Beauty School Directory Blog

How to Make Your Cosmetology Career More Lucrative

Posted on: May 28th, 2009 by Beauty Schools Directory 3 Comments

U.S. News and World Report declared hairstyling and cosmetology one of the best careers for 2009. That’s no surprise considering how well being a cosmetologist fits US News’s “Best Career” specifications:

1. Job outlook
2. Average job satisfaction
3. Difficulty of the required training
4. Prestige
5. Pay

Essentially, cosmetology tops the list because it meets the five basic qualifiers: there always seem to be openings available for qualified cosmetologists, they love their jobs, training is rapid and cost-effective, people and clients have a high opinion of professional cosmetologists and they make good money.

But what are some of the other unspoken benefits of being a licensed cosmetologist?

First, this career is a fashionista’s dream. It’s one of the rare fields with good job opportunities in which you’re rewarded for staying current on fashion and design. You gain prestige and client approval because you spent a few hours over the weekend catching up on Project Runway, E! Entertainment TV gossip, and Tabatha’s Salon Takeover.

Second, your job can’t be “outsourced” to people with questionable credentials. It might seem obvious, but a cosmetologist and their clients’ relationships are very personal. You can’t fake this type of customer service over an international phone line.

Third, the beauty industry manages to keep expanding and improving every year with services and customer avenues. Cosmetology is a huge part of the beauty industry, which is literally a multi-billion dollar and growing business sector.

So how do you make this dream cosmetology career even more lucrative?

Specialize. A creative career demands creative solutions. So evolve into a niche specialty that you can put your personal spin on. One example is finding lucrative work building and styling wigs and hairpieces. The country’s population is aging, and with age comes hair thinning and loss for both men and women. You can help people who have lost their hair due to age, disease or accidents, or you can go for a more exciting angle and design hair pieces for stage, screen, and TV productions.

Are you in cosmetology training, or already in the cosmetology field? Do you plan on specializing? How will you create your own signature line of service?

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Shortcuts to Becoming a Stylist to the Stars

Posted on: May 20th, 2009 by Beauty Schools Directory No Comments

celebrity-hairstylist-diana-schmidtke-shortcuts

If styling hair was a sport, then working on celebrities’ hair would have to be the Super Bowl or World Series event for trained cosmetologists. There’s nothing like being pulled from the minors to perform in the Big Leagues! So, how does one get to that star status?

Well, all of your questions can be answered through a new book: Shortcuts, by Diana Schmidtke. She maps out her successes as a celebrity hairstylist in her new book for the recent and not-so-recent graduates of beauty schools.

Schmidtke’s book isn’t just a laundry list of to-do’s for a get-rich-quick scheme, or just about the adventure of moving to Hollywood. It also covers the field of Special FX artistry and answers industry questions, such as the difference between union and non-union stylists. There’s even a quiz section to help you determine if your passion lies more with fashion and music or television and film!

Can you map out your dream job after cosmetology school just through a book? Probably not. But if you have questions about breaking into such a narrow niche in hair, makeup or fashion – then this book can help.

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Cosmetology School is Not Just for Women

Posted on: May 13th, 2009 by Beauty Schools Directory 7 Comments

Manly men need their hair cut too. Maybe not highlighted, maybe not flat-ironed (or maybe so), but cut and styled at least! As much as they hate to admit it, even the most rugged of men still want to look good. That’s why in today’s metro-sexual world, barber shops still flourish.

You know the kind … It smell like shaving cream and hums with the drone of electric shavers. It’s got televisions tuned to the big game. Its employees probably won’t try to sell you a $60 styling product for your buzz cut. And it’s run by a trained, professional barber.

Ever wonder what it would be like to have his job? Here’s a hint. Awesome. Find out more about this stable, flexible, and hands-on career choice!

What exactly does a barber do?
Barbers cut, trim, shampoo, and style hair – mostly for male clients. They are generally also trained to fit hairpieces and offer scalp treatments and facial shaving. Plus, they can do most everything else that cosmetologists can, including hair coloring, permanent waves, and facials.

