Get a Cosmetology License
This topic is one I can pass along some good experiential knowledge due to the fact that I have been married to a person in the cosmetology trade for sixteen years. During that time we have had a variety of situations I see as inherent to the profession to have to weather, so I would like to take the opportunity to pass along some of the wisdom I believe my wife has gained about this profession. Keep in mind every experience is different, but I believe the majority of the following can apply to most situations.
First of all, you must consider your working conditions. Will you be cutting and coloring or perming hair, doing nails or performing another type of service? The reason I ask this is that standing on a hard floor, even with a mat to protect your body, there is a long term price to pay. Of course all jobs have some things that are troublesome, so I illuminate this not to dissuade, but inform.
Another quality of a cosmetologist is to have a thick skin? Why would one need this quality? No reason at all, everyone will always absolutely love your choice of hair styles or nail designs. Yeah, right. Working with the public exposes you to all kinds of personalities. Some people will tell you to your face that they hate what you did, even when you do exactly what they tell you to do. Also, there is a long line of those who see a beautiful model or actress with a cute style and think they can look the same with the identical cut.
Other people will tell you they like the hair or nail style, then never come back. My wife has only a few loyal customers that stayed with her over all these years. Most of the time, the reason is money. People want a million dollar style, but will quibble over two dollars. Many have left for cheaper and returned for the quality of my wife's work.
The other main thing that is ability you must have, other than the creativity and a smidgeon of skill is the ability to listen. When people sit down in the chair, their tongues break loose. You would not believe what my wife comes home to tell me. The kind of things I would never, I mean NEVER tell a soul other than her. Usually they tell her but swear her to secrecy. She tells me just so she doesn't have to bear the burden alone.
So, this is a little bit of the world to consider as you decide if cosmetology is for you. You get to be an artist and express your creativity. My wife loves that part of the job. She is well known and respected in our community as a gifted professional. So, give it a shot, just keep in mind some of the things to expect on your foray into the world of beauty service.
