Cosmetology Facts

There is more to cosmetology than just working in or owning a beauty salon or barber shop. Cosmetology requires a commitment of time and money, as well as adherence to state regulations and ordinances. It also requires skills in areas such as communications, as well as the ability to relate and respond to different people and situations.

More than Styling Hair

You cannot just seat a client in your chair, wrap the cape around her, pick up the comb and scissors and start cutting and styling. You have to know at least a little bit about her and what she is hoping to gain from her visit to you.

For this reason, besides taking the regular cosmetology courses and classes, you also want to receive training in communication and reasoning skills. Further, you want to learn how to recognize and handle problems and situations as they arise. This can only come with experience and by practicing what you have learned in the area of relationship development, in regards to dealing with clients whose heritage and cultures may differ from yours.

You also want to demonstrate how well you can adapt to changing styles, procedures and techniques by honing your independent learning skills. In this way, you will remain current and will be able to better serve your clients.

Cosmetology Requires a Time Commitment

You must be willing to devote between 1,500 and 3,000 hours for cosmetology training. You will need to know exactly how long you must attend training and classes in order to receive your state certification.

That same commitment to time must also be carried over to your career. Your shop may be crowded or you may have appointments scheduled one after the other, but this does not mean that you can hurry your clients through their session. Each one deserves independent, personal attention.

Cosmetology Requires a Financial Commitment

Cosmetology training and certification does cost money. Tuition can range between $5,000 and $10,000, depending on where you attend school, how many hours you must attend and other factors. Some schools may charge by the hour or course, while others may charge a flat tuition rate.

This financial commitment may extend to your career, also. Depending on where you work, you may be required to furnish your own styling tools, including scissors, razors, brushes and combs, styling appliances and accessories. If you are going into business for yourself, you may have to buy your own equipment unless you are taking over an already established salon or shop.

Cosmetology Regulations and Ordinances Vary by State

Each state has its own regulations and ordinances regarding length of training and certification and employment requirements. Your license in one state may not be recognized in another state or you may have to take refresher courses in order to obtain certification in another state.

Many states also require that you complete a number of continuing education courses each year. These usually require a fee for registration and materials.

Cosmetology can be rewarding

All of this is worth it, though, if you have always dreamed of pursuing a cosmetology career and have finally succeeded. You'll have plenty of opportunities as to remember why you chose cosmetology in the first place. This may be when you give a toddler his or her first haircut while the family stands there snapping pictures, taking videos, scooping hair off the floor to have as a keepsake and wiping tears. It may be when a client of yours who has lost her hair due to medical treatments comes to you for the first time in months because she has grown back enough hair to have it trimmed.

References

• Cosmetology 101
• Cosmetology as a career
• Cost of Cosmetology School