Takeaways: My First Semester in Cosmetology School

Advice and insights from my first semester

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Let's just get into it! You can exercise your free will, and just read the parts that stand out to you.

It’s Not Just Hands-On Work

From day one, my school had us balancing both theory and practical work (practical meaning "hands-on"). I didn't know what to expect regarding book/study work, and I've found it to be very manageable—covering topics like sanitation, anatomy, chemistry, cutting, styling, and state regulations. Don't be intimidated! Just break the work up over the course of your week and commit to a study schedule.

Studying theory helps us develop a true understanding of why we do things a certain way—not just the how. In other words, theory lays the foundation to master our craft.

Most state board exams have a practical portion and a "written" portion. In my state of California, the practical portion is no longer administered as of January 1, 2022. So I just have to do a 100 question test the board refers to as the "written exam," even though the entire thing is multiple choice. Please look into your state's exam process so that you're aware and able to prepare! I'm already creating flash cards for myself, in preparation for the exam.

*I'd also like to note that as a 33 year old with a bachelor's degree, I don't feel overwhelmed or resentful of the work because the book/study work is comparable to that of a 3 credit 101 course. So if you're in a similar boat to me, you're likely at an advantage!*

Skills Develop Through Practice and Standards

Being comfortable with hair isn’t enough. You have to follow industry standards, especially around safety and sanitation.

Client, salon, and personal safety are a top priority! So get in the habit of doing things the right way; meaning, the way the are laid out for us in school and by the industry. For example, cleaning and sanitizing your station and tools is super important. Likewise, proper client consultations will lead to more satisfactory and safer services (we DON'T want to melt someone's hair off because they didn't tell us about prior chemical treatments, etc).

Know that every technique takes time and practice to learn and master. I remember even being challenged by sectioning and perm rolling during the first month of school, but now they're things I can knock out easily because I've built up the dexterity.

There will be times when you'll feel frustrated; there will be times that you'll doubt yourself: that's normal. Decompress (I like going for walks), then jump back in with a fresh mind and renewed commitment to practice! Please remember that confidence comes from consistent effort and being open to feedback. Which leads me to...

Good Instructors Hold You To High Standards—And It Makes a Difference

The instructors I value most expect professionalism and dedication. They hold students accountable in order to help us build lasting skills and a growth mindset. Guess what: a good boss or mentor won't be any different. That's what you should want.

I have an instructor who is firm with her expectations; she is not free with her praise, and she is straight forward in academic matters. Her grading is objective: Did you follow instructions and execute all the steps? Did you complete the work?

When she was a student at our school, she won a national up-do competition that awarded her $50k and the opportunity to teach a workshop in London! There are students in class who don't enjoy her as a teacher because of her high standards and lack of praise (she's not mean, but she is firm); they're not seeing the value of learning from someone with her caliber of skill and dedication to the craft.

My skills have grown quickly in her classroom, and I also see her as a mentor in regards to professional conduct. She is a class act.

Cosmetology Is Physically Demanding

Work involves long hours on your feet and extensive use of your entire body. Yes, not just your hands!

I've lifted weights and done Pilates/mobility work since my teen years. I'm in good condition, AND I still come home with sore feat or a strained right thumb. However, my strength and adherence to maintaining good form ("lift with your legs" and "keep your shoulders down" should be mantras) help me to prevent injuries and imbalances. My commitment to rest and recovery keep me going.

I know the stretches or actions I need to take to address the wear on my body, and that helps me to stay focused on my learning goals. I don't drink; I don't smoke; I don't engage in any form of substance use. Why? Because I've found that I feel my best and perform my best when I don't feel depleted.

Buy a solid pair of salon floor shoes,a metal water bottle with a leak proof lid, and compression socks. Please remember to drink water and take breaks to eat.

Our work in the salon industry is dependent on our ability to use our bodies, so we need to take care of ourselves in order to do our jobs.

