Congratulations, you’ve been accepted into cosmetology school—now what? After you’ve set up payment and financial aid, received your schedule, and mapped out your commute, you’re left with anticipation, excitement, and maybe even a little anxiety as you wait for your first day of school.
Don’t worry—if you’re nervous, you’re not alone. The first day of cosmetology school can be a nerve-wracking experience. After all, you’re taking the first step toward your dream career! However, getting started in cosmetology school doesn’t have to stress you out. Read these helpful tips to have a successful, stress-free first day.
Preparing for the First Day of Cosmetology School
Naturally, you likely have some questions about what day one will look like. What things do you need for cosmetology school? What do you need to bring on your first day? Are there any key cosmetology must-haves? Specific items required for certain classes will be listed in your class catalog. If you’re a cosmetology student at Tricoci, here are a few general things you will need:
- A cosmetology kit. A kit full of professional tools is a cosmetology school must-have. Your kit should have salon-grade tools and include a comprehensive range of equipment, such as a blow dryer, hair brush set, a variety of shears, flat iron, clips, an apron, a set of combs, mannequin heads, electric clippers, a makeup kit, and more. Each kit varies per school—students at Tricoci receive a student kit that’s complete with everything you need.
- Hair ties and clips. If you have long hair, you will want to ensure you always have clips or hair ties to pull your hair back. You don’t want to accidentally ruin your hair while you work with bleach and hair color.
- Your preferred organizational tools. As a cosmetologist, time management, organization, and preparation are critical. Keeping a calendar and/or planner is a must-have to stay organized. Use this to keep track of important details like upcoming exams, class times, project deadlines, school events, and more. As a cosmetologist, you will need to set appointments and prepare for them; instilling this habit while in school will pay off in the future.
- A notebook and pen or pencil. Taking notes throughout your classes will ensure you never miss a beat. Bring a notebook and pens or pencils. Your notes will come in handy as you prepare for exams.
- Self-care essentials. If you need to freshen up a bit or get hungry, having a few of these things on hand will come in handy: snacks, deodorant, hand sanitizer, lotion, chapstick, and other hygiene products.
- A good-quality water bottle. Staying hydrated is key, especially as you will be on your feet for long periods. Getting a large water bottle that slows down your ice melting can help you stay hydrated.
Dress for Success: What to Wear on Your First Day
It’s important to look polished as an aspiring cosmetology professional. As a cosmetologist, you will be responsible for helping others feel good about their appearance—taking care of your own communicates your dedication and professionalism, which helps build trust with future clients from the moment they walk in the door
Every cosmetology school has a dress code, which will be communicated to you before your first day. We highly recommend getting comfortable, supportive shoes, for those long days on your feet. Black shoes are a great, versatile option that match every outfit.
What to Expect on the First Day of Cosmetology School
On your first day, get to campus early so you have plenty of time and find your classes. You can expect to meet your teachers and fellow students and review the syllabus in class. Your teachers may give you a general breakdown of what you can expect to learn in the class, cover some introductory content, and assign you some homework. As you prepare for your first day, keep the following in mind.
You’ll Get a Lot of Information
First and foremost, you’re going to end up with a lot of information from a lot of different sources, from those who assist you with admissions to your educators. This is normal. You might feel overwhelmed at the end of the first day. Don’t let that concern you too much—these feelings will likely dissipate over time. Give it a few more days. Chances are, you’ll eventually settle into a rhythm that feels comfortable and less overwhelming. If you’re worried about information overload and letting important things slip through the cracks, we recommend taking as many notes as you need along the way. That way, you can refer back to what was covered when the excitement and adrenaline of day one have settled.
It’s Always Okay to Ask Questions
If you feel stressed because you feel like you’ve missed something, feel free to ask about it! Remember, you’re here to learn. Don’t let your worries hold you back from asking crucial questions. Others likely have the same questions, so speaking up can be beneficial for more than just yourself. Your teachers want to see you succeed and will gladly answer any questions you have. When you ask questions, you’re helping your teachers address your needs and concerns directly and clearly. If you’re still having problems no matter what your teacher explains, consider asking for more help after class. Many teachers are happy to help you work on a problem after class.
And remember, cosmetology is a hands-on field of study. If things aren’t making sense on paper, don’t hesitate to ask your teachers if there’s another way to make a new concept stick.
Everyone Else Is Nervous Too
Remember, this is a new experience, so it’s normal to be a little nervous. Even if you have experience doing your own hair or styling for friends and family, learning the science behind cosmetology and the ins and outs of the beauty industry itself can still be overwhelming. And that’s true for everyone. Sure, your classmates might seem confident, but they’re likely just as nervous as you are. Don’t feel discouraged if you are anxious; everyone gets first-day jitters—even the students who seem to have it all together. Once you gain some experience in your classes, you’ll feel right at home.
If you’re still feeling like the only one with anxiety, do your best to socialize with your fellow students. You’re all in this together, and there is very little more powerful than making connections with your classmates when it comes to dispelling fears and feeling less alone.
You’re Not Supposed to Know Everything
Cosmetology is a trade. In cosmetology school, you’re learning skills and information that the general public doesn’t know. When you first start cosmetology school, you won’t know everything right away—and that’s okay. Don’t worry if you don’t know most of what your teacher is talking about. You’ll pick up this information as you progress through your courses, and it’ll likely make way more sense once you start applying the knowledge with hands-on training.
Explore and Find Out What You Love About Cosmetology
Cosmetology encompasses many different career paths, and most people choose to focus on at least one specialty at some point throughout their schooling. You likely won’t figure out your ideal specialty on the first day of class, and that’s okay. Give it some time—the first day of class and each class going forward should give you some extra information about each specialty. This is where you’ll start to gravitate toward one specialty or another. Explore the full breadth of what cosmetology has to offer before deciding to niche down. This will give you a solid foundation for all of your skills and will come in handy if you choose to expand your offered services in the future.
Start Your Cosmetology Journey at Tricoci University
If you’re hoping to succeed in the world of cosmetology, go to a cosmetology school that cares about you from the first day forward. Consider talking to a Tricoci University of Beauty Culture expert about our cosmetology program to learn more about how you can have a great first day of class.
Contact us now to learn more about our cosmetology program.