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How to Become a Cosmetology Instructor

Posted on: August 16th, 2012 by Sasha 5 Comments

Once you’ve established yourself as a successful cosmetologist in the beauty business, you may be wondering where you can go from there with your career. You always have the option to become a more predominant name in the field through marketing and expanding the services you offer. However, if you’re looking to advance your career in another direction, there is also the option of becoming a cosmetology instructor, especially if you enjoy sharing your passion, wisdom, knowledge, experience and skills with others.

After completing your education as a cosmetologist and honing your craft during your time spent working on the floor of the salon, you may choose to enter into the world of teaching cosmetology. There are so many prospective cosmetologists looking to work in the beauty field. By becoming an instructor, you can inspire and share your wisdom with those aspiring students and make a positive impact on their lives and futures. These bright, young pupils are looking for someone to guide them in the right direction, and you could be that person. The experience that you’ve accumulated working as a cosmetologist can help inspire and influence the next generation of beauty pros.

Check into your state’s requirements to make sure that you meet the licensing criteria to become a cosmetology instructor. Although each state has its own set of regulations and rules, a majority of states deem it necessary that you have a minimum number of years of experience working as a cosmetologist in a professional setting, in addition to furthering your education and earning your license to instruct. For instance, in the state of Kentucky, you must have your cosmetology license for at least a year, and you must have at least a 12th grade education. Once you meet these standards, you will be able to apply to a cosmetology instructor training program, where you must complete 1,000 hours of training before you’re eligible to take the instructor examination. Other states have completely different requirements, so be sure to check!After you’ve earned your cosmetology instructor license or met the requirements for your particular state, you’ll be eligible to teach others the art of beauty. As an instructor, you’ll be responsible for teaching students the basics of cosmetology. This is accomplished through both hands-on instruction and a portion taught through books, in a more classroom-like setting. You may have the opportunity to work from home through teaching online courses for advanced continuing education only; however, most opportunities for instructors are in beauty school classrooms or in a more salon-style environment.

Throughout the day, you’ll provide students with information about the field, as well as give demonstrations on the different techniques and processes. You’ll also watch over the students as they physically perform the tasks and offer critiques and guidance for them to improve their technique. Not only will you teach students about cutting and styling hair or whichever other beauty specialties they pursue (makeup, nail tech, skin care, etc.), but you’ll also educate on safety precautions and proper sanitation practices. Before you can teach each lesson though, you’ll need to plan it out, so that it follows the guidelines based on your state’s curriculum requirements. At the end of their time learning from you, you will have prepared them to successfully take the written and practical cosmetology exams.Have you enjoyed working as a cosmetologist throughout the years? Would love to introduce others to the rewarding experience that you had? If you answered “yes” to these questions, then teaching cosmetology might just be an amazing opportunity for you to further your career and help others in the process.

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Hair and Makeup at the 2012 London Olympics

Posted on: August 3rd, 2012 by Sasha No Comments

The 2012 London Olympics are not just a time for athletes to reveal their tremendous talents and athletic abilities to the world. Rather, it is also a time for everyone who works “behind the scenes” to gain recognition for their efforts into making the 2012 London Olympics a successful series of events. Hairstylists, makeup artists, wardrobe stylists and cosmetologists are all responsible for helping athletes look and feel their best during the intense competitions of the 2012 London Olympics.

Pure Beauty: The Canadian Swim Team

One example of the brilliant work that cosmetologists put into the 2012 London Olympics can be seen in the synchronized swimming teams. The makeup of women on the Canadian swim in particular team looked spectacular at the 2012 London Olympics. It only takes seeing a couple photographs of these gorgeous women to see how much waterproof mascara must have been required to give the swim team its look of true beauty. Dany Sanz is one makeup artist who has been accredited with creating the dramatic look of this swim team. Makeup artists who serve the synchronized swimming teams must be very knowledgeable about what makeup products and looks will be preserved in and out of the water, but also they are charged with creating brilliant, eye-catching, memorable makeup designs that are visible from the stands! Make Up For Ever is even a sponsor of the Olympics, particularly for their waterproof mascara line marketed to the synchronized swimmers.

