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What to Expect in Your First Cosmetology Student Kit

Posted on: April 17th, 2013 by Beauty Schools Directory No Comments

Many students starting beauty school are excited, nervous and a little overwhelmed. Receiving your first beauty school student kit makes the whole thing more real for you and brings the excitement home. Beauty school students talk about it as if they are opening holiday presents. They express a sense of pride and accomplishment for having gotten this far in the process, and are feeling they have set their futures into motion. Their long-awaited dream has started to become reality!

The standard full cosmetology student kit comes with everything the student will need to learn to perform every basic service for a client. Kits can be purchased online already created for a particular state and their licensing requirements, or various general kits can be ordered. Students can choose whether their kit comes in a rolling suitcase, a rolling aluminum case, or a rolling plastic kiosk with drawers. Inside the kit are sets of combs, brushes, shears, scissors, razors, items for mixing and applying hair color, clips of all kinds, sprays, a blow dryer and diffusers, flat iron, curling irons, perm supplies, hair dyes, apron, capes, coloring caps, mirrors and textbooks. Some kits come with mannequin heads, each with different hair types.

For those whose schools will include manicurist training, kits may include a complete manicure set including mannequin hands and feet, tools for working with artificial and acrylic nails, manicure tools, polishes, polish removers and lotions. Barber kits focus more on men’s hair care and shaving needs. Kits include clippers, brushes, combs, razors, capes, sprays, gels, alcohol, powders, face creams, a manikin head, perm rods, mirrors, and towels.

Depending on the kit needed and the school, a student might have to purchase their own plastic gloves, hair samples, neck strips, a perm kit, hand sanitizer, hair spray, conditioning spray, measuring spoons, hair bleach and shaving cream. Most schools will provide students with a list of exactly what items are needed as part of their enrollment package. Many schools have students keep the kit at home, and only bring what is needed for the current week’s studies. Other schools have students keep the entire kit locked and stored at the school, so every item is always available.

The pre-made state test kits often don’t include a curling iron, hair dryer or lab coat if applicable. In this case, the students would need to bring their own from their regular kit in order to take the test. Students should also check their kits upon arrival, to make sure all items are packed securely and in the right places, and everything is in working condition. Schools emphasize that students must keep their tools and kit materials in top condition because they will be used during the state practical exams. Items should be labeled and sterilized for the practicals, and stored in mini-kits or plastic bags for each procedure. Experienced cosmetology instructors advise bringing extras of almost everything in case something is spilled or dropped during the exam. Students can also purchase specific practical exam kits, already labeled and prepared for any given state’s exam. The examination stresses infection control and safety above all other tasks, so students should follow the proper procedures at all times.

If a blood spill occurs or is simulated in the test, students must follow the NIC Health and Safety Standards. A student can be dismissed from the exam immediately for failure to do this. It is also suggested that students bring a container of water to the exam if it will be needed for any section of their state’s exam. They may also bring a Thermos of hot water if it will be needed. A basic requirement for all states, however, is that everything is clearly labeled and obviously clean and sterile. Students are also expected to keep their work area clean and sanitary throughout the exam.

Cosmetology student kits can range in price from just a few hundred dollars for smaller kits, to about $1,200 to over $2,500 for the larger, more complete kits – it all depends on what your school’s supply list includes. Many schools require mannequin heads, hands and feet as part of the kit to practice the techniques you learn throughout your time at the school. Some schools have student kits available for purchase as a package with tuition and books. Others provide a list of approved vendors and allow students to create their own kits through direct purchases. Still others recommend the purchase of a specific complete kit from a vendor they approve, as long as it includes all the items on their school supplies list.

If a student has purchased a kit from the school, the school typically does not let any item be returned. They consider opening the kit to be opening each individual package within, and therefore used. Kits usually do not include student uniforms or scrubs, so these must be purchased separately. (Check out these adorable cosmetology aprons and frocks.) Usually cosmetology textbooks and exam materials are included in kits purchased through the school. A few schools provide students only with the parts of the kit they will be using in class each week, and by the end of the course, the student will have acquired a full kit and be ready for the licensing exam.

Regardless, students are expected to care for their equipment and their kit carefully, and to replace any broken, lost or damaged items immediately. So, choose the kit that will meet the requirements for the state and the school, and the method of carrying the kit that best suits the student. Then, enjoy opening the presents when they arrive!

