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Posts Tagged ‘hairstyling’

India Empowers Former Sex Workers With Cosmetology Training

Posted on: October 7th, 2009 by Beauty Schools Directory No Comments

Women who have been victims on India’s sex industry are receiving an opportunity for a second chance at a career and at life. In India’s capital, New Delhi, sex workers are being offered free training in hair styling, beauty and makeup. Free transportation is also being provided for the women interested in the opportunity.

Spearheading this endeavor is beauty and hair expert, Amzadd Habibb. “This is my way of giving back to the society. I have always wanted to do something for these people and I was just waiting for right opportunity and right people,” Habibb said. He has organized a 24-hour haircutting event to raise money for all the equipment needed.

If you or someone you know are interested in a new career or second chance, perhaps you should consider cosmetology school training to start down a new career path.

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Hairstylists Often First Line of Defense Against Self-neglect

Posted on: September 18th, 2009 by Beauty Schools Directory 1 Comment

Hairstylists Trained to Recognize Health Problems in Seniors and ElderlyAs the fight over health care reform continues to rage across the national landscape as people debate cost vs. quality, recent studies have noticed a unique trend. Hairstylists are a great help in steering their elderly clients to much needed health services that often save their lives.

In a recent, small exploratory study, more than 80% of Columbus, Ohio area cosmetologists and hairstylists surveyed said that older clients often or always shared their health problems during appointments.

“Hairstylists are in a great position to notice when their older clients are starting to suffer from depression, dementia, or self-neglect,” said Keith Anderson, co-author of the study and assistant professor of social work at Ohio State University. “While not expecting too much beyond the scope of their jobs, we may be able to help stylists direct elderly people in trouble to community services.”

The study included stylists from the Columbus area who responded to mail surveys. It was reported that about one-third of their clients were 60 years old or older.

Eighty-five percent of stylists described their relationships with older clients as “close” or “very close.” About 72% said their role was like one of “family” to some of their older customers.

“This is one reason why I think hairstylists are especially suited to seeing problems in their customers,” Anderson said. “Their older clients may sit in a chair for an hour or longer while they’re having their hair done, and this may happen once or twice a month. So stylists are in a good position to recognize when things change with a client, and when they may need help.”

He went on to say that stylists are in a unique position to discuss pain, depression or anxiety with their clients. The main issue Anderson is now trying to bring to the forefront is helping cosmetologists and stylists learn how to refer aging clients to appropriate health and community services.

“It seems like a perfect setup – stylists have access to older adults who may need someone to point them to the help they need. But at least this sample of stylists suggests they don’t know what services are out there to help these folks,” he said. “We can’t expect them to do everything, but our results suggest that most stylists care about their clients and would be willing to help them,” he said.

Have you ever had to suggest medical or psychological help to one of your clients? Did your beauty school teach you about signs to look for in your clients that may indicate they need your help? Tell us about it!

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Feathered Bangs and Continuing Cosmetology Education

Posted on: August 27th, 2009 by Beauty Schools Directory 3 Comments

Ok – the 1980s are over. Take a look at photos of your parents when they were teenagers. Is their hair the same as yours now? Their clothes? I doubt it. Styles change over time. The once popular bouffant, feathering and perm styles are no longer part of today’s hair culture. Imagine going to a hairstylist who was still using techniques and styles that were 20 years old. Chances are, you won’t get the cut you want. Imagine going to a salon that wasn’t up-to-date in safety and sanitation procedures. Terrifying, right?

Luckily, there are countless continuing education options for cosmetologists to avoid problems like these. Many states require some continuing cosmetology education for cosmetology license renewal and provide options for seminars and classes to complete those hours. There are also online cosmetology classes and courses to take at beauty schools and community colleges. The beauty school you graduated from might be able to give you some guidance or offer some continuing education classes themselves!

outdated-1980s-eighties-hairstyleGet your groove back. Even after you’ve finished your required hours, it is always wise go above and beyond your state cosmetology license renewal requirements! The more you know, the better you can serve your clients. When you know the best new techniques and the latest, hottest styles, you can get younger clients that seek someone who is knowledgeable in these areas. Those young clients who are impressed by you early on will become loyal clients in the long term, returning to you when they need a simple cut or an entire overhaul, and recommending you to their friends and family.

Knowing the newest styles and techniques can definitely help you grow your beauty business, but other areas of continuing education can help you as well. There are numerous options for continuing education classes that cover how to start and run your own cosmetology business. In these, you can learn customer service skills and how to handle difficult clients, as well as new safety and sanitation procedures. With the help of continuing cosmetology education you can have a nice, clean salon with knowledgeable and modern professionals that keep the clients coming in.

What cosmetology continuing education classes have you taken? How often do you continue your career education with additional beauty school classes? Which have been the most or least helpful? Does your school have continuing education programs?

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Illinois Tightens Hair Braiding Laws

Posted on: August 20th, 2009 by Heather 16 Comments

hair-braiding-illinois-cosmetology-lawSince 1985, Illinois has maintained that if you want to work in the cosmetology or beauty field, you must have a cosmetology license. In fact, all states require all cosmetologists be licensed to work on hair, nails and skin. But, when you offer such a niche service like hair braiding, that’s where the law becomes a little twisted, at least for some.

