If you’re interested in cosmetology, you’ve come to the right place. Although it describes an array of skills you may need to prepare for a specific job, it’s also a job in and of itself. There are plenty of things you can do after a cosmetology program, but simply being a cosmetologist is one that appeals to many people. Is a cosmetology career the right thing for you? And can Tricoci University of Beauty Culture help?
Definition
Cosmetology is a vast umbrella term, but it also describes a job as sort of a jack of all trades of the beauty world. To become a cosmetologist, you need to know how to take care of hair, nails and skin, how to style hair and how to do makeup, just to name a few. It’s also a great place to start if you don’t have a specialty in mind. If you want to move into a more specific job field later in your career, a cosmetology program will help prepare you for that.
Job Outlook
Cosmetology is a great job that’s always been in demand. Even as other job markets are fluctuating, cosmetology is standing strong and may even become more common in the coming years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), for example, has predicted that cosmetology jobs may rise by as much as 10% by 2024. Plus, it’s likely that your salary will be more than enough to support your life. It’s hard to judge exactly how much cosmetologists make, especially since many of them receive regular tips, but the BLS estimates a yearly salary of around $30,000.
Requirements
What do you need in order to become a cosmetologist? In general, there are different requirements in terms of both education and experience.
Education
The best way to get a proper education for the cosmetology field is to go through a cosmetology program like the one at Tricoci University. These programs include lots of specific information that can be beneficial to your future as a cosmetologist, including both hands-on experience regarding beauty treatments and technical information about how to run a business.
Different cosmetology programs provide different types of training, but it’s important to become part of one that is really in-depth and gives you all the necessary tools to become a successful cosmetologist. The general Tricoci University program is 1,500 hours, which works out to 12 months full-time or 20 months part-time.
Experience
Cosmetology school will provide you with hands-on experience, but you also need experience outside of cosmetology school. An apprenticeship at a salon or barber shop can teach you how to work with clients, maintain a work station, schedule appointments and perform administrative work behind the scenes.
It’s usually a good idea to start looking into apprenticeships a few months before you graduate from your cosmetology program. It may take some time for salons and shops to get back to you, and you want to have as many options as possible when you graduate.
Skills for Success
If you want to be a successful cosmetologist, there are a few skills that are very important. Although they may seem like inherent skills, you can also develop these skills if you put your mind to it.
Creativity
What do you do if someone comes into your barber shop and doesn’t quite know what they want yet? What about if you’re doing bridal makeup for someone who can only tell you the theme of her wedding? Creativity will help you make the most of these situations and many others.
Endurance
Especially if you’re planning to work in a salon, beauty parlor, barber shop or similar field, endurance is key. You’re going to be on your feet most of the day, and it’s important that you’re able to maintain your skills throughout.
Social Skills
You want your clients to have a pleasant time when you work with them. That way, they’re more likely to book future appointments and be happy when they leave. That means fairly advanced social skills are a requirement.
The Career for You
Is cosmetology the right career for you? Only you can decide that. But with the information in this article, you now have a better understanding of what cosmetology is, so you can make a more informed decision.
When you do decide on your cosmetology future, make sure you check out Tricoci University. The cosmetology program contains everything you need to learn, whether you’re planning to be a cosmetologist or take a more specialized job.