Here are some videos of students at various beauty schools walking you through what comes in their school’s cosmetology student kit:

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Attending Cosmetology School While Pregnant

Posted on: February 19th, 2013 by Beauty Schools Directory No Comments

Can you attend cosmetology school while pregnant? Is it safe to perform cosmetology services during pregnancy? Will you miss too much of your class to graduate on time? Whether you are pregnant and touring beauty schools and considering enrolling, or if you get pregnant after you’re already enrolled, no doubt these are burning questions for you and many other current or prospective beauty school students.

The Safety of Attending Beauty School While Pregnant

One study published in Occupational Medicine in 2009 compared hairdressers, cosmetologists and teachers who are pregnant. The study concluded that there is some evidence that working as a hairdresser or cosmetologist while pregnant may reduce fetal growth, and working as a hairdresser may increase the risk of pre-term delivery or perinatal death. The study asserts that hairdressers and cosmetologists are “commonly exposed to chemicals, poor posture and psychological stress that may increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.”

However Angela Hawk, a clinical instructor in Maternal Fetal Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina, said that many studies in animals have addressed this, and that most of them found that even when hair dye was administered in very high doses that would be also be toxic to the mother, no adverse effects were seen in the offspring. She also pointed out that some older studies did suggest that cosmetologists might be more likely to miscarry or give birth to smaller babies, but that these studies didn’t take into account other aspects of mom’s health like cigarette smoking, for example.

“Newer studies have not confirmed these findings, which might be due to the studies themselves being done better, and actual changes in the composition of many hair dyes,” Hawk said. The actual amount of dye absorbed through the scalp is very small, not more than 1% of the applied dose, and highlights alone don’t even touch the scalp.”

But what about the physical strain of standing on one’s feet for a full eight-hour day, and the sometimes poor posture sometimes associated with doing hair and makeup? Can those negatively impact the baby or mother? Hawk cited a large study that compared hairdressers to sales clerks since both of these professions involve standing for long periods of time.

“Hairdressers didn’t have any increase in reproductive disorders above the sales clerks,” Hawk said. “[A person working] any job that involves standing for long periods of time should take regular break every two to three hours, however, and make sure they say well hydrated.”

Hawk also advises that it’s important to pay special attention to posture, since a woman’s center of balance changes during pregnancy. Some women find that wearing a belly band is helpful for this. As long as cosmetologists have proper working conditions, Hawk says, she “wouldn’t expect any risks above and beyond that of any other profession.” Pregnant cosmetology students or salon employees should work in a well-ventilated area, wear gloves when performing chemical services, and minimize the amount of chemicals they are exposed to. Given those conditions, Hawk says that attending cosmetology school or working as a cosmetologist while pregnant is just fine.

What about while a mother is nursing her infant? Should you wait to enroll or start work again? Hawk emphasized that breastfeeding has many benefits for both mom and baby, so mom should always be given regular opportunities for pumping if you are away from your baby to attend beauty school or work in the salon. Hydration is just as important here as when you were pregnant, and again, limit exposure to chemicals by wearing gloves and wash hands well before pumping or nursing.

The Strategy of Attending Beauty School While Pregnant

Now that we know that in the proper conditions attending cosmetology school while pregnant is safe, that still leaves the question of what happens if a pregnant mother-to-be or new mom with an infant must miss an extended period of time from school. Every beauty school has a different policy for either pregnancy or medical leave of absence. Some schools have trouble accommodating extended leaves of absence due to the short duration of most beauty programs, and may advise a student to drop the program and re-enroll after the baby is born, or in some extreme cases even charge someone for each day missed after a certain point. Cosmetology typically lasts 9 to 15 months depending on your state, and shorter programs like nail technology or esthetics and skin care can last as little as 3 to 6 months.

However because cosmetology schools usually enroll classes year-round, some schools take a slightly different approach and allow students to put their education on hold and return to it later. One such example of a school leaning on the medical leave of absence policy for maternity leave is Xenon International Academy in Olathe, Kansas.

“We have had prospective students who are already pregnant who have shown interest in our academy and have enrolled,” Xenon Director Laura Miller said. “We advise them that they are able to take up to a 60-day medical leave of absence. We do encourage them to try to make it through our core curriculum first, which is approximately 7 to 20 weeks, depending on the program,” Miller explained. “This is for their benefit, so they will have that core education for when they return from their leave of absence.”