According to Illinois law and the Illinois State Board of Cosmetology License Requirements, anyone working with hair must take the required 1,500 hours of cosmetology training. That is putting some tight restrictions on hair braiders. They provide a service that is strictly braiding hair, and normally don’t offer any other service like hair cutting or coloring. However, the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation wants hair braiders to be licensed, and not for the reasons you may think.

When a beauty professional is licensed, they are protected by the law when a customer refuses to pay or writes bogus checks. But, it goes a little deeper than that – some believe that hair braiders need to be trained in a few core courses relating to the industry.

The United African Organization would like to see a compromise from the state that allows hair braiders courses only in sanitation and business training, which would be around 300 clocked hours of cosmetology school.

Up on the debate block for the fall is a law that would require hair braiders to complete 300 hours of training, which the courses would focus on blood-borne pathogens, recognizing scalp disease and sanitation practices.

What do you think? Should niche beauty services like hair braiding have specific cosmetology licensing requirements? Tell Beauty Schools Directory your views on this tangled matter.

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Hairstyling: Need for Speed?

Posted on: June 26th, 2009 by Beauty Schools Directory 7 Comments

As a beauty school student or instructor, do you think that speed matters? That is, the speed at which you cut someone’s hair.

Ivan Zoot holds the world record for the fastest haircut at a mere 55 seconds. Wow! Of course, that’s for the Guinness Book of World Records, but still. Is speed-cutting a skill that can take you anywhere? I’m just not sure.

On one hand, we’ve all heard the saying that time is money. In most other industries, a quick turn-around with a quality result is one of the most important things a business can provide.

On the other hand, when a client comes into a salon, whether it’s for a day of pampering or just a quick trim, they like to feel relaxed, right? They like to be able to sit in your chair and chat, or read a magazine – anything but feel rushed.

So, which is more important – quality or speed? What are you learning or did you learn in cosmetology school? To be quick and efficient, or to linger over each client and make them feel special? Or something in between?

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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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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!

Bravo’s Shear Genius Season 3 Casting Call

Posted on: March 13th, 2009 by Beauty Schools Directory No Comments

Bravo is looking for licensed hairstylists to give them the opportunity to show America their beauty talent and creativity on the set of Shear Genius Season 3! Bravo says you do not need years of experience if you are licensed, “but no matter what, you do need to be creative, highly skilled, and ready to compete for $100,000!” Specifically, they are looking for “amazing stylists” who can cut and color and who are over 21 years of age. So this is your big chance to put that cosmetology education to great use!

To be considered, they ask that you bring a mannequin head with hair and mannequin stand, your own shears, water bottle and anything else to show off a graduated bob cut, a signed application and Certificate of Veracity, your portfolio, a copy of your cosmetology license, a recent work resume, a recent photo of yourself and a photocopy of your driver’s license or government-issued photo ID. And of course, they’re looking for your mad skills and big imagination.

What a huge opportunity for those recent cosmetology school grads who trained in the art of hair design and other beauty services. And holy smokes! $100,000 is a lot of money. Here is more information about the Bravo Shear Genius casting call. It looks like they’ll be having open casting calls in Los Angeles, Austin, Nashville, Chicago, New York and San Francisco. So what are you waiting for? You didn’t go to beauty school for nothin’!

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Winter Hair Can Be Beautiful, Too!

Posted on: February 25th, 2009 by Beauty Schools Directory 1 Comment

Has your hair been experiencing some of winter’s harsh punishments lately, too? Static electricity, breakage, dullness – sound familiar? These can all be symptoms of the winter hair blues.

But don’t fret! There are ways to dig your lovely hair back out of the snowdrifts, even during the depths of winter. Whether you are on the receiving end of the winter blues or you are a professional hairstylist trying to help your clients get their winter hair in check, check out some of these tips based on expert hairstylists’ recommendations:

Get a Trim
Dryness begins at the hair’s ends, so regular haircuts can keep the dryness in check. Many stylists recommend scheduling a cut every eight weeks to trim off the dead weight.

Condition, Condition, Condition!
It’s no secret that many of us would have trouble functioning normally without some of those heated styling tools – I’m talking about blow dryers, flat irons and curling irons. But all this heat can do a number on unprotected hair. A light application of a heat-protecting cream or leave-in conditioner before you blow-dry, straighten or curl can shield your hair from the heat and prevent damage.

Give a Deep-Therapy Masque a Try
A weekly deep-therapy hair masque treatment can be the perfect way to pamper your hair, especially in the winter. Beauty supply retailers have a number of hair masque brands and formulas from which you can choose.

Eat Right
It turns out that what you put into your body can affect your hair’s appearance and strength. Eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water can help your hair look its best. Low-carb diets are especially notorious for contributing to dried-out tresses. So if you’re following a strict diet to drop a few pounds, you may need to add vitamins or supplements to your routine.

Even though you may not be able to control the weather, you can control its effects on your hair. Do you have any other tips for keeping hair beautiful all winter long? Share the wealth!

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