3 answers
1
Question
Asked
1419 views
how to start a career in cosmetology ?
I'm a highschool junior and I would like tips in gaining clientele for a career in cosmetology
Login to comment
3 answers
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Hi Treazzurie,
Begin by exploring local beauty school programs in San Francisco that offer early courses. Try to practice on friends and family to build confidence and a strong portfolio—take photographs and maybe share them on Instagram or other platforms to showcase your work. After completing a cosmetology program, obtain your license and start building your clientele by offering services to friends and family, promoting on social media, and providing special deals. Remember, stay updated on the latest trends to keep your passion alive and let your enthusiasm shine through to your clients. With dedication and creativity, you will excel in the cosmetology industry!
Begin by exploring local beauty school programs in San Francisco that offer early courses. Try to practice on friends and family to build confidence and a strong portfolio—take photographs and maybe share them on Instagram or other platforms to showcase your work. After completing a cosmetology program, obtain your license and start building your clientele by offering services to friends and family, promoting on social media, and providing special deals. Remember, stay updated on the latest trends to keep your passion alive and let your enthusiasm shine through to your clients. With dedication and creativity, you will excel in the cosmetology industry!
Updated
Savita’s Answer
Hi Treazzurie,
Growing your client base is an important step in the career you're considering. Here are the steps you should follow to get there:
1. Some private schools and counties offer quick courses for higher fee.
2. Local community colleges, often with county-sponsored courses for a lower fee, and have part-time programs that take longer to complete the hours needed for the state licensing exam.
3. In California, you need 1,800 hours of training before taking the exam (this requirement might have changed). You must have proof that you completed these hours.
4. You must pass both a written and practical exam to get your cosmetology license, usually needing a score above 70% or 75%.
5. Once you have your license, you can officially work as a cosmetologist and look for job opportunities.
6. Being friendly, outgoing, and able to talk about different topics is important.
7. By giving great service, you can create a loyal client base that keeps coming back to you.
Growing your client base is an important step in the career you're considering. Here are the steps you should follow to get there:
1. Some private schools and counties offer quick courses for higher fee.
2. Local community colleges, often with county-sponsored courses for a lower fee, and have part-time programs that take longer to complete the hours needed for the state licensing exam.
3. In California, you need 1,800 hours of training before taking the exam (this requirement might have changed). You must have proof that you completed these hours.
4. You must pass both a written and practical exam to get your cosmetology license, usually needing a score above 70% or 75%.
5. Once you have your license, you can officially work as a cosmetologist and look for job opportunities.
6. Being friendly, outgoing, and able to talk about different topics is important.
7. By giving great service, you can create a loyal client base that keeps coming back to you.
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Treazzurie
Starting a career in cosmetology as a high school junior is a great goal! It’s awesome that you’re thinking ahead about building a clientele too. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started and some practical tips for gaining clients:
Getting Started in Cosmetology
1. **Research Cosmetology Programs**: Look into cosmetology schools in your area. Many offer programs you can start after high school, and some even have part-time or dual-enrollment options for juniors or seniors. Check for state licensing requirements—most places require you to complete a certain number of training hours (usually 1,000–1,600) and pass an exam.
2. **Explore Specializations**: Cosmetology covers hair, nails, skincare, and makeup. Try experimenting now (on yourself, friends, or family) to see what you enjoy most. This can help you decide if you want to focus on, say, hairstyling or esthetics.
3. **Build Skills Early**: Practice basic techniques at home—braiding, simple cuts (with supervision), or makeup looks. Watch tutorials from pros on YouTube or TikTok to get a feel for trends. If possible, take a part-time job or shadow someone at a local salon to get hands-on exposure.
4. **Plan for After High School**: Once you graduate, enroll in a licensed cosmetology school. Some schools offer financial aid or scholarships—ask about those early. After completing your program, you’ll need to pass your state’s licensing exam to work professionally.
5. **Get a Starter Job**: Many new cosmetologists begin as assistants in salons to gain experience. This also helps you learn the business side—like booking clients or managing supplies—before going solo.