It Takes Skills to Prep Athletes for the Olympics

To get athletes ready for the Olympics, it is essential for cosmetologists to use their skills and knowledge of beauty products. Cosmetologists need to know exactly which products will now fade or become removed due to perspiration. Cosmetologists have the demanding task of applying makeup to athletes that looks natural and will not wipe off in the middle of tough competitions. Think of the gymnastics and acrobatics teams, for example. They usually bright, coordinated makeup looks that correspond with their uniforms they wear in their Olympic events. You need to see a complete, coordinated beautiful makeup look that’s not going to get wiped away and smudged as they sprint across the mats and perform intense acrobatic routines. Many track stars and heavyweight lifters have also expressed a desire to look their best while competing, even though their events are not traditionally focused on hair and makeup. Whatever it takes to make them feel calm, confident and comfortable while they’re performing their amazing feats!

The Right Olympic Hairstyles

Another important aspect of the 2012 London Olympics is the hair styles of athletes. Athletes must have the right hair styles to allow them to compete without hair interfering with their vision, and in the case of visually-oriented events like acrobatics, something that is elegant and refined at the same time! The right hairstyles for the Olympics must also look chic and professional. The 2012 Canadian swim team is a great example again of the sheer brilliance of cosmetologists. If you take a look at the hair styles of these gorgeous women, you will see that they all have consistent, slick buns. Many synchronized swimmers use gelatin to keep their hair slick and shiny in the pool – who would have thought?!

Great Olympic Fashion

Having the right makeup and hairstyles is great, but taking it to the next level are London Olympic fashion choices for the teams, essential for allowing athletes to look and feel their best. Having the right clothing for the 2012 London Olympics is not inexpensive. Just take a look at the cost of the blazers for USA Opening Ceremony blazer for the men’s teams. These blazers cost $795 each! The blazers were designed by Ralph Lauren. The elegant look of the blazers made the men look great during the Opening Ceremony. For Britain, designer Stella McCartney has stolen the show. This fashion designer featured over 500 original pieces from her own collections in the London Olympics.

Other Things to Look Out For During the 2012 Summer Olympics in London
Courtesy of TIME Magazine

Nail care line Butter London released an Olympic Heavy Medal line of polishes in gold, silver and bronze. (Wouldn’t it be cool to see nail polish lines for the different countries’ flag colors?)
Make Up For Ever marketed their waterproof mascara line to Olympic synchronized swimmers (so it must be incredible, right?)
Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps is a brand ambassador for anti-dandruff shampoo Head and Shoulders (flake-free luxurious locks under those swimmers’ caps)
Olympic track cyclist Victoria Pendleton is the face of the Pantene Pro-V hair care line (keeping her tresses gorgeous under the sweaty bike helmet)

Of course the spirit of sport and the incredible athletic feats Olympians do is the primary focus, it is also incredible to consider the amount of work that goes into making the Olympians look beautiful. There are thousands of dedicated cosmetologists who make this great event happen for the athletes!

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Oscars Add Hairdressers to Makeup Category

Posted on: July 20th, 2012 by Sasha No Comments

The 85th Academy Awards show will have a new category this year, and hairstylists are glad that recognition is finally being given to their efforts. The new category, named “The Makeup and Hairstyling Award,” now recognizes the hairdressers and the talent that they bring to the wide screen.

The campaign to create a new hairstyling category began over a year ago. Angelina Jolie’s hairstylist Ted Gibson started a campaign on Facebook called We Need an Oscar for Hair. The Facebook page caused the Academy to reconsider the way that it honors hairdressers for their contributions to major films.

In the past, the Academy gave out an award to beauty professionals called the “Best Makeup” award. That was the only award that hairstylists could possibly receive for their efforts in contributing to the beautiful appearances of celebrities in films. While Ted Gibson is excited for the change in the name, he believes that this is only a “great start” and that additional categories still need to be created that are specific to hairstylists.

