Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Life After Beauty School

If you want to be able to do more than fold towels in a salon, the first thing you will need to do after graduating from cosmetology school is take - and pass - your State Board Licensing Exam.

Nadene Bruthers, who coaches people preparing for the California State Board Exam says:
"cosmetologists are more artistic than they are book learners,
so more of them pass the Practical than the Written portion of the exam".
(translation: more people fail the Written than the Practical because they are not prepared).

For the Practical part, some states use a mannequin head. While others, including California, require a live model. Some states allow only female models while California allows models of either gender. And while some requirements, like the Finger-Wave Set, may seem outdated - Ms. Bruthers believes they are valuable. Our business is about hair-"Dressing", and that requires finger dexterity and control. Practicing the Finger-Wave Set will help create this control.

Remember those cosmetology school science classes (anatomy, biology, chemistry, electricity)? Well, you will need them for the Written part of the exam. People would be amazed at what hair stylists have to know said Bruthers who has previously co-authored a study guide for California State Board candidates.

It doesn't matter what state you live in, a fully licensed cosmetologist has to have knowledge and understanding about the biology, chemistry, and diseases of the hair, skin, and nails. This knowledge is not only important in the practice of your craft daily in the salon,
it is an absolute must if you hope to pass the Written portion of your exam.

Says Ms. Bruthers in closing; "people think all we do is cut hair - that's a laugh".

For help in passing the written portion of your exam:
www.cosmetologystateboardexam.com
For questions about the National / Multi-State Exam:
www.nictesting.org

For questions about your states exam, visit your State Board of Cosmetology website.

Monday, September 28, 2009

5 Things Not To Do In A Job Interview

The year, or the year and one-half, that you spend in cosmetology school will fly by, so we like to prepare our students for what will come next: The Job.

Some of you are probably already job hunting, and if you are, here is a time-honed strategy:
apply for the receptionist position while you are still in school
(it has a lot of benefits and perks to advance your career that we will cover in a later posting).

This morning on my drive to work I was listening to a talk radio station, which is where I heard numerous callers talking about the many, many, painful mistakes job applicants make. This went on for the better part of 30 minutes, and there were 5 points I noted:

1 - Don't dress to casually. And dress appropriately for the salon to which you are applying. Look at how the other stylists are dressed as well as the clientele, and fit in. The caller remembered a candidate whose thong underwear rose above her pants. Needless to say, the interviewer was not pleased, and the applicant was not hired.

2 - Do not forget your manners. One caller remembered a young man who through his gum into the waste paper basket - from across the room. The caller did not mention whether the young man made the shot, she did mention that the young man didn't make the job.

3 - Do not arrive, on the dot: "on-time" is the new "late". It is more professional to arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment (not 1 hour early; 10 minutes will do nicely).

4 - Don't list that your chief reason for wanting to work there is that it is "just seconds from your house". It is O.K. if this is part of your consideration, it simple shouldn't be the biggest part of your consideration. Instead, mention something special about the company, something you could have only known after doing a little company research, and how that "something" fits nicely with your talents, interests, or personality.

5 - Don't leave home without knowing what is available about you on the internet. Consider Facebook, MySpace, etc. Many young people today have put a lot of personal information into the public domain that thereafter, they wish they could get back. Since you cannot get it back - at least know what is out there...

For help in passing your State Board Exam:
www.cosmetologystateboardexam.com

Is Cosmetology Your Destiny/ Take A Quiz!

No matter your age, your whole life is ahead of you.
What should you do with it?
For some, Cosmetology is a great choice.
But like everything, it is not for everyone.
Take this quiz, and see if it is for you.
Answer Honesty!

1. Do I enjoy being creative?
2. Do I love making people feel good?
3. Have I always liked playing with hair, my own, other people's?
4. Am I observant about colors, shapes, and fashions that occur in my daily life?
5. Do I enjoy reading hair and fashion magazines/websites, do I read them on a regular basis?
6. Do I get hair and fashion ideas from the events and inspirations of my daily life?
7. Can I get along with all types of people (everyone has hair, so this is kind of important)?
8. Am I a good listener, so that I really hear how people want to change their hair & their life?
9. Am I mature enough to handle rules, like being on time/attending staff meetings on days off?
10. Would I be doing my friends hair even if I wasn't getting paid for it?