Tips for Gaining Clientele
Building a client base takes time, but starting now gives you a head start. Here’s how:
1. **Start with People You Know**: Offer free or discounted services to friends, family, or classmates. Ask them to spread the word if they like your work. Word-of-mouth is huge in this industry.
2. **Use Social Media**: Create an Instagram or TikTok account to showcase your skills. Post before-and-after photos, quick tutorials, or styling tips. Use hashtags like cosmetologystudent or futurestylist to get noticed. Even as a beginner, showing your progress builds trust.
3. **Network Locally**: Introduce yourself to salon owners or stylists in your area. Be polite and curious—ask if you can observe or help out. They might refer clients to you later when you’re licensed.
4. **Offer Promotions**: Once you’re licensed and working, attract first-timers with deals like “$10 off your first haircut” or a free consultation. Happy clients often come back and bring friends.
5. **Be Reliable and Friendly**: People return to stylists they vibe with. Listen to what clients want, show up on time, and keep your workspace clean. Little things like that make a big difference.
6. **Volunteer for Experience**: Do hair or makeup for school events (like prom or plays) or community stuff (charity events, fundraisers). It’s practice, exposure, and a chance to hand out business cards later.
By the time you graduate, you could already have a mini network and some skills under your belt. What part of cosmetology are you most excited about? That might help tailor these tips even more!
- Talk to your school counselor about career programs or vocational classes related to cosmetology.
- Save up for tools (like shears or a basic makeup kit) so you’re ready to practice.
- Start a small portfolio—snap pics of any work you do, even if it’s just for fun.
Starting a career in cosmetology as a high school junior is a great goal! It’s awesome that you’re thinking ahead about building a clientele too. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started and some practical tips for gaining clients:
Getting Started in Cosmetology
1. **Research Cosmetology Programs**: Look into cosmetology schools in your area. Many offer programs you can start after high school, and some even have part-time or dual-enrollment options for juniors or seniors. Check for state licensing requirements—most places require you to complete a certain number of training hours (usually 1,000–1,600) and pass an exam.
2. **Explore Specializations**: Cosmetology covers hair, nails, skincare, and makeup. Try experimenting now (on yourself, friends, or family) to see what you enjoy most. This can help you decide if you want to focus on, say, hairstyling or esthetics.
3. **Build Skills Early**: Practice basic techniques at home—braiding, simple cuts (with supervision), or makeup looks. Watch tutorials from pros on YouTube or TikTok to get a feel for trends. If possible, take a part-time job or shadow someone at a local salon to get hands-on exposure.
4. **Plan for After High School**: Once you graduate, enroll in a licensed cosmetology school. Some schools offer financial aid or scholarships—ask about those early. After completing your program, you’ll need to pass your state’s licensing exam to work professionally.
5. **Get a Starter Job**: Many new cosmetologists begin as assistants in salons to gain experience. This also helps you learn the business side—like booking clients or managing supplies—before going solo.
Tips for Gaining Clientele
Building a client base takes time, but starting now gives you a head start. Here’s how:
1. **Start with People You Know**: Offer free or discounted services to friends, family, or classmates. Ask them to spread the word if they like your work. Word-of-mouth is huge in this industry.
2. **Use Social Media**: Create an Instagram or TikTok account to showcase your skills. Post before-and-after photos, quick tutorials, or styling tips. Use hashtags like cosmetologystudent or futurestylist to get noticed. Even as a beginner, showing your progress builds trust.
3. **Network Locally**: Introduce yourself to salon owners or stylists in your area. Be polite and curious—ask if you can observe or help out. They might refer clients to you later when you’re licensed.
4. **Offer Promotions**: Once you’re licensed and working, attract first-timers with deals like “$10 off your first haircut” or a free consultation. Happy clients often come back and bring friends.
5. **Be Reliable and Friendly**: People return to stylists they vibe with. Listen to what clients want, show up on time, and keep your workspace clean. Little things like that make a big difference.
6. **Volunteer for Experience**: Do hair or makeup for school events (like prom or plays) or community stuff (charity events, fundraisers). It’s practice, exposure, and a chance to hand out business cards later.
By the time you graduate, you could already have a mini network and some skills under your belt. What part of cosmetology are you most excited about? That might help tailor these tips even more!
David recommends the following next steps: