Being a cosmetologist is a rewarding career. Not only will you get to do something you enjoy, but you’re also helping other people. According to the National Skin Cancer Centres, undergoing skincare treatments has a positive impact on people.
If you’re considering taking a cosmetology career, then this guide is for you. We have provided here everything that you need to know when choosing a cosmetology career. We also gave a few tips for fresh cosmetology graduates that you can surely use.
3 Steps to Becoming a Cosmetologist
Having a license is a requirement in almost every state to become a cosmetologist, aside from Connecticut. To do so, you have to get a diploma in cosmetology and pass the licensure examination. It’s that easy.
If you want to know more about how long it takes to become a cosmetologist and other information, continue reading this guide.
Meet Requirements for Enrolling in Cosmetology School
Cosmetology schools need you to be at least 16 years of age and have a high school diploma before you can enroll. A general education diploma (GED) also works for some. It still depends on the regulations set by your state, so researching these regulations helps.
Complete a Cosmetology Degree in a State-Approved School or Program
If you’re worried about how long it’s going to take to become a cosmetologist, don’t be. It only usually takes 1-2 years, since the required training hours range from 1,000 – 2,300 hours. It differs from what state you want to enroll at.
It is important to choose the best school for you because it is your stepping stone to becoming a cosmetologist. There are a few things that you need to keep in mind when you pick the perfect school for you.
Since we’re in a technological world, the school should provide you training in updated technology. Additionally, it should teach you about new beauty trends and techniques. So it’s best to have a guideline in choosing the right cosmetology school for you.
Prepare for the Exams
Taking a licensure exam can be a bit overwhelming. That’s why we advise you to put your knowledge to the test first. There are many cosmetology practice tests you can answer online. With just one click, you can get more info on what questions are mostly asked in the actual exam.
Additionally, these cosmetology practice tests cover all important areas you need to focus on, which includes:
- General principles in cosmetology
- Skincare techniques and services
- Hair care techniques and services
- Nail care techniques and services
The exam varies from what state you’re taking it. But generally, it contains a written and a practical examination. For the latter part, you need to demonstrate your expertise in hair, nail, and skincare principles.
Preparing for the exam can help you boost your confidence in passing it. If you’re wondering, the passing rate for the exam is 75%. With practice tests available anywhere on the internet, going beyond this passing rate would be a piece of cake.
Engage in Business Training (optional)
If you’re planning on starting your beauty salon, you better enroll in business training. One of the many benefits of being a cosmetologist is you also get to be an entrepreneur.
Take a business class focusing on entrepreneurship and financing. This way, you can get the skills of managing a business, as well as additional knowledge on marketing, management, and accounting.
There’s a variety of colleges and universities to choose from. They usually offer business courses as continuing education and training.
Tips for Fresh Cosmetology Graduates
You’re finally a licensed cosmetologist. Now it’s time for you to step into the real world and practice your profession. Though the transition from studying in school to working in the real world can be quite scary. There will be little supervision from experienced cosmetologists.
Plus, it’s just you and what you learned from school most of the time.
That’s why, before you continue your journey, we suggest you take a look at these tips for new cosmetology graduates.
Continue Learning
The beauty industry is a growing industry. There’s always a new trend after a few years or so. Studies on different hair, nail, and skincare treatments are an important aspect of being a cosmetologist. It guides you in deciding which treatment is needed for a specific person.
That’s why you should always be up to date with your work.
Some salons offer free seminars and workshops for their employees. Go grab them! It won’t only be helpful for your work, but you will also establish connections with other professionals in the industry
Finding a mentor is also a good way of improving your knowledge. Ask someone who has been in the industry for a long time to let you watch how they work. They can even give you beauty techniques that help them get the job done.
Be Honest About Your Abilities
It’s comforting to know that you have an expert’s knowledge in what you do. Most especially if it involves other people’s well-being.
If your client asks you to do something you have limited knowledge of, you should inform your client about this. Because if you don’t and you push yourself into doing it, you’re bound to make mistakes. And this can cause serious harm to your client and your profession.
You should attend additional and specialized training if you’re not confident about a procedure. You’re not only avoiding possible damage to your profession, but you’ll also build good relationships with your customers.
Be Professional
Your expertise on a subject matter is not measurable by how you look. Physical appearance does not matter.
But that’s not always the case. Especially in the beauty industry.
People who want to look beautiful and feel confident would prefer a beautician who is presentable and confident. You have to appeal to your customers because they are your main source of income. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but that’s the reality.
To be a professional means you have to act, dress, and think professionally. Apply those hair care tips and skincare routines you learned to yourself. And don’t forget to be proud of what you can do.
Know Your Clients
Being a cosmetologist means you have to interact with a lot of people. It is also a part of your job to read your clients.
Small talks are unavoidable in this kind of job. Communication is also a marketing strategy. But not all people like someone who talks a lot. Some of them just want to relax and read a magazine while you do their hair.
In the industry, how you behave towards your client is important, especially if you want them to come back. It’s one of the major factors affecting customer satisfaction, together with your knowledge and affordability of the service.
You should know what topics they may be interested in, or what to avoid. When you talk to them, you can take note of whether you should go on with the topic or not. It’s crucial, but it’s essential in building trust with your clients.
Digital Marketing is the Way to Go
The tips above assume that you already have customers coming to your door. But having the same customers does not guarantee success in your business or service. You need to reach out to audiences who are otherwise unreachable with traditional marketing strategies.
And what better way to reach these audiences than through the internet.
In today’s world, going digital is the best way of marketing your products and services. The number of customers going online to buy something is increasing each year. This, coupled with the growing number of people on social media platforms, your beauty business will definitely boom.
But it’s not just about creating a Facebook account and posting about your services. You have to put in more effort in learning the ways of digital marketing. You can start by educating yourself about the basics of digital marketing.
By doing so, you’ll be able to unlock new advertising techniques, such as influencer marketing and search engine optimization. You’ll also learn how to increase brand awareness and customer satisfaction easily without sacrificing your sales.
Conclusion
The beauty industry is expanding every minute as people become more interested in beauty techniques. That’s why being a cosmetologist provides you an opportunity towards a successful life.
While that is true, it’s not an easy task. Just like any other profession, it takes a couple of years of training and a lot of effort to be successful in this profession.
But don’t worry. Being in the industry has its perks. And one of them is doing something you love every day while helping other people look and feel beautiful.