Reputation Building Starts Now

The industry may be big, but the world is small. Whether it be an instructor who has taught long enough to know professionals at every salon in the area or a classmate whose cousin owns the top rated barbershop your city: you never know who is paying attention to you.

Professional standards and boundaries (with yourself and others) matter. They matter so much.

I'm going to go ahead and just list some things I've witnessed that will NOT help you build good rapport:

• Lateness/Absenteeism: first off, our ability to graduate and take the licensing exam is dependent on our school hours. You will have to stay in school longer if you don't show up or consistently show up late. This habit will likely not change when you are apprenticing or employed; you will disappoint people and yourself. Reliability is a virtue in any profession, especially one that is appointment based. Like, duh.

  
  

• Being stoney-baloney during class: All I have to say is that everyone notices, including the instructor. While instructors might not take action: employers will. It's a liability for their business and, frankly, a big question mark hovering over your priorities. Some may not care, but why risk your reputation? Hair professionals work a "safety sensitive job"... we use blades, chemicals, and scalding hot tools on/near people's heads. Just wait until you're on personal time, okay :)

  
  

• Starting drama: be kind to your classmates and instructors. Learn to have discernment regarding your words and actions. Drama is unprofessional, distracting, and negative for the learning environment. Networking and relationships are important for success in this industry, and drama is corrosive to the bridges you should be building. It's better to be viewed as "boring;" focus on your studies.

  
  

• Poorly handling conflict: Of course, just because you don't want the drama doesn't mean the drama won't come for you. It's really important to develop and maintain professional boundaries. Sometimes bullying and harassment do happen, and it's important to resolve bigger conflicts in an appropriate manner: you're trying to avoid any actions that will make it appear that you're part of the problem. So, like, no courtyard beat downs or slanderous group chats. Hmmm... I'll dedicate a separate post to this topic.

  
  

• Not knowing how to take constructive criticism from instructors: Do you know what a growth mindset is? Essentially, it's having the humility and resilience to adjust and improve in areas that challenge us. If you receive a grade you don't like or feedback you don't agree with from your instructor, then respond with curiosity and ask for advice on how to do better. This will improve your relationship with them. Don't start drama; don't act entitled.

It's okay to make [lots] of mistakes

I know the post above is a list of mistakes not to make, but the reality is that we make mistakes and that is part of the experience. Some would even say that mistakes are essential when it comes to improving your skills as a hair professional.

Maybe you're late to class for a week or you melted your mannequins hair to bubblegum while bleaching: every day at school is a new day and a chance to reset.

Don't let your mistakes hold you back. Ask yourself what you need to do to get back on course and then do it. Ask for help when you need help. Communicate with your instructors when the unexpected happens. You got this!

Practice and learn on your own time

You've heard it said so many times, I'm sure: "cosmetology school doesn't teach you everything; it teaches you how to pass the state boards." Well, some people don't even pass the state boards, and some people don't even continue in the industry because it requires constant adaptation to change.

There were times where I didn't fully connect with textbook explanations, so I had to look for outside sources to explain concepts to me.

There were times where I'd try a new method of sectioning and bleach application because I saw someone on social media achieve excellent results.

There were many evenings that I would come home, complete my studies, and then spend time practicing the skills my class had just learned (I'm looking at you perm rolling! Oh, the dexterity!).

I have apps and resources from seasoned professionals who are way more skilled than me; they're dong things with hair I'm not yet close to achieving.

I love it! I love researching; I love learning; I love practicing new skills. It's really paying off because I'm not only inspired by the creativity and innovation of our industry, but I'm improving with all the investment of time. I'm figuring out areas of the industry that I'm drawn to.

When we're licensed professionals we'll have to engage in education ALL the time (if you want to stay relevant and be successful), so we might as well start the habit now.

*I'll write a post sharing my most valuable resources*

Okay, that's all for now! Feel free to comment or send me a message if you have any questions or want to share some takeaways from your cosmetology school experience!

Later,

Xai