Are you gearing up to attend hairdressing school? You may be anxiously waiting for classes to begin, or you could be daydreaming about being on the on-campus salon of Tricoci University of Beauty Culture. However, that’s not all you could be doing.
Learn the top five things you can do to prepare for hairdressing school:
1. Take Relevant High School Classes
You don’t have to wait until you graduate from high school before you start preparing to become a hairdresser.
By taking the right high school classes, you can accelerate your learning so that you’re able to get serious about hair once you’re enrolled in a cosmetology program. Sign up for these high school classes:
Art class: As a hairdresser, you’ll be using artistry every day. While you won’t be working on hair in art class, you can still learn about painting, shaping and color. This can help you to grow your hand skills in preparation for haircuts and hair coloring.
Health and Science: When you work as a hairdresser, you’ll need to understand the chemical reactions of hair treatments and the biology of skin. By taking high school classes in health and sciences, you’ll start to grow your understanding of hair chemistry and skin science.
Business: Whether your hairdressing career means renting a chair in a salon or starting your own business, learning about business in high school can help you get started. With an understanding of general business, you’ll be a step ahead when you start studying the business of beauty.
2. Don’t Forget YouTube
High school classes aren’t the only ways you can learn information that prepares you for hairdressing school. Use YouTube to find out more about a range of hairdressing topics.
For example, a Tricoci University video gives you an insider look at how Chicago hair colorist Dan Johnson transformed one client’s hair into a blend of magenta, pastel pink and coral to create a style called Orbit Lights. In another video, Cosmetology instructor Bearj Antonio breaks down the basics of sectioning and parting hair. You can also get into the science of haircare by learning how conditioner affects hair.
Even though YouTube is helpful, it won’t give you the professional hairdressing training you’ll get when you attend Cosmetology school because there won’t be the hands-on training, instructor support or top-notch style development. However, YouTube videos can help you start building your knowledge.
3. Choose the Right Hairdressing Program
When you’re preparing to become a hairdresser, it’s important to seek out a program that matches your goals.
You can choose to attend a Cosmetology program that provides training in hairstyling, color, cuts and treatments. Alternatively, you could attend a Barbering program that teaches students about men’s haircuts, close-cropped styles and shaving.
There are also options for full-time classes, a part-time schedule, or night classes. Attending beauty school should fit in with your lifestyle, and the right hairdressing program will provide a training schedule that helps you achieve your goals.
4. Decide on the Best Hairdressing School
Where you train could affect your entire career in the beauty industry. The skills students learn in school could affect what job opportunities and industry connections are available. The following four factors can help you attend the best hairdressing school:
- Location: Your hairdressing school should be conveniently located.
- Curriculum: The classes you take should support your career goals. A high-quality training program could open doors at upscale salons and give you insight into the professional beauty culture.
- Accreditation: Attending an accredited school adds authenticity to your training. It means the hairdressing school meets today’s standards. A school’s accreditation could also help you qualify for federal financial aid, such as grants or student loans.
- Reputation: Attend a good school so you’ll be training in a professional environment. This can help you go on to have a successful cosmetology career.
- Licensing Prep: Your hairdressing school should also be in sync with your local licensing requirements. When you graduate, you should have the necessary training hours to qualify for a hairdressing license.
- Alumni Careers: What have the school’s graduates gone on to do after school? Learning about the career paths of the school’s alumni can help you understand what career opportunities may be waiting for you.
5. Start Getting your Hairdressing Gear
Many times, you don’t need any tools or supplies before your first day of class. However, you may want to start building your hairdressing kit before you begin school. This can give you time to become familiar with your tools and practice your techniques.
Shop online for a cosmetology student kit. You’ll find a range of packages from basic to deluxe. Your student hairstyling kit can include:
- Haircutting scissors
- Styling combs
- High-quality hair brushes
- Sectioning clips
- Blow Dryer
- Flat iron
- Curling iron
- Spray bottle
- A hand mirror
- Hairstyling products (conditioners, serums, styling mousse, hairspray, etc.)
As you continue to grow your supplies, you can add additional tools including:
- Mannequin head
- Hairdressing cape
- Hair treatment caps
- Plastic gloves
- Hair treatment products (dyes, bleaches, perm supplies, etc.,)
Find out how the Cosmetology program at Tricoci University can help you prepare for your hairdressing career.