How to Become an Expert in Cosmetology & Beauty

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!