Miller said that Xenon has not been advised of any safety concerns regarding pregnant students, but they do help pregnant students work on different services if the smells of certain chemical processes – like perm solution – bother them. But if their doctor expresses concern, they say they’re happy to make arrangements to help the student during their pregnancy.

Notify your school officials as soon as possible if you become pregnant so they can help you make arrangements to finish your education in a timely manner and not lose the time, money and energy you’ve already invested in getting your training hours. And at the end of the day, every person and every pregnancy is different. We always recommend that you talk to your OB directly about safety concerns with attending cosmetology school.

Do you attend or work for a cosmetology school? What is your beauty school’s pregnancy policy?

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VIDEO: Is Cosmetology School Hard?

Posted on: November 15th, 2012 by Beauty Schools Directory 1 Comment

One question we get here at Beauty Schools Directory from a lot of people who are interested in cosmetology is, “Is cosmetology school hard?” and sometimes we get, “Is cosmetology school easier than regular college?” Well I wanted to shoot a little video to answer this question face-to-face and explain why cosmetology school is easier for those who are passionate about it, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Let us know what you think in the comments. Thank for watching!

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Hey guys! This is Heather with Beauty Schools Directory. Today I want to talk to you about a question we get a lot from people who are considering beauty school. And that question is, “Is cosmetology school easier than a four-year university?”

So let’s face it, four-year school isn’t for everyone. And it’s not because it’s too difficult – it’s because it’s a completely different world, and a lot of four-year schools don’t actually offer cosmetology programs, so that might mean you’re thinking cosmetology school is for you. Now that doesn’t mean that cosmetology school is a cake walk or an easy way out. It actually requires a person who has dedication, motivation, ambition, who’s focused, and who isn’t afraid to put in the time, effort and hard work to be successful.

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Cosmetology Students Help the Homeless with Haircuts

Posted on: October 23rd, 2012 by Heather No Comments

Cosmetology students around the country are putting the skills they’re learning in cosmetology school to good use by helping homeless customers in their community, while also logging the salon floor hours they need to graduate. A cosmetology student or school can give back to the community in so many ways, and some schools are joining forces with their local branches of Project Homeless Connect to make it easier than ever to make a big impact. Local branches of Project Homeless Connect provides health and human services to individuals in many areas across the country. Hairstylists, cosmetology schools and salons can get in touch with this group and provide their hair cutting services at no cost to those homeless citizens who are working to get back on their feet.

Haircuts for the Homeless at Cosmetology Schools

Homeless veterans are just one group of individuals who can benefit from the assistance of these altruistic cosmetology students. Many veterans never anticipate being homeless or requiring any sort of charitable assistance, but for those who do find themselves homeless and in need of help, this type of program can have a positive impact on their lives. TheTownTalk.com recently posted an article about veterans in Louisiana suffering in the difficult economy. The article cited the case of one veteran who benefited from the haircutting drive, Jesse Jacobs, who of course never anticipated having to depend on the help of family and friends to get through his struggles. Cosmetology students have been volunteering their time with the local VA charity in order to help veterans cut down on their monthly costs.

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Accommodating Cosmetology Students with Disabilities

Posted on: September 20th, 2012 by Heather No Comments

According to Courthouse News, a Washington D.C. cosmetology school may soon face discrimination claims for not providing a potential deaf student with an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter. The student attended a mandatory beauty school tour and had to bring a friend, as the school did not provide an interpreter, but then the school allegedly told the potential student they were “unable to provide an interpreter due to the great expenses it would require for our Institute and company.”

This has been an ongoing battle for many students with disabilities as well as the schools. Many cosmetology schools have successfully accommodated deaf students through an interpreter – and even some without one – and helped them graduate and be able to move into the working world.

One hearing cosmetologist, Noriko Kerns-Podue who works at Creative Cuts Int’l in Torrance, California, fondly reflected on an experience she had at a barbershop in downtown Honolulu in the late ’70s called The Silent Barber: “My friend and I were so curious, we went in one day to check it out. It was a solo operation, the barber was a deaf guy and he had pictures on the wall. The customers pointed to the images, sat down and got a haircut. We talked to the customers… they said they really enjoyed the peace and quiet the establishment had. Mostly he had regulars and he knew their hair. They just sat down and read the paper while he cut their hair. It really changed my perspective on men’s haircutting.”

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How to Get the Most Out of Barber School or Cosmetology School

Posted on: September 18th, 2012 by Beauty Schools Directory No Comments

Greg Zorian is a third generation master barber. He is the co-owner of two successful barbershops in upstate New York. He is also the founder of www.HowToCutHair.tv which is a complete online resource available for barbering/men’s haircutting instruction. Greg has an easy-to-follow methodology that he has taught to thousands of students over the past 20 years. Greg shows how to capitalize on the growing men’s market segment of the beauty industry.

BE 15 MINUTES EARLY EVERY DAY

Plan on being 15 minutes early for school every day. This will give you time to put your things away, clean your tools, get a good seat in the classroom, finish up any last minute preparations for your first class, etc. By being early on a daily basis you will be developing one of the most important habits you can have for your future.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS

Every school has a dress code. Make sure to stick to it and show your teachers and classmates you take pride in your school. Go above and beyond just wearing your uniform. Come to school with your clothes ironed and your shoes freshly shined. This will make you feel better and more professional as well. Get in the habit early on of dressing for success.

TREAT OTHERS WITH RESPECT

This is a great topic for our business because as a barber or cosmetologist, you are communicating constantly. You have teachers, administrators, fellow students, and customers. Make sure to treat everyone the way you would like to be treated. Always try to keep a smile on your face. Smiles are contagious. If you are in an uncomfortable situation and it is possible to remove yourself, do so. The fastest way to success in any customer service related field is to treat people in a respectful and friendly manner.

PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR TEACHERS

Your teachers are teaching you for many reasons. They teach because they love it. They teach because they care about you. They teach because they love the business. They teach because they want to be a positive influence in your life. They also teach to earn a living, but it is last on their list. Please treat them with respect and pay attention to them. They are preparing you for your future. You may not always like what they have to say but they are saying it for a reason. You are going to benefit from everything they teach you.

ALWAYS BE PREPARED FOR SCHOOL

The only way to get the most out of barber school or cosmetology school is to be prepared at all times. Being prepared at all times means always having your textbook with tools with you. You can’t learn theory if you don’t have your textbook with you. You can’t learn how to give a clipper cut if you don’t have your clipper or clipper combs with you.

Another suggestion is not to lend your tools and books to anyone. A number of things can happen if you do this. The day you need your textbook the student borrowing it could be out sick. The day you need your clippers that student might be out sick. The person borrowing your clippers might have dropped them by mistake and chipped the cutting blade. If they don’t tell you and you go to use them on a customer you might cut them. If any of these things happen you are the one who is going to look bad. Always keep tools cleaned and in good working condition.

PRACTICE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN ON THE CLINIC FLOOR

The clinic floor is your chance to get as much experience as you can. You have the opportunity to get most of your mistakes out of the way. Grab all of the haircuts you can. Make sure you take the ones that are the most difficult for you. The only way to build your skill and confidence is by repetition. If the longer hairstyles are your weakness, be the first one to grab that type of haircut when they come in. If you are a master at fades leave that haircut for someone else. Take full advantage of the opportunity your school is giving you.

PAY ATTENTION TO THE BEST STUDENTS CLOSE TO GRADUATION

You can learn a lot from your fellow students if you keep an open mind. Keep an eye on the students close to graduation on the clinic floor. Watch their haircuts. Find the students who are giving the quality of haircuts that you would like to duplicate. Get close to them and watch. Ask questions. Take notes. In most cases they will be honored that you want to learn from them.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF GUEST SPEAKERS

Every school has guest speakers come in to talk to their students and give demonstrations on a wide range of topics. Make sure to find out when these people are scheduled to come in and what they are going to be talking about or demonstrating. Do some research on them before they come in to speak. Find out who they are. Where they work. What their area of expertise is. It is a good idea to be prepared ahead of time so you are ready for their class. Most of the time these speakers come from a local barbershop, salon, or product distributor. Have some questions ready for them and try to get to know them a little if you have the opportunity to do so. The more connections you make and networking you do, the better your chances for achieving a higher level of success when you graduate. If you are absent you might miss a career or even life changing opportunity. You are paying for an education. It is your job to get the most out of it.

