Enrolling in cosmetology school is exciting: soon you’ll learn all the skills you need to be a top cosmetologist!
But, your time at school will go by quickly. Soon, you’ll be preparing to sit your state board exam and search for your first position as a qualified cosmetologist.
If you want to see what your cosmetology state board exam will be like, take our practice test for free!
So, when graduation does roll around, make sure you can say: ‘I got the most out of cosmetology school’ by following our top 10 tips and tricks for success.
Let’s start with the basics:
#1: Always be prepared
What do cosmetologists and boy scouts have in common? OK, not a lot really, but that old scout motto is a classic for a reason.
You see, like boy scouts, cosmetologists are always prepared. Every day in a salon is different, and you never know what surprises your next client will bring. Soon, you’ll be praying that your 2 pm hasn’t tried to cut her own bangs, or that your 4 pm hasn’t taken her tweezers to her brows before your appointment.
So, start as you mean to go on by preparing for your studies in advance.
Research potential schools thoroughly, and check what supplies you’ll need to succeed. If you are applying for scholarships or financial aid, make sure to get your applications in early. And if you plan to work alongside your studies, speak to your school and employer now to avoid clashes in your diary once your program begins.
Next, think about travel. Whether you’ll be driving to school each day, or taking public transport, it is a good idea to plan your route in advance. And don’t forget to take rush hour traffic into account!
OK, so you’re fully prepared; you have your kit, your finances are sorted, and you’ve planned your route. What’s next?
#2: Be punctual at all times
At cosmetology school, you are training for your new career. And when you’re a qualified cosmetologist, you’ll need to be punctual to keep your clients happy. So, get into good habits now by being punctual to all of your classes.
I know what you’re thinking; being a few minutes late doesn’t seem like that big of a deal. But, if lateness becomes a habit, those minutes can quickly add up to hours of missed education. Plus, regularly arriving late doesn’t make the best impression with your instructors, or later, with your employer.
So, set your alarm a little earlier and lay your outfit out the night before. Soon, you’ll be arriving early every day.
Of course, being organized helps with punctuality, which brings us to our next tip:
#3: Get organized
Going to cosmetology school means being busy. You’ll have classes and assignments to keep on top of, as well as additional events and exams to consider.
And with all of these things to manage, you’ll need to be organized if you want to get ahead.
But, so not everyone is naturally organized (I know I’m not!). That’s OK, it’s never too late to make a change…you just need to know where to start:
First, make sure you never miss an important date by using your phone’s calendar function to keep track of events and deadlines, or buy a diary if you prefer noting times and dates on paper. Get into the habit of checking your diary every day, so you are always prepared for what’s to come.
Once your diary is organized, plan your time. Try to schedule times to go over your notes each week, and include some downtime for recharging your batteries.
Next, avoid fumbling around for a hairbrush or scissors by keeping your student kit well organized, and plan to check everything is in its rightful place at least once per week.
If you’re not sure how to organize your kit, you might want to look at how other students store their supplies. Check out this great video by student Jesi Love to see how she stays organized:
#4: Pay attention in class
OK, so you’ve organized your diary and you know exactly when to turn up to class. Now you just need to remember to pay attention.
Cosmetology school is hard work, and sometimes, it’s tempting to daydream instead of concentrating on your classes. Especially once you have covered some of the basics, what more can there be to learn?
But, it is important that you don’t fall into this trap. Your teachers are experts in cosmetology and you will learn a lot more if you pay close attention.
Never assume you know everything about a topic, even if you think you have it covered. Remember, if you’re daydreaming you may miss out on useful tips and tricks that will help you in your career.
OK, so you are ready to pay attention, what’s next?
#5: Dress the part
As a cosmetologist, your career will center on helping people look their best. Because of this, you will need to inspire confidence in your clients, and looking smart goes a long way towards appearing like a fully-fledged beauty professional.
But remember, it’s never too early to start dressing to impress. At school, dressing smartly will show your instructors that you mean business. And looking stylish doesn’t just inspire confidence in others, it can actually help you feel more confident too.
So, how do you dress the part at cosmetology school? Put your best foot forward by following your school’s dress code carefully, style your hair each day, and make sure your nails are well kept. You’ll look like a professional cosmetologist in no time!
OK, what’s next?
#6: Make friends
Learning to be a top cosmetologist is great, but it can also be a little intense. There’s so much to learn! Luckily, you’re not in it alone.
In fact, you are surrounded by people who love cosmetology just as much as you do, and who totally get how tricky mastering makeup can be!
So, make sure you get the most out of cosmetology school by making friends with your classmates. Not only will your new friends help pick you up when things get hard, but by sharing your knowledge, you can help each other understand tricky concepts too.
And after you finish school? Well, your classmates form the basis of your cosmetology network. If you keep in contact, you will be able to share tips and alert each other of job opportunities for years to come.
Right, you’re ready to make friends, what’s next?
#7: Remember, practice makes perfect!
You know all those top cosmetologists you see in salons and on social media? Well, they didn’t wake up one day just able to work magic with hair color and scissors.
No, they practiced hard and honed their skills.
The good news is, the more you practice in cosmetology school, the more confident you’ll feel when you qualify. And that means that you’ll feel more confident in your first job too.
So, make the most of your time as a student and put in those hours of practice. Your future you will thank you, I promise!
But, when you are learning, you’re not going to get things right every time. This brings us on to our next tip:
#8: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes
Even the best cosmetologists in the world screw up sometimes, and as a student, you need to be willing to make a few mistakes.
You see, in order to improve, you have to try new things. And when you try new things, there is always a chance that you might make a mistake or two.
But don’t worry, whilst It may feel scary, making mistakes can actually be a good thing. After all, failing is an opportunity for growth.
Remember no one expects you to be perfect yet. So, don’t let the fear of making mistakes hold you back.
And on that note…
#9: Seize every opportunity
After a long week of school, all you want to do is put your feet up. But those optional extras, like career evenings and guest speakers, really can help you to make the most out of cosmetology school.
So, when an opportunity for extra learning appears, try to grab it with both hands. You never know what you might learn.
Right, it’s time for our last tip:
#10: Have fun!
Cosmetology school is intense, exciting, and full-on. You’ll never do anything quite like it again. So, enjoy your journey.
Remember to have fun whilst you’re learning those new skills, make new friends, and don’t forget to take the time to relax and recharge.
Before you know it you’ll be a fully-fledged cosmetologist embarking on your new career…
Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect in my first week of cosmetology school?
Expect an orientation to the school’s policies, an introduction to cosmetology theory, basic practice on mannequins, and possibly, the start of hands-on training. It’s also a time to get to know your instructors and peers.
How can I make the most out of my cosmetology school experience?
Engage actively in both theoretical and practical lessons, seek feedback from your instructors, practice as much as possible, both in and out of school, and network with peers and professionals.
What are the key skills I need to succeed in cosmetology school?
Essential skills include creativity, good communication, time management, the ability to follow instructions, and a strong foundational understanding of beauty and wellness practices.
Are there any tools or supplies I should bring to cosmetology school?
Most schools will provide a list of required tools and supplies, such as scissors, combs, brushes, and mannequin heads. Personalizing your kit with additional tools you’re comfortable with can be beneficial.
How can I keep up with the latest beauty trends and techniques?
Follow reputable beauty influencers and professionals on social media, subscribe to industry magazines, and attend workshops and beauty shows whenever possible.
