If you love working with people, express your creative side, and wish to live on your own schedule, cosmetology school might be the right career pathway.
The beauty industry is incredibly diverse and offers endless opportunities. Sounds exciting? Keep reading to find out what skills you’ll actually learn.
1.Sanitation and Sterilization
Before you apply a stroke of eyeliner or hold a curling iron, you’ll learn the importance of sanitation and hygiene. Cosmetologists work with tools that come into close contact with skin, nails, and even open pores. This means there is a real risk of spreading bacteria and viral infections.
Cosmetology classes will teach you how to:
- clean and disinfect your tools
- sanitize your workstation
- prevent cross-contamination
- Follow health regulations
Learning proper sanitation and sterilization techniques isn’t just important for passing a state board exam. It’ll keep you and your client safe.
2.Hairstyling
Hairstyling is one of the cornerstones of cosmetology training. You’ll start with theoretical lectures, and learn about:
- Hair structure
- Hair types
- Potential hair issues
- Chemical hairstyling services
Cosmetology programs cover a wide range of hair-related skills, such as:
- Cutting
- Coloring
- Styling
- Perms
- Chemical straightening
- Hair care
From day one, you’ll have the opportunity to put your knowledge into practice. Students start with mannequins before practicing on real client hair.
3.Makeup Techniques
Many people join cosmetology schools to learn hairstyling and end up pursuing makeup or nail care. The process of learning the art and science behind makeup application draws you in.
You’ll start with the essentials: Understanding skin types, face shapes, and how to prepare the skin before applying any makeup. Cosmetology schools heavily focus on enhancing facial features.
Next, you’ll dive into specialized techniques, such as:
- Foundation application
- Contouring
- Highlighting
- Eye makeup
- Lip makeup
- Brow shaping and coloring
Different courses and classes will teach you how to do soft, everyday makeup as well as full-coverage makeup for special occasions.
4.Nail Care and Art
In addition to hairstyling and makeup application, cosmetology schools teach nail care and art. In the first couple of classes, you’ll learn nail anatomy and basic care practices, such as cleaning cuticles, manicures, and pedicures.
Once you’ve understood the basics, things get fun. You’ll learn to apply and remove artificial nails, including acrylics, gels, and other enhancements.
You can also delve into various nail art techniques, such as stamping and hand-painted designs. This is your chance to learn specialized nail art techniques and create signature looks.
5.Client Communication
Efficient client management is critical for thriving in the beauty industry. Fortunately, cosmetology schools have specialized courses to help you enhance soft skills. You’ll learn to:
- Ask the right questions
- Assess what previous issues your client has had
- Understand your client’s vision
- Do active listening
- Explain services clearly to help your clients make the right decision
Client communication is about making every client feel heard, understood, and cared for.
6.Business and Marketing Skills
Lastly, cosmetology schools teach students advanced business and marketing skills so they can set their own salons, nail studios, beauty clinics, and spas. From managing appointments to training employees, you’ll learn how to thrive in the beauty industry.
