Everyone Has To Begin Somewhere

Everyone has to start somewhere, and for most licensed cosmetologists, that somewhere is beauty school. Some states have an Apprentice Program allowing you to gain licensure by working in a salon and not attending school, these programs can be excellent and will be saved as the topic for another blog entry.

Beauty schools provide a wide array of educational opportunities from which their students may choose. There is barbering, cosmetology, aesthetics, nail technician (manicurist), and make-up. Many schools will also offer advanced classes in such popular & profitable areas as color correction, hair extensions, and weaves.

Upon completion of beauty school, the next step is passing your State Board Examination. Certain to strike a note of fear in the hearts of many students, this exam is not that difficult to pass if you prepare for it correctly. Unfortunately, and despite all their hard efforts, many students do not prepare for the exam correctly and so - the failure rate nationally is about 40%. And for those mathematically challenged like me, that means out of every 10 students taking the exam, 4 will fail - or, almost half.

After passing your exam and receiving your license, the next step is finding a job. As a licensed professional you have many choices at this point, but once again, making the right choice is really important. To many people simply jump at the first position that comes along without considering if the salon is a good "fit" for them. Should it be a large salon, or a small one? Chair rental or commission? High-end, middle of the road, or budget? Will the clientele be primarily young, middle age, professional, trendy, retired, male, or female? Each has its pros and cons, and the right decision is simple: find the clientele YOU feel comfortable with, and enjoy working on. As an example, just because your best friend loves doing mens' haircuts all day long, does not mean you will. You might prefer color, or up-do's. There is no right or wrong answer here, this is not a test. The correct answer is whatever is right for you. The important thing is to choose wisely, because many a licensed professional has quit the industry after going off in the wrong direction - for them - for a few years, and then become disillusioned.

Don't allow this to happen to you.
Prepare properly for your exam so that you pass it the first time.
Think about the people you want to work with, on, and around.
Think about where you live, where you want to live, and how you feel about a commute to work.

With these things in mind, and your new license in hand, you will find the right position FOR YOU!!!