Some actors and actresses in Hollywood also seem to believe that hairdressers deserve greater recognition from the Academy. In her award speech, Meryl Streep gave credit to her hairstylist for her work in The Iron Lady. Meryl Streep said she would likely not have won her award for her role in The Iron Lady if she had just appeared on set without any hair or makeup done. Hairstylists provide a very important service for celebrities.

Ever since the announcement was made that the makeup category would be renamed to honor hairstylists, hairstylists have been expressing their feelings about the change in the Facebook group. Hairstylists have been saying that as much as they are thrilled with the change in the name, it simply is not enough. They are saying that the Academy needs to create its own category for hairstylists and that they deserve to be recognized for the hours of intensive coloring and styling that they do for celebrities in films. Films like Marie Antoinette would not have been complete without the expertise of experienced hairdressers in creating gorgeous hair styles.

If the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences wants to provide greater recognition for hairstylists, then it could make it a point to include a new category that awards hairstylists for their work. Beauty professionals and film professionals alike are saying that the Academy should give makeup artists and hairstylists the recognition that they deserve in their own independent categories. Without them, celebrities could not look as beautiful as they do on the runway and as convincing as they do on the silver screen.

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Monique Madrid: Comedienne and Cosmetologist

Posted on: July 9th, 2012 by Sasha No Comments

Who says that humor and cosmetology can’t mix? Monique Madrid, who is both a comedienne and a cosmetologist, proves that cutting hair can be quite humorous, especially in her show, “Monica Barcelona: Bitch, I’ll Cut You.” This multitalented hairstylist doesn’t just style hair and make jokes about it either. Monique is also a freelance writer, does makeup, acts, teaches and does voiceover.

Monique is living a double-life. As a cosmetologist, she does hair and makeup for weddings, album covers, photo shoots and tons of other exciting events. In her comedy show, Monique acts as Monica Barcelona, her hilarious alter ego. During this show, she invites two audience members on the stage. One of the members of the audience gets a free haircut on stage and the other receives a free makeover. Her fun loving personality and skill with scissors has caught the attention of many websites. In fact, Time Out Chicago, a website dedicated to reviews and information regarding different entertainment, attractions and accommodations in Chicago, proclaimed that her show was a critic’s picks.

Her show was part of the Chicago Women’s Funny Festival, which is festival comprised of female comediennes. As she improvs a day at the salon with real audience members, you will laugh hysterically. The website “Causing a Scene” declares that watching “Bitch, I’ll Cut You” is like watching a reality talk show. Monique is sassy and inspirational. Causing a Scene also states that the concept of her show is captivating.

Madrid has not let the success of her show go to her head. She still styles hair professionally at reasonable rates and takes on jobs of all sizes. However, she did say that being accepted as part of the Chicago Women’s Funny Festival was really, really exciting. She only started stand-up about a year before she started this show. She started doing it as a challenge to herself. She feels that doing stand-up leaves you more vulnerable, while doing improv allows you to have a supportive team behind you.

Her clients are excited for her. Because she still works as a professional hairstylist, she does not want to offend anyone, so she steers away from using personal stories that clients have shared with her. As for fellow stylists, she is not sure how they are going to react. She also notes that she does not know a lot of stylists who are also comedians, so it will be interesting to see how everyone responds. She states that she does not know if this show will one day include another stylist or not.

The goal of Monique’s show is just to make people laugh while she gets to do something else she loves on stage — hair and makeup.

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5 Ways to Turn Your Bathroom into a Personal Spa

Posted on: May 29th, 2012 by Sasha 2 Comments

Ahhhhhh… A day at the spa can be so relaxing and energizing. The soft music, the lighting, and the pampering! However, a couple hours spent at the spa can ring up a very un-zen-like price tag for the frugal at heart. How can have the stress-relieving benefits in between full-fledged spa appointments without bringing the stress right back with a huge bill? Simple, create a spa at home. You’ll save time, money, gas, and you can enjoy being in the comfort of your own house.

