How To Become a Cosmetologist in 6 Steps

Admin • Jan 06, 2021

Cosmetology is a dream career for any creative wanting to work professionally in the beauty industry. In a world of online beauty gurus and make-up influencers, there is a way to make a name for yourself and establish a lifelong career. Follow this guide, and you’ll be sure to kickstart your professional life while working every day on your passion.

As a cosmetologist , the opportunities are actually boundless. Cosmetologists are beauty professionals that focus on making their clients feel stunning; they are the artists and visionaries of the beauty industry. This typically includes providing services relating to hair cutting, styling, and coloring, along with make-up and skincare services.

Ultimately, your specialization is up to you. Some professionals work solo or own their own salons, while others prefer to work in salons already established with recognition and existing clientele. Other professionals decide to work behind the scenes in television, the fashion industry, or in the corporate marketplace. Whichever direction you decide to go, success depends on how you execute your service and maintain a client base.

1) Finding the Right Cosmetology School

Becoming a professional cosmetologist requires receiving a cosmetology education. This step can often send people into a tailspin, but don’t worry! Most states have accredited cosmetology colleges that can get you the training you need, even with some financial assistance. These institutions usually require a high school degree or equivalent to enroll. Research the course framework and timeframes that work best for you. Many schools offer both full-time and part-time courses. This can be anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000+ hours of training.

PJ’s College of Cosmetology in Indiana and Kentucky offers a cosmetology course with 1,500 hours of training, classroom theory, and hands-on experience.

2) Train and Develop Your Specialty

Like any skill or passion, instruction is not enough. The best hair stylists and make-up artists devote themselves to their craft. Beyond training and practice, they live and breathe the industry. This means staying on top of trends and new techniques. Follow and subscribe to your favorite brands, beauty news sources, cosmetology schools, and artists to see which new skills are hitting the market. Don’t forget this industry is always changing!

To become a truly inspirational cosmetologist, you have to move beyond certification. Establishing your own identity as an artist is vital. Pay attention to the services you are highly skilled at and enjoy the most. What services do well in your area, and what is lacking? Ask yourself these questions to pinpoint your area of focus. Make this your specialty, and begin marketing and branding with this specific skill in mind.

3) Gain Your License

Licensure is an important step in becoming a fully recognized cosmetologist. This can vary between states but generally involves a state examination board (State Board of Cosmetology) that tests the applicants on both written and technical skills. There is a fee to take the exam. It is generally only available to those who completed a training program with an accredited institution and fulfilled the required hours.

4 ) Join an Apprenticeship

As a new cosmetologist, it can be a good idea to start with an apprentice or traineeship at an established salon or service center. This can help you develop your skills and learn from experts while starting to build your own clientele list. It also is a great tool in gaining important business and marketing skills.

Although training at an institution will virtually give you all the skills you need to establish yourself professionally, an apprenticeship can help you navigate the nuances of a specific field of the cosmetology industry. Connecting with your cosmetology institution, attending job fairs and events, as well as looking at online career boards can help you see what traineeships are available in your area.

5 ) Land the Job

The ultimate purpose of all your training and hard work is to land that dream job. You have taken the time to gain a cosmetology education and have developed all the necessary skills. This is the time to brag a little!

Finding a job can be daunting at first, but the key is to have confidence in your skills and to market yourself with that attitude. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box. Today’s job climate can often lead to a saturation of resumes and applicants. Creating a website or social media profile devoted to your best work can help your talents stand out. Your online presence and methods of branding can help you even establish your own business.

As you are starting out, networking, contacting salons and institutions directly, or browsing traditional job boards can all help you get to the interview stage. Once there, let your confidence shine and have your talent and accomplishments speak for themselves. Remember, every successful cosmetologist started where you are now.

6 ) Maintain and Expand Your Client Base

Once you have your new job or have built your own business, the work isn’t over yet. Maintaining and growing your client base is essential for cosmetologists. This is an industry built on repeat customers. Be sure to build meaningful and authentic relationships with your clients. Make their beauty expectations your priority.

Prompt your customers to plan for their next visit after they have completed an appointment. It is also a good idea to ask for referrals or make a type of referral system. This can be the difference between a failed business and a lively and successful salon.

If you are interested in starting your career in cosmetology, PJ’s College of Cosmetology can help. Call us at 800-62-SALON (72566) or request information at gotopjs.com.