Related Career Categories

• Hairdresser
• Trainer

School and Career Surprises: Tips From People on the Job

Career: "I have loved my career as a cosmetologist because it has allowed me the freedom to schedule my appointments around my personal life. I have done very well in the profession and have bought a house and raised a child on my commission income. I have met many very interesting people and have loved my career as a cosmetologist."

Career: "Most people who go into this career never stay with it or work in this field for a long time. Burnout happens really quickly."

School: "I was surprised at the amount of anatomy and chemistry we were required to take. I was also surprised at the amount of time we had to work for free."

Career: "I was surprised at what a cut throat business this is. There is major competition and a lot of back stabbing."

Best & Worst Things About This Career

"The worst part of my job are the hours. There are some days that I will work from 9am to 9pm, sometimes without so much as a lunch break. Sometimes clients will want something that I know will not be good for the hair, and I have to explain to them, but they really don't understand. The best part of my job, are my clients. We get to know one another on a personable relationship. They look to me for honest advice, not always in the hair field, but they also use me to vent, confide, advice, as we are known to be trusted friends to them. I also am my own boss, and that is wonderful. I work when I want and how long."

"I enjoy formulating color, especially for color corrections, and I look forward to advanced education classes. I like to talk to my clients and get to know them and I pride myself in being their hairdresser. I enjoy building trust with my clients and learn so much from them. I do not like doing the everyday chores. Although it makes me feel more organized, it adds more time to my schedule and can sometimes put me behind with my next client. I also fear that I may give someone a haircut or color that they do not like."

"The best part of my career is getting to meet so many wonderful and interesting people. I love the way I feel when I know that I have helped them with a problem, whether it's their hair or something else. For some people, it is free therapy. The worst part of my career is the hours one has to work in the beginning. When you are trying to build up business, you really have to work any and all hours just to be able to make ends meet. It is very easy to get burned out. It seems like it is not worth the effort."

"The best part of my job would be making people feel good about themselves and watching them leave with a smile on their face. I also love that I can make my own hours and that flexibility allows me to be there for my kids when they need me. Some of the downfalls of the job would be the long hours. Long hours on your feet can cause health issues over the years. Others health issues can occur depending on the person."

Tips for Succeeding in This Career

"Some advice for you if you are interested in cosmetology. 1. You have to have patience, clients need to know that you are going to take your time with them, don't rush them, and treat them with kindness. 2. You have to have some knowledge of how to handle hair. If you plan on becoming a hair stylist, you should at least know how to style ones hair. The rest will come with the schooling. You have to like working on someone's head, or it isn't for you. 3. Schooling, learn all the different steps to being a great cosmetologist, keep going back to learn new techniques. This will definitely help your career."

"Education is fun and interesting and never gets old. The hair styling industry is always changing, so there will always be work. Starting out wherever you can is best instead of waiting to get into an upper end salon. It's scary venturing out on your own after graduation from school, so take it slow and build on the foundation you learned in school. Soon everything gets easier and you get quicker at services you were once very slow at."

"1) If you love it, then don't give up. It will pay off. It is hard and you will want to at times, but stick with it. 2) Take as many continuing education classes as possible. They seem expensive sometimes, but the knowledge and training is invaluable. Also, the opportunities you have can help you advance on a broader level. 3) If you are not organized, learn to get organized. This will help with time and money. Don't waste time trying to find things."

"To anyone who may be interested in this career I would say think about the kind of person you are. Example: do you like people? are you highly critical? are you a motivated person? are you creative? I say this because I have seen people who are good with their own hair and even other people's hair but they are not patient or their personality just doesn't click with a variety of people. It is critical that a stylist has the ability to work with very difficult people and very easy people. You have to have a thick skin and not let criticism sway your mood or your reaction to any client for any reason."