Here are five great ways to achieve the spa-like experience in your own bathroom:

1) Clear the clutter—To truly get away you must clear the clutter of your daily life. How can you feel relaxed if your bathroom is a mess? Take the time to put up bottles, makeup, and toothbrushes lying on the counter. Give everything a good cleaning. It won’t be your spa until you’ve got a clean, fresh appearance!

2) Love some lavender—Aromatherapy can have amazing benefits. In fact, studies show that breathing in naturally sweet smells can lift your spirits. Lavender is one of the most popular soothing scents because of its stress and anxiety relieving powers. Lavender home sprays, soaps, shower gels, and oil diffusers are simple to find and won’t stress out your pocketbook.

3) Set the mood—Think about what you love most about the spa. Is it the soft lighting? The relaxing music? The glow of candles? Bring those into your own space! Set up your iPod to play soft, easy-listening music. Clean, white votive candles can be a super inexpensive purchase at your local craft store as well.

4) Set up spa stations—Whatever you usually go to the spa for is probably what you’ll want handy in your own homemade spa. Is it a manicure? Do you go for a facial? Make sure you have the products and tools ready to go in organized kits. This way, when you’re ready to relax and give yourself a manicure you won’t spend 10 minutes gathering the things you need and stay in the relax zone!

5) Make it your sanctuary—What will truly make your bathroom feel more like a spa and not just your regular old bathroom are the little details. The jar of bath salts, the fluffy robe hanging on the back of your door, soft rugs on the floor, etc. Add these small but comforting touches to your bathroom to help bring the spa experience home sweet home.

I think we all know a day at the spa with trained beauty professionals pampering you is unbeatable, but you can get awfully close in-between salon and spa visits with these at-home spa and pampering tips. You deserve it.

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How to Dress for Cosmetology School: Look the Part With Proper Attire

Posted on: May 16th, 2012 by Sasha No Comments

The old adage “dress for the job you want” should be followed closely in all steps of your professional life. This is extremely important when you are first starting out in your career and training to become a professional cosmetologist because you’re working toward becoming a beauty professional that clients look to for style tips and advice. You need to look the part! As a representative for the beauty industry, you need to look polished and well put together yourself. You are projecting the image that you can create when clients see you for the first time. If they like what they see, as in a well groomed and coiffed professional, then they are more likely trust you and your beauty recommendations wholeheartedly. However, if you look sloppy, messy and unkempt, do not expect many return clients!

Many cosmetology schools have a dress code. There are no rules on whether to wear your hair up or down, but you should always take the time to style your hair for the day. A regular old ponytail or unkempt hair left down doesn’t communicate “beauty professional.” So put some thought and time into your hairstyle, and put some of those new cosmetology skills you’re learning to the test! This is to prepare you for the reality in working in salons that require their stylists to wear their hair stylishly and professionally. Some schools and salons do not allow bright, unnatural colors that come off as ostentatious, but others actually encourage this. Please note that esthetician school may actually require hair up to keep it out of the way when working with clients. The best thing to do is always to ask your instructors or employers how they expect you to be dressed and styled when you come in.

The same rules apply to make up – it should be tasteful, put together and flattering – but nothing too crazy! Someone training to become a professional makeup artist especially needs to wear the appropriate makeup for their age, skin tone and a professional setting. This means you should probably avoid heavy nighttime makeup in the middle of the day. In most cases it should be fine for your school or place of employment to get a little creative here. If you want to add a bright lip or bold eye, then this may be a good way to show off your makeup artist skills but be careful of taking it “too far.” Beauty school isn’t a night club or a theater performance, right? If cosmetology students do not look like they know what they are doing, then why should a client trust them? Remember to dress for the job you want and look the part!

As for clothes, many schools will ask that you wear a uniform such as a custom aprons or uniform shirts. However, many others only ask that you wear coordinating colors like white tops and black bottoms, or a lot of cosmetology schools tend toward all-black attire for students. For example, Paul Mitchell training academies require that you always wear a name tag, black closed toe shoes and all black. Some schools and salons may say that tennis shoes are too casual, but you should invest in some black comfortable non-slip shoes, nice flats with arch support, or low heels because you will be on your feet much of day to do hair.