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What if the beauty school I’m considering has bad reviews?

Posted on: September 13th, 2012 by Heather No Comments

Choosing the right cosmetology school is an important life decision. It can be difficult poring over all the information on the web, and sorting through reviews – both good and bad. How do you know which beauty school reviews to listen to?

The first step is requesting information from cosmetology schools and narrowing your options. But in the end, there can only be one, and you may turn to reviews from past students to help you make your decision. Here are a few tips on deciding which cosmetology school reviews to take to heart, and which to ignore.

QUANTITY OF REVIEWS

Quantity is important. How many bad reviews versus how many good reviews are there for the school? There are always going to be outliers – the people who absolutely adored the school and the people absolutely hated the school, and the angry ones always seem to be the loudest ones. It’s inevitable. No one can please everyone, so don’t hold one bad review against them. However, if you notice that the vast majority of the reviews of the school across multiple sites are scathing and negative, it might be a red flag.

QUALITY OF REVIEWS

Consider the source. If the website seems spammy, it probably is. Some of the best sites to check for beauty school reviews are the My Social Beauty: Beauty School Reviews and Yelp. The reviews aren’t the next bestselling novel, so we can forgive the authors if their spelling and grammar isn’t perfect. But if the review of the beauty school is completely devoid of information, is loaded with angry ranting or cursing, or includes personal attacks on students or teachers, it might not be one you should rely on. Also, it’s not unheard of for a school to go online and post a glowing review under the guise of being a student. That’s not quite so easy to detect, but if it seems like a loaded marketing message, take it with a grain of salt.

DO A TOUR OF THE SCHOOL

Regardless of whether the reviews of beauty schools are overwhelmingly positive or negative, seeing is believing, so always contact the school and request a tour. The admissions reps will be happy to show you around the facility, introduce you to some students and teachers, and answer any questions you may have about their programs. Decide in advance what’s important to you – is it cost? scheduling? what’s include in tuition? job placement services after graduation? Different things are important to different people, so know up-front what will be deal-makers and deal-breakers for you. Come prepared with questions in hand, and know what you want to ask the beauty school admissions representatives during your visit.

PAY IT FORWARD: REVIEW YOUR SCHOOL!

Lastly, help others who come after you. Take the time to write a beauty school review for others to use as a resource when they’re choosing the right school for them. Try to pull any emotional reaction out of it, and be as objective, unbiased and constructive as possible. What are the advantages and drawbacks? What did you gain, and what did you feel was missed? Be helpful to the schools, teachers and future students with your open, honest feedback.

At the end of the day, you need to choose the cosmetology school that is right for you – regardless of whether it wasn’t right for someone else. You need to weigh out the good reviews and bad reviews, but you should also talk to and visit the school yourself to get your own feeling for whether the school is a good fit for your needs.

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How to Become an Expert in Cosmetology & Beauty

Posted on: August 27th, 2012 by Beauty Schools Directory 1 Comment

Erika Brown is worked hard and overcame all obstacles to become a proud graduate of Paul Mitchell School, an American Board Certified Haircolorist, and a Makeup Specialist. She works at a salon she loves and specializes in hair coloring and the art of special occasion styles. She runs her own cosmetology blog, Confessions of a Cosmetologist, and enjoys inspiring others in the cosmetology field. You can also keep up with Erika on Facebook.

Do you ever wonder why some people achieve great success in their careers and others don’t? Some of us spend our lives wondering what the secret is when it’s really quite simple. It doesn’t matter if you’re a barber, nail tech, hairstylist, esthetician, or even a shoe salesman… there are two main types of people in any career. They are leaders and there are followers. Do you want to be the one with happy clients and a full schedule? Or do you want to be the one getting nothing but complaints, bad tips, and a pink slip? Anyone can become an expert in their trade, but it’s all about how much you’re willing to work for it. Here are just a few benefits of becoming an expert in the cosmetology field:

Clients will trust you.
Your career/business will grow.
Clients will search for you by name instead of just your salon or spa.
You will set yourself apart from the rest.