If You Replied Yes To:
1 - 3 * questions; you had better go with Backup Plan B
(don't have one - call your mom - now)!
4 - 7 *questions; worth a try, but first -
read more about the industry and career.
8 - 10* questions; welcome to your life
(the hair gods have smiled upon you this day Luc Skywalker).

For help in passing your State Board Exam:
www.cosmetologystateboardexam.com
For information on the multi-state exam (written / practical):
http://www.nictesting.org/

Sunday, September 27, 2009

A Tale Of 2 Brothers Who Went To Cosmetolgy School

This Is A Tale Of Two Brothers. Paolo and Frankie.
Paolo and Frankie Went To Cosmetology School.
Paulo showed Up Everyday, Applied Himself, And When It Came Time For His State Board Exam, Paolo Studied All The Right Materials.
Frankie, Not So Much...

Needless To Say, Paolo Passed His Exam and Received His License.
Sadly, The Same Cannot Be Said About Frankie!

To See Pictures Of Paolo And Fankie At Their New Jobs, Please Scroll Down...

This Is A Picture Of Paolo Driving To His Position As A Stylist, In the Newest, Most Expensive, High-End Salon In The City.

This Is A Picture Of Frankie Driving To His New Job at The "Burger Queen".
Don't Let This Happen To You.
For Help & Assistance to Pass Your Exam:

Thursday, September 24, 2009

California Cosmetology Instructor

The following comment was posted on the American Association of Cosmetology Schools website (http://www.beautyschools.org). And while not everyone will necessarily like, or even agree with, all of the writer's ideas, after nearly 30 years in the industry, we all had to concede:
"that's the way it really is".

OhMaGosh
I am a Cosmetology Instructor in CA. I have been a Cosmetologist for 21 years.

Here's the truth of it...

You must create your own buzz, and your own destiny. No one is going to hand it to you...

If your school does not teach business fundamentals then you will NEED to go out and get it... It may cost you a bit more, but without it you will be flailing around wondering why you're not getting anywhere. It takes 3-5 years to create a clientele without any business knowledge. With Business Fundamentals it takes 6 months to 1 year... That's how impoprtant it is.

We're not talking about how to answer a phone or create flyers... It's a systematic approach to tracking your daily services and creating a client culture so you do not have to compete with your co-worker for the next walk-in client.

Yes it's true, you can set your own hours in a booth rental salon... but you will be setting them around your clients, not around your family and social life.

The main complaint about hairstylists today is that they choose family and social life over their career, and have no sense of responsibility... This is going to sound mean, but if you choose your children and home over your career, and you leave in a moments notice because your child is sick or has no babysitting? You will not be very successful.

You must actually plan that sort of thing for someone else to deal with in order to be successful. You cannot choose your home and expect your boss, or your clients, to understand. They don't want to hear it, and you should plan for the worst to ensure you can keep going even if your child is sick or YOU get sick.

It is about prudent planning, not letting your family "suffer"... This is true of all businesses... One time does not mean that you wil be fired or lose your clients... but don't let it become a pattern.

Good luck to you ALL!

Heide of CA, September 14, 2009

For articles relating to this writer's comments, go to: www.beautyschools.org

For an interview with Gordon Miller (Exec. Director for the National Cosmetology Association / NCA) discussing why the higher levels of the cosmetology industry are so male dominated, go to: http://www.ncacares.com

For help in passing your State Board Exam, go to: www.cosmetologystateboardexam.com

Sunday, September 20, 2009

1/3 rd Of Your Life

Your career will occupy 1/3 rd of your life.
It should be fun, profitable, and secure.
Cosmetology definitely qualifies; but only if the training you receive provides you with the skills, knowledge, and attitude necessary to compete successfully.