The key to looking professional in cosmetology is to look polished and clean. You need to have-well manicured hands, makeup, clothes and hair at all times. As someone who does hair, nails and makeup for a living, your clients will be expecting you to look your best. You should start good habits while in cosmetology school or esthetician school so that you show respect to your teachers, fellow students and your future clients. If you want to fit in with your school’s dress code but still like to stand out, check out this source for Cosmetology Clothes, or dress up your salon smock or apron with the gorgeous cosmetology aprons below!

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Look Good … Feel Better: Beautifying and Uplifting Cancer Patients

Posted on: May 11th, 2012 by Sasha 1 Comment

The Look Good … Feel Better program helps women who have cancer improve their appearances, which can in turn improve their outlooks. When women’s appearances are affected by the side effects of cancer treatments, trained cosmetologists have the ability to help. Inspired by the difference a makeover made in a cancer patient’s appearance and attitude, the Personal Care Products Council, American Cancer Society and Professional Beauty Association/National Cosmetology Association teamed up to create the Look Good … Feel Better program to provide cosmetics and cosmetology advice to cancer patients who can benefit from beauty tools, knowledge and skills.

It is easy for anyone to feel discouraged when she doesn’t believe she looks her best. Beauty professionals witness firsthand just how much a beauty treatment can improve clients’ confidence and moods in addition to improving their appearances. The Look Good … Feel Better program brings beauty guidance to women at a time in their lives when they can benefit from it most. Chemotherapy, radiation and other cancer treatments can result in changes to patients’ appearances. Patients focused on getting well may not have the time and energy to devote to developing new beauty routines and can be at a loss as how to deal with their new beauty challenges. That’s where cosmetologists can step in to demonstrate the techniques appropriate for patients, beautifying and uplifting them. With their personal beauty needs met, these patients can continue their fight against cancer with renewed zest and peace of mind.

The Look Good … Feel Better program does not support any particular name brand or earn a profit from their services. Instead, the program offers free public services nationwide, is funded by donations and makes use of donated beauty products. Volunteer beauty professionals are trained and certified to provide support for the Look Good … Feel Better program, which hosts group workshops in over 3,000 locations nationwide. The program also holds workshops in the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The Look Good … Feel Better Program is not limited to workshops. It also offers self-help kits through the mail, online support and a 24-hour hotline. Through the program, trained beauty professionals are able to positively influence the lives of others by offering their professional expertise.

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Brush Up On Your Cosmetology Skills with High School Plays and Local Theatre

Posted on: May 2nd, 2012 by Sasha No Comments

There is nothing like real life experience to get under your belt while still in cosmetology school. One of the best ways to understand a high-pressure and fast-paced situation involving beauty services would be to work as a hair and makeup artist for a live performance. We’ve mentioned offering cosmetology services to fashion shows, but your cosmetology school could also offer the services of its students to local theatre groups during their productions. This arrangement is a win-win situation; the actors will look great in specific period looks and the cosmetologists can practice with time constraints under pressure. The school should reach out to local high school theatre departments as well for even more opportunities for cosmetology students.

A cosmetologist needs many hours of training and hands-on practice on real clients before you can get your cosmetology license. This is a fast growing career where the competition is tough, but there is faster then average growth expected when compared to other jobs according to statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor . In fact, these statistics also state that job prospects are quite high thanks to people retiring or changing careers. Cosmetologists are also able to be self-employed with much more flexibility in their schedules compared to other careers. The median salary for the top ten percent of cosmetologists was around $44,000 in early 2010.

Early experience working in situations where hair and makeup need to be perfect can help prepare future cosmetologists for their careers. They can get a first-hand knowledge of working under pressure with not much time. Their work needs to be flawless and unique to the setting of the performance. For example, the cosmetologists may need to study the plot of the play to better understand how the actors need to look and be portrayed to the audience. A 17th century woman can not look like a disco queen! It is important for the cosmetologists to have done their homework in order to provide a realistic or accurate look for their actors.