Ask yourself if you want those things in your career. Even if you are just starting out in beauty school, deciding that you want to be the best now will only improve your learning experience. For those of you who are already well into your career always remember, it’s never too late to be the best! If you think you’ve reached your highest level of personal success, think again. Each milestone you achieve you should be asking yourself, “What’s next?” You may be wondering how all of this makes you an expert at what you do. It’s all about goals and providing the best services you can. You can do a great job every day, but if you don’t have goals to apply that energy to where will you be going? If you’re ready to go up instead of in circles ask yourself what type of career goals you want to reach and the “expert” part will come with ease!

When I decided to take my career to the next level I thought I had nowhere else to go. I was a standstill because I had stopped setting goals for myself and never thought about achieving more than working at a great salon. Then one day my manager announced an upcoming course for becoming an American Board Certified Haircolorist. My eyes lit up! Finally, there was something that I could strive for and improve my passion. When I found out how hard it was supposed to be, that was only more of a motivator. I knew that if I could call myself an expert of my craft I would have the confidence and skills I needed to succeed.

Becoming ABCH Certified was one of the most grueling learning experiences of my life and it was more than worth it. I am now more confident than I ever thought I would be in my cosmetology career and I picked up great skills along the way. ABCH was my window to new opportunities and all of us have a window somewhere… you just have to find it.

Everyone knows the obvious benefits of becoming an expert in your field. Making more money, having a larger clientele, and personal satisfaction are just a few great things that result from working hard and wanting to be the best you can be. But there are two benefits that are often overlooked. Knowledge will give you the power to achieve more success in your career than you can imagine. Knowledge creates confidence and confidence is the key that unlocks most doors in the beauty industry. Without knowledge and confidence who will want to be your client? Having confidence means knowing you give the best manicure, haircut, or massage in town. It’s knowing that your clients come to you for your skills and professionalism.

If you’ve never heard of any certifications for your field, don’t sweat it! I didn’t know about ABCH until I had been doing hair for several years. Even if you’re not ready to take that leap towards a big certification, everything you do to improve your talents will be one step towards becoming an expert. Imagine yourself as a master esthetician, celebrity makeup artist, or certified haircolorist…clients will seek you and trust you over others in your field. Nothing is unreachable, and the sooner you have your heart set on it the better! Here are a few steps to becoming an expert:

Recognize your weaknesses and take classes to improve them
Focus on what your clients want and do your best all the time
Improve your professionalism
Remember that you can learn from anyone, anytime
Set goals and go for it

Thousands of students enter the beauty industry every year, but only few strive to become the best. Becoming an American Board Certified Haircolorist gave me the confidence and knowledge to never second guess myself or my skills. I had my heart set on being recognized as a master colorist and having the paper to prove it, but I got so much more. That’s why it’s important to set goals in your life and your career. Do you want to be the leader, an “expert” in your field? Or are you okay with being a follower and always settling for second best? No one becomes an expert overnight, but if you never try you’ll never know!

I always knew that I wanted to pursue a career in cosmetology but I never knew how hard I would work for it. After struggling through a few semesters in college I decided to enroll in cosmetology school and get going on the career I had my heart set on. To my surprise, it was both an exciting and stressful experience. I worked full-time and took night classes, I was doing one or the other seven days a week. I thought I would never finish, and doing my passion to make a living seemed painfully far away. Now I work at a great salon, have a cosmetology blog, and I’m an American Board Certified Haircolorist. I specialize in hair coloring and the art of special occasion styles. I love doing hair and inspiring others in the cosmetology field!

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How to Pass the Cosmetology License Exam

Posted on: August 23rd, 2012 by Heather No Comments

If you ask Michelle, a master hairstylist at a large nationwide salon chain in Kansas City, she will tell you that the day she took her cosmetology license practical exam was “the most nerve-wracking day of my life.” If you ask her how she felt after she got word that she passed, she will say, “It was this huge sigh of relief. I was so excited. It was like, ‘I did it!’” There is so much thought and preparation that goes into the cosmetology written exam and practical exam after you’ve earned all your training hours at cosmetology school. So how can you prepare for your cosmetology license exam so when you go in to take your written and practical you are confident, poised and ready to pass the exam with flying colors?

