With the growing tendency of fashion, inclination to personality building, and healthcare awareness, a rising number of both men and women nowadays prefer accessing hairstyle salons, spas, and parlors for hair care and hairstyling which is an integral part of appearance.
Thus, planning to choose the profession of hairstylist is a great idea, especially if you’ve a creative mind along with expertise. The profession is rewarding, prospective, and promising. Aspirants should remember that apart from obtaining a mandatory state license designed for hairstylists by successful completion of a state approved cosmetology program, they also need to develop certain special skills and attributes to be successful in this profession.
Complete a State Approved Cosmetology Program
In the US, one can undergo a hairstylist/cosmetology program offered by state approved institutes, community colleges, and famed private schools. The prerequisites demand you to be at least 16 years old and supported by a GED or school diploma.
There are some vocational schools that offer a nine to twelve month Associate degree with the benefit of funding. To obtain full information, you can research the website of AACS or the American Association of Cosmetology Schools. Depending upon the type or program and location from rural areas of metro, the tuition fees can vary between $7,000 and $11,000 while the privately managed institutes have their own fee structures.
Coursework of Hairstylist Curriculum
- Basics of hairstyling
- Understanding of hair types and newest trends
- Sanitation/Sterilization
- Hair cutting/Shaping/Coloring
- Hair extensions/Permanent Waving
- Color procedures
- Salon management
In addition to classroom sessions, many state approved schools offer intern programs in local salons, which can be beneficial to obtaining employment. These types of courses enable you earn on-the-job type training and on completion of a certain hours of hands on practices, you can opt for the licensing exam.
Develop Certain Skills
- Strong interpersonal and communication ability;
- Be a good listener;
- Be customer friendly, service oriented, and motivated;
- Ability to perform job independently as well within a team;
- Customer relationship;
- Cleanliness
Obtaining a License
The licensing exam consists of two major parts. Typically, there is a written exam session that covers the coursework you’ve undergone, followed by a practical evaluation test. In the practical part you have to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise of hairdressing techniques, cuts, permanent waving, straightening, and so on. Oral exams are also organized, depending upon the state.
Develop a Portfolio
A professional portfolio exhibiting the best jobs done during your practical session or on-the-job training is significant for reaching higher employers. Since your creativity and skills matter a lot, try to develop your portfolio with a series of the trendiest hairstyling you’ve done.
You can find employment in salons, spas, and beauty parlors, as well as big hotels. Those who have plans for entrepreneurship can obviously open their own establishment; however, gaining few years of practical experience or working in professionally managed environments prior can help you become more knowledgeable. This can also help you in getting financial assistance from banks.
Success Tips
- While continuing education is an obligatory criterion for hairstylists in order to maintain their licenses, there are a large variety of course options that help you gain knowledge of the newest trends in hairstyle techniques and keep you up to date.
- Joining a professional organization like the Professional Beauty Association designed for hairdressers and cosmetologists is a good way to become included in a likeminded professionals’ network. The community also helps you access the latest federal policies, events of hairdressing competition, and developmental guidelines.
- Prior to enrolling, check if your state has a reciprocity agreement facility. It’s a special type of license that enables you to move and work in different states without having licenses for every state.
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