What do barbers earn, and what kind of advancement opportunities do they have?
Median hourly earnings in May 2006 for salaried barbers, including tips, were $11.13. Entry-level earnings are usually modest, but experienced barbers can advance quickly in the field. Advancement usually takes the form of higher earnings as barbers gain experience and build a steady clientele. Some barbers manage their shops, lease booth space, or open their own shops.

What are a barber’s working conditions like?
In 2006, about 19 percent of barbers worked part-time, and the rest worked full-time. Most full-time barbers put in a 40-hour week, but long days are common, especially among self-employed workers. Work schedules may include evenings and weekends, the times when barbershops are busiest. Barbers usually work in clean, enjoyable surroundings with good light and ventilation. They are on their feet for most of their shift, so good health and stamina is important.

What training will I need to become a barber?
To qualify for a barbering license, barbers are required to graduate from a state-licensed cosmetology or barbering school. Full-time programs in barbering usually last about nine months, and may lead to an Associate’s degree or diploma. Throughout their careers, many barbers continue to take advanced courses in hairstyling or other personal appearance services to keep up with the latest trends. They also may take courses in sales and marketing if they are interested in opening their own businesses. (There are cosmetology and barbering schools in your area with classes starting now.)

Will I need to get licensed?
All states require barbers to be licensed. Requirements for a barber license vary by state, but generally barbers must have a high school diploma or GED, be at least 16 years old, and have graduated from an accredited barber or cosmetology school. State licensing examinations generally consist of a written test and, in some cases, a practical test of styling skills or an oral examination.

How much work is available for barbers?
Overall employment of barbers, cosmetologists, and other personal appearance workers is projected to grow slightly faster than the average for all occupations – even in a recession.

Do you already work in the field and have something to tell aspiring barbers? Comment and share your wealth of knowledge and experience!

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Are you wasting your beauty school education?

Posted on: April 29th, 2009 by Beauty Schools Directory 13 Comments

shara-stevenson-esthetician-manicuristShara Stevenson is licensed esthetician and manicurist. She is also a marketing professional with a Bachelors of Arts from Georgia State University. Shara is passionate about multicultural beauty, fashion, market trends and branding. Follow Shara on Twitter @hellobeauty.

You purchased your kit, bought your uniform, and you’re officially enrolled in beauty school. That was the easy part. What you do next will determine whether you become a beauty school superstar, ready to conquer the world of beauty and esthetics, or, if you become just another person that went to beauty school and got their license but did nothing with it. You make the choice. Here’s how to make the most out of your beauty education.

Take Your Investment Seriously
You’ve invested the money in your beauty school education, so take it seriously.  Study your Milady book and take the practice tests. Participate in class discussions, and stay on top of industry trends by subscribing to publications like LaunchPad, Nail Pro, DaySpa, and Beauty Fashion. Memorizing theory is important, but it’s more essential that you can explain it. Many times students fall into the habit of treating cosmetology school like high school for adults. Instead of practicing hair cutting techniques, they’re gossiping with classmates. If beauty school becomes a chore, then reevaluate why you enrolled, and decide whether or not you want to continue your education. The amount of material that you need to cover can seem overwhelming, but don’t get discouraged! Don’t be the next beauty school dropout. Put your blinders on, stay focused, and keep unnecessary distractions at bay. You’ll thank yourself once you’ve completed your required hours.

Practice Makes Perfect
Okay, so your first five sets of acrylic nails popped off. The first time you did a perm it didn’t come out right. And, you haven’t quite perfected the effleurage facial movement. Now what? Keep practicing! The great thing about beauty school is that you’re not expected to be a shear genius overnight. Cosmetology school is structured to provide you with the foundation you need to perform basic services, and to equip you with information you need to pass state cosmetology licensing examinations. What you do with the training you receive is up to you. One way to get ahead is to practice, practice, practice.

