What Skills Do You Need for a Cosmetology Career?

Cosmetology covers a number of areas. These include hair styling, removal of unwanted hair, skin and nail care, make-up application and massage. Many cosmetology programs cover these at some time throughout the entire course of study; others may require that you take courses that are considered specialized or extra, separate from the core classes.

Hair Styling

Hair styling not only includes knowing how to cut and style hair in the latest fashions, but also how to wash and condition hair in such a manner that it does not cause the client discomfort. For instance, if a client is tender-headed--that is, the slightest tug hurts her scalp--you must be able to be gentle when working the shampoo and conditioner through her scalp, as well as when you are styling her hair.

Hair Removal

Many beauty salons now offer hair removal services. As a cosmetologist, you will need to know how to use waxing products and tweezers to remove unwanted facial hair and shape a client's eyebrows.

Some salons may have private areas where cosmetologists will remove leg and underarm hair, as well as hair on the bikini line.

Skin and Nail Care

The care of the skin is called esthetics and includes such services as giving facials and professional application of make-up. A cosmetologist can give a client tips for maintaining her skin after a facial and show her the proper way to apply make-up.

Nail care includes manicures for the fingernails and pedicures for the toenails. These techniques may also include light massaging of the hands and lower arms and feet and lower legs during the process.

If a client has a health or physical condition, such as diabetes or neuropathy that requires that special care is taken when trimming, filing and applying nail products to her finger and toe nails, the cosmetologist can alter his technique to protect the client's health.

Massage

Some cosmetologists receive extra or specialized training in massage. In doing so, they are able to provide their clients with a relaxing and pleasurable experience through their gentle stroking, rubbing and kneading of the skin and underlying tissues.

Considerations

A client wants her experience at a beauty salon to be enjoyable, and the cosmetologist can help make it so by ensuring that things are as they should be.

Cosmetology licenses should be prominently displayed. This includes personal licenses as well as any business licenses.

Cleanliness is, of course, a must and the staff should be following all sanitation and disinfecting protocols.

References

• Cosmetology Career
• Becoming a Cosmetologist