1. Get Organized

Though exam formats may vary from state to state, you will find similar concepts on all of them. The first thing to do is to find out your testing date, get it on the calendar, plan ahead and start studying. Make sure you know all of the supplies you will need, the time and location of the exam, and if you need a translator or non-English language cosmetology exam, make arrangements in advance. You need to provide your own models, so get that locked down. Get printed proof of your cosmetology training hours. The same Michelle we mentioned above said that when you’re packing your list of supplies to double everything. If you drop something in your exam, you can’t pick it up off the floor and keep using it, so come prepared with a backup of as many of your supplies as possible. And don’t leave anything off the list – if you’re unprepared for any portion of the exam, you’re automatically docked. Write a checklist well in advance so you can check it multiple times before going in for your exam.

Cosmetology License Exam Practice Tests

2. Start Studying & Practicing

Just because these are hands-on skills doesn’t mean you shouldn’t crack open your textbook and practice like crazy. You need to know this material backwards and forwards from top to bottom. Some states offer cosmetology license exam study guides, others do not. Talk to your board of cosmetology to ask. Be prepared to answer any surprise questions, and make sure you absolutely know every angle of the services you need to do on that practical. Remember all your safety and sanitation training. No doubt you will be stopped in the middle of an exam and asked to handle an imaginary blood spill cleanup situation. Another thing to consider is the exam prep program at Salon Prep. It’s an excellent, thorough tool that you can use to review all the material you learned in cosmetology school, but also has practice exams you can take to drill yourself on the materials. Really an excellent resource to have in your kit!

3. Mentally Prepare Yourself

Get familiar with the structure of the exam. Written examinations typically last 1 to 2 hours. Practical examinations can last from 4 to 8 hours depending on your state for full cosmetology, and typically 2 to 4 hours for shorter exams like esthetics, nail technology and electrology exams. Typically there are short breaks, but make sure you are quick with your snack or potty breaks, because if you’re late returning to the exam room, you may not be allowed back in. Keep in mind that the practical exam is not one-on-one – you’re in a room full of people. So get a laser-like focus, just like you would in a salon. Get to the testing facility a little early so you have some time to review in your head, get familiar with the space, and most importantly chill. Which brings us to our next point…

4. De-Stress

A little bit of pressure can make people perform better, but too much stress before your exam and you could shut down. Since you started studying and practicing well in advance of your exam, there should be no need to “cram” the night before. Eat good balanced meals, stay well-hydrated and try to get a good night’s sleep the night before. (I know it will be tough to sleep when the next day is the first day of the rest of your life, but do your best!) Do something fun and relaxing to clear your mind if you can. If you do have to cram (tsk tsk), then don’t stay up too late. Studies show that you’re better off going to bed at a decent hour and waking up early to squeeze in some final review time, than you would be if you stayed up late to try and cram it all in.

You have worked so hard throughout cosmetology school to reach this point. You’ve done the work, put in the hours, studied hard – you have every reason to be confident. You know this. So psych yourself up and get excited about getting your cosmetology license and reaching that major life goal.

Here are a few pieces of advice from cosmetologists, barbers and other folks who have passed the test:

“Take the practice exam over and over again. Grade yourself and retake only the questions you missed. Repeat this process until you miss none of them. The practice tests in the book are lifted directly for the exams. Everyone should get 100% on the written exam. The info is there for you. It just requires a bit of commitment, like everything else in life.” – Ivan Zoot from Chicago, IL @ZootHair
“Just be calm and relax, and remember all your steps. Have 100% faith in yourself!” Aaron S. in Winston Salem, NC @ImMyOwnDamnFan
“As a barber, learn your shears and master them. A lot of fine tuning comes from those and the razor.” Drew C. in Tampa, FL @darcc1313
“The straight razor on a balloon is key. Don’t let hair color stay in too long.” Jason J. in Mableton, GA @Jaydice_Roll
“Be confident.” – Nakia E. in Los Angeles, CA
“Take advantage of your instructors’ knowledge. No question is a dumb question. Over study and attend as many hair shows as possible with that lovely student discount.” – Carey W. at Cali Spa in Fort Wayne, IN
“Don’t freak out. You already know how to do everything, you just have to show it. As for the written, if you paid attention at all in school you will pass it with flying colors!” Austin Cut & Color

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Don’t Become the Next Beauty School Dropouts

Posted on: August 7th, 2012 by Heather No Comments

Most of us have heard the lyrics crooned to “Beauty School Dropout” from the movie and Broadway performances of Grease. “Your future’s so unclear now / What’s left of your career now?” and “Beauty school dropout / No graduation day for you / Beauty school dropout / Missed your midterms and flunked shampoo” come to mind. Am I right?

Look, you have a choice. You enrolled in cosmetology school, and now you need to do everything possible to make the most of your beauty education. Don’t let anything stand in the way of your dream to become the next great beauty maven. We live in a demanding society and many of us struggle to balance the demands of our jobs, family, education and personal lives. While it may seem difficult to keep these parts of our lives in-sync, it is not an impossible task. There are many educational options and resources available to help beauty school students find success. Whether you are a new or returning beauty school student, with a little planning and a lot of determination, you have the power to get the absolute most possible out of your beauty school education and avoid becoming the next beauty school dropout.

According to Harvard’s Pathways to Prosperity study, “29 percent of [students] who start two-year degrees finish them within three years.” The study also examines why so many students drop out of school. The report lists being ill-prepared for academics, the demands of rigorous study, the increasing cost of education and the difficulty of balancing family life and work as some of the top reasons students leave school. Well we wholeheartedly believe that you don’t have to be a part of the percentage that become beauty school dropouts.

The first road block people tend to encounter is how to pay for cosmetology school. You know you’ve gotta pay for it somehow, so plan ahead! Of course save as much as you can, but knowing that’s not always enough, here are some other options to consider. Aspiring beauty students should begin by applying for federal financial aid through the U.S. Department of Education and follow-up by researching beauty school scholarships and grants offered by corporations, local businesses, churches, banks and other organizations. Also, be sure to check with your school’s billing department to set up a payment plan to help break up the cost of tuition. Be sure to factor in the cost of tools and supplies when you develop a budget. Think long-term and develop a budget that accounts for how you will pay for these items throughout the entire course of your program. Trust us, it lifts a huge burden off your shoulders so you can focus on getting amazing at your new cosmetology skills.

Planning doesn’t just have to be financial. You can also do a little prep to get ahead before you even enroll in cosmetology. For instance, if you’re a high school student, some high school classes you might want to keep an eye out for that are relevant to cosmetology are chemistry and physiology. (Yes, for real!) If you’ve already graduated from high school or are thinking about re-enrolling in beauty school, spend some time using online tutorials to help better prepare yourself for cosmetology school. If you don’t have these classes in high school, don’t feel like you’re behind – cosmetology school will teach you all you need to know. But if you really want to be the best of the best in the cosmetology business, take some initiative and get ahead of the curriculum! There are a variety of online resources that provide instruction in foundational skills such as color theory, anatomy and physiology.

Another road block some people hit is not feeling like you’re making the best use of your time in school. Ok, so not everyone in your class is as motivated and ambitious as you are, and it can be a total drag. Those people happen in every class, no matter what career you picked. It’s not a good reason to drop out of beauty school! Don’t let other people who don’t have it together stand in the way if your future. You almost need to get tunnel vision. Tune out the haters and the negativity, and get a singular focus on your success. In order to make the most of your time in cosmetology school, tap into all your available resources as a student. Whether you need help with coursework, want to skip ahead and do more advanced stuff in class because you’re doing so well at the basics, or just want some time management advice, many beauty schools have developed special networks to help new, current and former students stay on track to graduation. Ask your advisors and teachers what else you can be doing to be the best possible cosmetologist when you graduate. This shows how engaged and dedicated you really are.

One more road block that leads to some beauty school dropouts is juggling all the demands in your life. If you’ve tried beauty school in the past and found it conflicted with your hectic lifestyle, consider re-enrolling now that you’ve had some time to plan and mature. Many beauty schools have even redesigned their curriculums to include night and weekend classes as well as online foundational courses in hopes of accommodating non-traditional students.

The last road block people encounter is their own fear of failure. Well, tough love, darlin’. Following your dreams often means finding the courage to face your fears. Beauty school – like all academic pursuits – may seem like an overwhelming challenge, but at least talk to some schools. Asking questions, visiting the school and talking to other students can help alleviate those fears and help you sign your name on the dotted line. You have the planning, focus and determination. Face the obstacle head on. Take the plunge. There’s no time like the present. The beginning is always the hardest. You can do this. We believe in you. So it’s about time you started believing in yourself.

Ready to become the next beauty school graduate instead of a beauty school dropout? It all starts here. Find cosmetology schools now.