Here are a few ways to sharpen your hands-on cosmetology skills:
-    Swap services with other students
-    Volunteer your services to community and nonprofit organizations
-    Offer services to your friends and relatives

Treat Yourself like a Business
Even though you’re a student, you are preparing yourself for a career in business so adapt the mindset of a businessperson. One of the most important things a business can do is maintain a consistent image. This is called “branding.” It sets you apart from competitors, defines what you stand for, and offers a way for customers to identify with your brand. If you’re studying to become a hairstylist, nail tech or makeup artist, would someone be able to tell by how you dress, and groom yourself? You say want to be the next hairstylist to the stars, but your hair is always messy. If you want to be taken seriously, then you need to become a representation of what you’re selling. Brand yourself. This means your clothing, hairstyle and color, and even your nails should reflect your beauty education and skills. It’s essential that your image is representative of your profession, and your target audience.

Take advantage of networking opportunities. Don’t wait until you graduate to attend trade shows and industry events. Research upcoming shows in your area and mark your calendar. Don’t have the money to attend? No problem. Most trade shows offer discounted rates to students. Another way to become acquainted with the industry is to contact other professionals that have become successful. You’ll be surprised how many beauty pros are willingly to give you advice, or even refer you for a position at a salon.

So Make the Most of Your Beauty School Education!

The statistics don’t lie. The increase in enrollment in beauty schools not only represents a need for people to diversify their skill sets, but it’s also a reflection of the growing billion dollar beauty, health and wellness industries. A career in beauty is a great way to take your passion for makeup, hair or nails to the next level. Study hard, be passionate about your goals, and position yourself as the next professional that sets trends, and becomes the voice of a booming industry.

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Salons Go Green – Just in Time for Earth Day

Posted on: April 22nd, 2009 by Beauty Schools Directory No Comments

These days, many of us care more than ever before about taking care of Mother Earth. Whether we use reusable grocery bags and energy-saving light bulbs, or get that old bike out of the garage instead of taking the car, we all can find ways to do our part.

Now salons and some cosmetology schools are joining the green movement, too. For example, Leon’s Beauty School in Greensboro, North Carolina has been taking steps to make some environmentally responsible practices a way of life. Many of the employees and stylists at Leon’s hope their efforts will inspire other salons and beauty professionals to find new ways to be more environmentally friendly.

Do you work in a salon or teach/study at a beauty school that is striving to be more Earth-friendly? Here are a few green ideas that have worked in Leon’s Beauty School and in other salons across the country:

• Bring in recycling bins! – Businesses like salons go through a lot of disposable containers. Recycling those containers is much friendlier to the planet.
• Switch from commercial cleaning products to home-made or natural cleaners! – For example, Leon’s Beauty School uses a natural water and vinegar solution to clean their windows instead of the traditional chemical-ridden glass cleaner.
• Ban Styrofoam cups! – Leon’s stylists and employees bring their own reusable cups to use throughout the workday.
• Offer discounts to customers who bring back empty plastic hair care bottles for refills.
• Replace old appliances with newer, energy-saving hair dryers or curling irons.
• Use natural beauty products like mineral-based makeup (try Bare Escentuals Get Started Kit), natural henna hair dyes and sugar and water solutions to set hair curls.

Leon’s Beauty School even took their green ideas to a more creative level recently by hosting a “RecycleRama” hair and fashion show. Instead of showing off clothing made of expensive materials by A-list designers, models in this show sported creations made of second-hand fabrics, cardboard boxes, magazine pages and soda cans to spread awareness about being green.

But even if you don’t go the route of designing your own soda can couture, you can still make green beautiful! Got other green tips that you’ve used on the job? We’d love to hear ’em!

Beauty Schools Go Green

Sephora.com, Inc.

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Graduating Beauty School – Now What?

Posted on: April 15th, 2009 by Beauty Schools Directory 2 Comments

It’s almost that time of year – graduation season! For graduates of all ages, it can be an exciting, yet anxiety-inducing time. Some are preparing to complete their education from traditional institutions, while others are about to graduate with a more specialized skill set. If you chose to pursue an education in cosmetology, esthetics or makeup and you’re about to transition to the “real world,” you may have more career options waiting for you than you realized.

Here are a few outside-the-box career ideas for beauty industry job seekers from Marianne Bockheim, a columnist for The Michigan Beauty Examiner:

1. Entrepreneur: If you’re a no-nonsense, business-minded individual, you could become your own boss! Entrepreneurs with a cosmetology background could start their own salons, spas, schools or beauty product lines.
2. Platform artist: If you thrive in front of an audience, working as a platform artist at hair shows could be an exciting career choice. Many platform artists act as ambassadors for professional hair care companies. They often travel to hair shows around the country and demonstrate new techniques or products.
3. Makeup artist for a major line: This is a prestigious career choice for talented, dedicated cosmetology professionals. Many makeup artists pick a product line, and begin their career track at the retail level, and work their way up.
4. Beauty Educator: Many companies value educators with a background in retail or marketing. Earning your cosmetology license will most likely be the best way to get your foot in the door.
5. Cosmetology Teacher: If you thrived during your time in cosmetology school, maybe you’re cut out to help cosmetology students work toward their own career goals. If you like to teach, and love cosmetology, this could be a great career path for you.

Need some more tips for landing the perfect job? Marianne says it always pays to be assertive and ambitious. In the beauty industry, networking is key. Make sure your professional beauty connections know what you want – you never know who could help you get somewhere. Finally, discover your own traits and skills that set you apart from the crowd. When you know more about your own strengths you can make others see why you’re the right one for the job!

What’s your plan for after beauty school graduation? Have any beauty job search tips or stories of your own? We’d love to hear them!

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Getting a Head Start on Cosmetology Education in High School

Posted on: April 8th, 2009 by Heather 14 Comments

When most of us envision the typical high school experience, subjects like math, English and chemistry often come to mind before cosmetology, hair design, nail technology, skincare or massage. A traditional high school curriculum is designed to prepare students for a four-year university experience, but many students have a different plan for their educations and careers.

In high schools across the country, many educators think these students deserve to take practical classes that will introduce them to the subjects about which they are most interested. At some schools, this means an opportunity to begin a cosmetology education before graduation.

For instance, in Lancaster, Ohio, about 50 students at Lancaster High School apply each year for the school’s cosmetology program. To gain acceptance in the program, students must have a solid academic record and complete an interview process with their instructors. Teachers say that nearly all of their students in the program share a genuine enthusiasm for working in the cosmetology field, but they don’t yet realize how in-depth a cosmetology education really is.

In the Lancaster High School cosmetology program, students begin the classes during their junior year, and study everything from the chemical compositions of hair products, massage treatments, common skin ailments and cosmetic applications.

Like other high school trade and vocational programs, these narrowly tailored cosmetology programs allow students to learn through hands-on activities and practice in the beauty trade. Some programs even offer internship opportunities that allow high school students to see a salon or spa’s inner workings.

Most of these high school beauty courses do not replace a cosmetology license or training from post-secondary cosmetology schools, but the irreplaceable experiences can help students explore their career interests in hair design, nail technology or skincare.

It is always great to attend an accredited cosmetology school to begin your career in beauty, but ask around at the high schools near you if you’re interested in a high school cosmetology program. You may be able to get your foot in the door of the cosmetology industry even sooner than you realized!

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Kiva Loans Help Build Beauty Businesses Worldwide

Posted on: April 1st, 2009 by Beauty Schools Directory 1 Comment

About a year ago, we posted a blog about microloans we financed via Kiva.org. We said “The best thing about running a site that helps people find a cosmetology school is helping people make their dreams a reality. “ Well, we have succeeded in helping seven businesses make their dreams a reality so far. Those seven have paid their loans back in full, so now that money has been re-invested in others pursuing their dreams in the beauty field. To date, we have reached 17 businesses across the globe.

One of BSD's new, successful salon owners (via Kiva.org)

We’re most excited about the beauty businesses we’ve helped. We have loaned to a beauty salon in Tanzania and supported cosmetics sales in Nicaragua. Pictured here is Rolith Saavedra Rodriguez, who lives in San José de Sisa – San Martin, Peru. She is a hairstylist and makeup artist. She owns her own beauty salon where she also sells beauty products, while also providing haircuts, dye jobs and beauty treatments. She hoped to buy beauty products such as perfumes for women, men, and children, deodorants, jewelry, nail polish and lotions. She also hoped to replenish her salon with new hair dyes, scissors and face treatments. She is 40 years of age and lives with her husband and three children who are still dependent on her.