There is an added bonus for learning stage makeup and hair – more money! Cosmetologists and makeup artists who specialized in this theater makeup, stage makeup or special effects makeup for theater and film earned close to $30 an hour compared to the national average of $13 according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. You could make nearly $65,000 a year working behind the scenes on Broadway or off. You need to be very good at your job and able to replicate any look from various eras. This is why practicing your skills at local or high school productions can help cosmetology students hone in on their skills.

The Department of Labor estimates that due to the rising demands found in television and film that cosmetology (including hair and makeup) will grow eighteen percent by 2018. This could mean more jobs and higher salaries for those at the top of their game. In short, offering services for local productions is only the beginning in what could be a long and successful career in cosmetology for you – so put yourself out there and get the experience!

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Going to Great Lengths for Eyelash Extensions

Posted on: April 30th, 2012 by Sasha No Comments

We’ve all seen Kim Kardashian’s long gorgeous lashes bat at us from the red carpet. And, Sofia Vergara’s thick lashes seem to make her stare even fiercer. How can you get lovely lashes like these ladies? Today your options go beyond dangerous eyelash glue and thick, sticky coats of mascara.

Eyelash extensions are fast becoming the new trend in, well, eyewear? Eyelash extensions are replacing mascara, fake eyelashes, and even the well-known medication Latisse. Why? They offer a long-term alternative that doesn’t have to be apply daily, and you can shower or swim in them and still look great.

The extensions are placed on each individual eyelash at the first application, then they need to be refreshed every two or three weeks for maintenance. During a consultation your stylist can recommend the appropriate length and thickness for your eyelashes.

What seems to make the extensions so popular? Many women say it’s the convenience factor. The extensions look great first thing in the morning, never need another coat of mascara, and won’t give you raccoon eyes if you’re caught in the rain. Some women even say it makes a significant difference in the amount of time they need to get ready.

While the extensions may be convenient, they’re not exactly affordable. The first application will set you back $200-$300 and maintenance appointments can be around $75.

What do you think about eyelash extensions? Would you pay the hefty price tag to have perfect eyelashes all the time?

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5 Hot Prom Hairstyles to Rock in 2012!

Posted on: April 18th, 2012 by Sasha No Comments

It’s that time of year again. Every high school girl is picking out their gown, scheduling their spray tan, and scouring Pinterest for that perfect prom updo. No one wants to be upstaged, and no one wants to do something that was so last year. Not to worry. We’ve provided five of the hottest prom hairstyles for 2012 to help you figure out your prom hair and outfit ensemble. They best advice? Have fun, make it your own, and guarantee it’s dance floor-proof!

Get side-tracked—You can achieve an elegant updo without hiding its beauty in the back! Think, how many prom pictures do you have where you can’t see your hair at all? Choose a side hairstyle! You can enjoy the fancy look while still having a style that frames your face—and gets noticed!

Photo from Hairpedia Club

Behold the braid—Tired of doing a small braid across your head? Change it up! Braids don’t have to be boring. In fact, braids offer a ton of versatility! You can even turn a simple braid into an updo like in this photo. The best part? You won’t spend as much time as you would curling your hair!

Photo from Nymbrands.Tumblr.com

Feather frenzy—Ahh, those hair feathers! Have they been overdone? Maybe, but they do offer a fun way to liven up a braid, ponytail, or updo. They’re also great for tying in colors from your dress to pull the entire look together. Feathers aren’t for everyone, but hey, isn’t an important part of the prom look accessories?

Crowning glory—A headband can really complete a look! Give yourself a bohemian vibe with an earthy headband worn closer to the forehead, or go for an elegant princess look (think Disney’s Cinderella) with something glitzy or velvet worn with an updo. Try this Wavy Rhinestone Headband designed specifically for the prom tiara look.

Just plain fun—Prom is all about being young and having fun. Remember you have the freedom to try trendy hairstyles, fun colors, and accessories at your age! Want to crimp your hair? Go for it! Too soon you’ll be left to age and work appropriate hairstyles, so live it up! Prom is a special time—don’t feel like you have to grow up too soon!