Cosmetology programs prepare graduates with the right skills for a successful career ahead. According to a report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the future looks bright. Employment in the beauty industry will grow around 19% from 2020 to 2030. This growth is faster compared to the average of other careers.
If you’re considering a beauty profession, your first step is to enroll in a cosmetology school. Here you’ll learn different skills to be successful in your chosen beauty career.
What is Cosmetology?
Before we head to the top careers in beauty, let’s first define cosmetology. Cosmetology is a field of study that focuses on applying various beauty, skincare, and hair care treatments. People under cosmetology training learn beauty treatments, makeup, hair removal, styling, and more.
What is an Esthetician?
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An esthetician is someone who has received cosmetology training focusing on skincare treatments. They can provide skincare treatments, spa treatments, facials, and other related methods.
How Long Does It Take To Become an Esthetician?
It depends on where you’re located. If you live in Texas, expect 750 hours of professional training from a registered cosmetology school or training center. It can take around 6 to 9 months to complete cosmetology school. In other states, it takes anywhere from 600 to 750 hours of professional schooling.
In Texas, an aspiring cosmetologist should receive basic and advanced beauty skills training to secure a license. You can browse this site to get more details about the state’s cosmetology board examinations.
It would help if you did some research on the course requirements for cosmetology in your area. Also, compare training courses, lessons, and fees before you settle with a cosmetology school.
Cosmetology training teaches the following top skills:
- Cosmetology Education
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Every state has specific course requirements for cosmetologists. A good school will provide basic beauty education skills training, including
- Haircutting skills
- Hair Styling and coloring
- Makeup
- Skincare treatments
- Nail care
Advanced cosmetology training
- Skin whitening treatments
- Hair removal treatments
- Hair growth treatments
- Installation and styling of wigs and weaves
- Anti-aging treatments
- Scar and acne marks removal
- Skin spa treatments
- Tattoo removal
Some cosmetology schools may not offer advanced training. You need to enroll in a particular course for proper training and certification before practicing these treatments.
- Good Grooming
Cosmetologists must master good grooming habits. Customers will always assume that you style your hair or do your makeup. Being well-groomed will make you more presentable, and your clients will look up to you for beauty suggestions and tips.
At cosmetology schools, students learn to do makeup and style their hair. They know the latest trends on makeup, hair, and fashion and apply these trends as well.
- Innovativeness/Creativity
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Cosmetology training encourages students to find their style, come up with beauty innovations. Students learn to come up with new hairstyles, makeup, or skincare regimen. Beauty schools often hold contests to showcase students’ talents.
There are also competitions with other schools. These competitive events encourage cosmetology students to be creative and innovative.
- Good Customer Service
Have you ever thought about why you feel happier after getting your hair or nails done? It’s not about your new hairdo or nails. One of the reasons could be your stylist’s excellent service. Cosmetologists learn how to provide impeccable customer service.
They learn how to talk, provide clear instructions, and ask customers what they need. Customers will return if the stylist is likable and always in a good mood. And every salon owner knows a returning customer is better than a new one.
- Time Management
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Beauty professionals learn how to be versatile and how to keep to a schedule. Beauty schools teach students how to manage their time as this values their customers’ time as well. If you work in a salon, your manager will be in charge of your appointments. Thus, you must follow a strict schedule.
If you’re a mobile stylist, you need to consider travel time and preparation time for all your appointments. Each treatment has an allotted time so you can proceed with other customers and keep with your schedule.
- Beauty Products Familiarity
Salons endorse specific beauty products brands or beauty techniques. A hair salon may promote a particular hair color brand or a hair care treatment, and stylists need to be familiar with these products. They learn all the ingredients, instructions, aftercare, and other tips when using these beauty products.
Other salons offer more complex beauty treatments. They have hair removal or hair growth, skin whitening, hair removal, and anti-aging treatments. A beautician or esthetician should get training before working with customers.
- Awareness of New Trends
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Cosmetology trends change from season to season. Beauticians should update themselves with new skills and innovations. They may do so through training, research, and study.
A recent trend in skincare focused on skin minimalism, personalized skincare, and probiotic treatments. An esthetician should follow these and other movements to help their customers promote beauty and skin health.
- Listening Skills and Empathy
Most people prefer to go to the same stylist, never considering changing. This is because they have made a “connection” or a good relationship with their stylist. Thus, beauty professionals must know how to listen, give advice, and offer help. They must show sensitivity and genuineness towards their customers.
Some clients visit salons not to get a haircut or their nails done. They are looking for people to talk to, to listen to their concerns. They see the salon as a place where they are welcome, where they can relax and unwind.
- Physical and Mental Fitness
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A cosmetologist must be fit and mentally prepared for daily work. They should take care of their wellbeing and their mental health before they attend to their customers. Cosmetology schools teach students about primary health education and the promotion of good health and a sound mind. These will help professionals focus entirely on their work and deal with stress.
Some professionals provide wig and weave installations and styling to their customers. You may work in a salon offering these services or work as an on-call stylist for your home clients.
Conclusion
Having these skills will prepare beauty professionals for haircutting the demands of their careers. A good cosmetology school can help students prepare and practice these skills. If you’re interested in a cosmetology career, get to know available classes and courses from local schools near you.