It is an amazing feeling to be able to help those with whom we share a common interest, even across incredibly different circumstances and cultures. And who knows? If these women were in the U.S. or Canada, maybe they would have found their beauty schools through our very own Beauty Schools Directory!

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Learn Your ABCs: 5 Warning Signs of Melanoma

Posted on: March 25th, 2009 by Beauty Schools Directory No Comments

Phaedra Connolly - Esthetician

Phaedra Connolly, RFS is a licensed Medical Esthetician with Associates in Dermatology in Orlando, Florida. She specializes in the prevention and treatment of skin cancer, acne and anti-aging. She graduated valedictorian in her class at the Florida College of Natural Health.

Melanoma is the most deadly of all skin cancers. In fact, this year 46,000 new cases will be diagnosed and 7,700 Americans will die from melanoma.

But being aware of the warning signs of melanoma could help you to recognize this potentially deadly cancer. Your trusted and trained esthetician will be on the lookout for these warning signs, but you see yourself every day. If you have a lesion that falls into any of the following categories, make an appointment with your dermatologist for an exam as soon as possible.

A = Asymmetry – Test your mole for asymmetry by drawing an imaginary line down the middle. Do the two halves match? Ordinary moles are usually round and symmetrical, while most early melanomas are asymmetrical.

B = Border – Ordinary moles are round or oval and have well defined, smooth, even borders. Melanomas often have ragged, uneven, or notched borders. Also, spreading of pigment (color) from the border of the mole into surrounding skin is a warning sign of melanoma.

C = Color – Ordinary moles are usually one color throughout and are usually brown, tan or flesh-colored. Melanomas may have several colors (black, brown, red, white, blue) or an irregular pattern of colors.

D = Diameter – Moles can be many different sizes, but ordinary moles are generally less than 1/4 inch (6 millimeters) in diameter, which is the diameter of a pencil eraser. Melanomas may be as small as 1/8 inch, but are often larger.

E = Enlargement/Evolving – Ordinary moles usually do not change over time. A mole that suddenly grows in size or rapidly becomes elevated is suspicious for melanoma.

Now that you know what to look for, here are some suggestions to protect yourself from skin cancer.
• Avoid the sun and/or seek shade between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are at their strongest.
• Cover up by wearing light colored, tightly woven clothes that cover well.
• Wear a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses.
• Use a quality, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 – and reapply at least every two hours.  Clouds do not screen out the damaging rays of the sun.
• Do a monthly self-exam to check for unusual marks or changes in your skin.
• Get a regular exam from a board certified dermatologist – once a year if you’ve never had a skin cancer and more often if you have.

The sunny days of summertime are approaching quickly. What do you do to protect yourself? Do you have any favorite sun protection products?

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New Jersey Banning Brazilian and Bikini Waxing

Posted on: March 18th, 2009 by Heather 10 Comments

I’ll spare you (most of) the innuendos and personal anecdotes, but it’s difficult when a story like New Jersey banning Brazilian waxes crosses your desk. The wise cracks write themselves.

It’s difficult to understand what New Jersey is trying to accomplish by banning Brazilian waxes. With do-it-yourself home waxing kits available at any drug store, a ban on professional bikini waxes will push New Jersey salon customers to try their hand at it, which will undoubtedly lead to more burns and pain than a wax done by a licensed esthetician. The two bad experience customer complaints leading to this legal action are merely a shadow of the burns people will self-inflict.

In fairness to the New Jersey government, they are suggesting enforcing an existing ban, not creating a new one. However, why not remove the law altogether, so reputable beauty salons can offer the waxing service and implement safety regulations so those who are injuring their clients can be fined?

I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t trust anyone – not even myself – but a trained cosmetology professional to do a procedure like that on me. What are your thoughts on this hairy situation? (I’m sorry! I tried!)

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