And make no mistake, it is a competition. From the moment you walk into the State Board Testing Center - who will pass, and who will fail. Because somebody will fail. And probably a lot of somebodies. In fact, failure will claim approximately 1 out of every 3 test takers. That's a lot of somebodies. If you drive to the Testing Center with a friend who is also taking the exam (always a bad idea: what if they pass and you fail - how uncomfortable will that ride home be)?

The first priority, in fact the only real legal obligation, of any beauty school is to prepare students to take, and pass, their State Board Exam. Of course the better schools will attempt to do far more than prepare you for your exam, and some will actually succeed.

But many of the best schools often fail at their first priority. Yes that's right, the best schools. The ones with the best teachers, can become so focused on teaching you the highly specialized technical skills you will need to succeed in the industry, along with proper interviewing techniques to land that first job, as well as proper business management strategies so that you can one day own your own salon - these schools often fail to prepare you to pass your first hurdle - your State Board Examination.

Its' not that they set you up to fail.
They don't do it on purpose.
It just happens that way sometimes.

Learn everything you can about doing hair in school,
fail your exam,
and become the very best - unlicensed - nonworking stylist in town.

Don't let that happen to you.

There are a number of companies that specialize in helping you pass your exam, try one of them.
We recommend: www.cosmetologystateboardexam.com

Multi-State / National Cosmetology Written Exam / NIC

There are currently 38 states, plus the District of Columbia and Guam using the National Cosmetology Written Exam. For reasons of shorthand convenience, this test often referred to as the "Multi-State Exam".

Below is a list of the states currently using this exam:

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Delaware
District of Columbia (Washington)
Georgia
Guam
Hawaii
Iowa
Idaho
Indiana
Illinois
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
New Hampshire
Mew Mexico
North Carolina
North Dakota
Nevada
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Utah
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

Many questions about this exam can be answered at:
www.nictesting.org

If you need, or want, help in passing this exam:
www.cosmetologystateboardexam.com

Directory of All 50 - State Boards of Cosmetology Offices


Directory of State Board Offices

For a complete directory listing of all State Board Offices, including:

1 - Contact information for all 50 states.
2 - Contact information for Guam and the District of Columbia.
2 - Address, Telephone number, Fax number, website, and email.
3 - Name and contact information of the Executive Director.
4 - Name and contact information of all Board members.

When you get to the site:
-click on "Members Only" prompt, then
-Directory of State Board Offices

10 REAL State Board Test Questions (NIC)

The following introductory paragraph, and questions, is taken directly from the National Interstate Council Of State Boards Of Cosmetology (NIC) website. Additional testing information (although no additional test questions) is also available at that site.

The following sample questions are similar to those on the NIC Cosmetology Written Examination. Each question is followed by four answer choices. Only one choice is correct. Correct answers are listed following the sample questions.

1 - Which of the following substances is usually contained in a toner?
a - metallic dye
b - compound dye
c - vegetable tint
d - oxidation tint

2 - Which of the following should be applied to the skin after the removal of whiteheads?
a - a caustic
b - a deodorant
c - an antiseptic
d - a bleaching cream

3 - Before disinfecting combs and brushes, they should be:
a - wiped with a towel
b - wiped with a tissue
c - rinsed in cold water
d - cleansed with soap and warm water

4 - What is the process used in tapering and thinning with scissors?
a - clipping
b - slithering
c - razor cutting
d - layer cutting

5 - The action of chemical relaxers causes the hair to:
a - stop growing
b - harden and set
c - form new curls
d - soften and swell

6 - When should a predisposition test be performed?
a - when the scalp has cuts
b - before applying peroxide
c - before every application of an oxidizing tint
d - before any application of vegetable coloring

7 - At what part of the nail does growth start?
a - wall
b - matrix
c - lunula
d - cuticle

8 - What is the function of sebum?
a - to dry the skin
b - to harden the skin
c - to cleanse the skin
d - to lubricate the skin

9 - Sterilization is the process of:
a - keeping bacteria alive
b - destroying offensive odors
c - destroying beneficial microorganisms only
d - destroying both harmful and beneficial bacteria

10 - Where should freshly laundered towels be kept?
a - on a clean shelf
b - in a convenient place
c - in a closed cabinet or drawer
d - in neat stacks by the shampoo bowl

Answer Key:
1 / d, 2 / c, 3 / d, 4 / b, 5 / d, 6 / c, 7 / b, 8 / d, 9 / d, 10 / c

Poster's Note:
Observe where it says "questions are similar to those on the NIC Cosmetology Written Examination". This means they are no longer using these exact questions, so do not memorize these exact questions. Rather, try to understand the concept or principle being asked, so that you can apply it to any question they really do ask you, no matter how they word it.

It is also the opinion and experience of this writer that these questions are far simpler than the questions you will actually be asked on your exam. After you take your exam, see if you agree with me, or not, and post your own experience and opinion. It will help others.

To visit the NIC website: www.nictesting.otg

For help with passing your written exam: www.cosmetologystateboardexam.com

The Rise of Beauty Schools

Mr. Jim Cox, the Executive Director for the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (Scottsdale, Arizona. / Ph: 1.800.831.1086 / www.beautyschools.org ), was recently interviewed regarding the future of cosmetology school education. To read the full interview refer to the above website. To read the highlights of the interview, see below:

Cosmetology careers have become increasingly popular, and profitable, over the years. And as such, new schools are continually opening to deal with the growing number of students wishing to get involved in the beauty industry. At this time, there are close to 2,000 cosmetology schools in the United States. And where it used to be that most schools were small and privately owned, we now see brand names such as Paul Mitchell and Aveda getting into the business.

While it remains true that the majority of students enrolling in cosmetology school are recent high-school graduates, he is seeing an increasing number of older students, who are dissatisfied with their jobs, (or unable to find a job - see U.S. News and World Report article on this blog, entitled: Top 4 Career Choices) embarking on a new career path. There is no longer the stigma attached to those who study cosmetology, as being the type of student who could not make it in an academic college setting.

Studying cosmetology today is not like it was years ago. It has expanded from the basics of hair, and nails; to include: skin care/esthetics, holistic wellness, hydrotherapy, reflexology, and massage (depending on your state and school).

To qualify as a cosmetologist requires between 10 and 14 months of training. During this time, the student will complete a number of practical study hours ranging from 1,000 to 2,200. And depending upon the course and school, the tuition can range between $6,000 and $20,000. After graduation, and prior to licensing, the student will be required to pass their State Board Examination (some states require only a written exam, while others require both a written and a practical examination).

The written portion of the exam may be designed buy your individual state, or, if your state is a member of the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC), they will administer what is known as the "Multi-State Exam". Currently, 36 states use the Multi-State Exam, correctly known as the National Interstate Cosmetology Written Exam - NIC. A list of these states is available below.

The most recent data available from the United States Internal Revenue Service, the United States Department of Labor, and the National Accrediting Commission of Arts and Sciences (NACCAS), shows that the average cosmetologist is earning between $45,000 and $50,000 per year (including tips).

Comparing this data to IRS data from other professions, it becomes clear that a cosmetology school graduate can anticipate earning the same amount of money each year as a person who graduated from a traditional four year college / university.

For a list of states using the "Multi-State Exam": www.nictesting.org
For help passing your exam (State or "Multi-State"): www.cosmetologystateboardexam.com

The Advantages of Beauty School

Attending a traditional four year college is not for everyone. Especially if you want, or need, to start earning money quickly. If this sounds like you, then beauty schools offer a great option. They provide: -specialized training, -at an affordable price, -and you can complete your training in a relatively short period of time. Best of all, they provide a career track with almost endless opportunities for advancement.

When comparing cosmetology schools, consider the many advantages of attending an accredited school. An excellent school that this author is familiar with, but has no financial / ownership connection to, is Champion Institute of Cosmetology (www.championcosmetology.com) in Palm Springs, California.

Beauty schools have an average completion time of 1 year, compare this to 4 years at most traditional colleges.

Also, graduating from an accredited cosmetology school requires a lot less money than a 4 year college / university. With Financial Aid available for those who qualify, and other programs for those who do not, cosmetology school graduates complete their education in 25% of the time, and average far less debt, than their 4 year traditional college counterparts.

A typical cosmetology school education is very "hands-on". And this is a big selling point for those who are artistic and are turned off by the more traditional school concept of sitting at a desk all day taking notes, then studying those notes all night.

You should also consider job placement assistance. Most cosmetology schools have well established ties with the community and offer excellent job placement assistance. Most 4 year universities, because of the large number of graduates, are unable to offer these services.

Cosmetology also holds a unique appeal to the fashion forward. The beauty industry is as ever changing as fashion itself. And because no two clients, or heads of hair, are ever exactly the same - your work will never be the same either. People ask for your opinions and advice all day, and then, you get paid to give it to them!

But don't forget, "Making A Living". According to recent IRS figures, the average stylist makes about $38,000.00 per year (07'). On top of this, most stylists can expect to earn hundreds of dollars per week in tips. For those of you good in math, consider the following: an average tip of 20% would mean your tips on $38,000 are $7,600. This makes your yearly salary $45,600.00. This number is borne out by recent statistics from the United States Department of Labor and the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS). These two widely different organizations both report the average salon professional can expect to earn about $50,000.00 per year. Comparing this figure to IRS figures for other professions, this means most cosmetology school graduates should expect to make roughly the same yearly income as most 4 year university graduates. A pretty good deal, especially when you compare the time and costs of cosmetology school with the time and costs of a 4 year college.

So, if you are artistic and seek a way to turn this into profit, if you dislike the rigid structure of school and corporate America, if you seek a career that is never boring, if you want to jump-start the money making portion of your career, or if you are a single parent (both cosmetology school and the professional salon have very flexible hours); if any of these things sound like you, then cosmetology school may be your best decision ever!

For more information on this topic, visit: www.beautylooks.net/beauty/the-advantages of beauty schools/

For information on passing your State Board Exam, visit: www.cosmetologystateboardexam.com

Where Are All The Jobs / U.S. News and World Report

According to the United States Department of Labor, employment of Cosmetologists, Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Estheticians is projected to grow between 10% and 20% by the end of the year (2010). Over the same period, employment of Manicurists and Pedicurists is expected to increase 20% to 35%.
www.usnews.com/sections/business/best-careers

Even in this tough economy, "Beauty Is A Growth Industry", don't let it pass you by.
www.cosmetologystateboardexam.com

Cosmetology - a Top 4 Career Choice / U.S. News and World Report



Recently, the magazine U.S. News and World Report (left), discussed the changing national employment situation, and selected Cosmetology as one of the "Top 4 Career Choices" for Americans in the coming years.

Thats right; Cosmetology.

To view the full article: www.usnews.com/sections/business/best-careers/

Or, to read only the portion specific to Cosmetology, see below:

Last year, in its' yearly publication of top career choices, U.S. News and World Report featured only careers that require a Bachelor's Degree, as the majority of their readers are college educated. However, times have changed as more and more traditional college graduates are finding fewer and fewer employment opportunities as employers continue the practice of "off-shoring" professional jobs that typically require a 4 year college degree.

Also, with society telling high-school graduates that college is the way, there is an increasing shortage of people skilled in job fields that do not typically require a 4 year college degree.

U.S. News choose 4 career fields and stated that: "these fields would be rewarding to everyone, even to many college graduates...".

The field of Cosmetology was selected as one of these four. In other words, even college grads should consider skilled-trade careers, such as Cosmetology.

The criteria used to choose the "Top 4 Careers" included:

1 - Job satisfaction,
2 - Training difficulty,
3 - Prestige,
4 - Job market outlook, and
5 - Pay (according to the I.R.S, a licensed stylist earns the same as a 4 year college graduate).

www.cosmetologystateboardexam.com