growth.

In 2010 there were approximately 628,000 jobs held by cosmetologists and other personal appearance workers ("Barbers Hairdressers and Cosmetologist").

Cosmetologists typically work in hair salons and barbershops, with some also working in spas or resorts. Some cosmetologists are self-employed, either leasing space in salons or owning their own shops. Job opportunities in cosmetology are expected to increase over the next decade, with overall employment projected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations through 2020. However, the amount of growth may vary by specialty, and there will be strong competition for jobs in upscale salons. In 2012, cosmetologists earned a median annual salary of $22,700 and median hourly wages of $10.91 ("Barbers, Hairdressers and Cosmetologists").

According to "Heos 25," cosmetologists enjoy various benefits, such as owning their own business and setting their own schedule, earning based on performance and receiving commissions, avoiding desk jobs, working with celebrities, and pursuing their passion. Prospective cosmetologists should be prepared for the commitment and effort required to achieve their goals. Helping clients improve their appearance and confidence can bring fulfillment to both the professional and the client, allowing them to achieve their desired look and feel confident.

Work Cited
“Barbers and Cosmetologists” Exploring Tech Careers. Volume 1. New York: Info Base Publishing, 2006. 75-82. Print. 27 Mar. 2014
“Barbers, hairdressers and cosmetologist.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics. 08 Jan. 2014. Web. 25 Mar.,2014.
Bridget, Heos. “A Career as a Hairstylist”. New York: The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc., 2011 Print.
“Hairdressers, Hairstylists and Cosmetologists.” O*Net Online National Center for O*Net Development, N.d., Web.,25 Mar.,2014.
“Listed of Supplies Needed for Cosmetology School”. eHow . Demand Media ,Inc.Web26 Mar.,2014