Cosmetology School 101

I wanted to put together a list of things I wish I knew before starting hair school. I don't want anyone to have to make the same mistakes as me...

Tips...

• Shoes... My first tip would be to buy comfortable shoes. But to not buy expensive shoes like some people might suggest to you. You will be on your feet constantly in this career field. The best shoes i can suggest that are expensive are Crocs. You don't have to get the ugly pair with holes in it (unless that's your style). They have a solid pair that look like what the nurses use which is the pair I have. Don't waste your money on fake Crocs. The fake ones can't beat the real deal!

My Crocs

Want A Cheaper Pair?

• Uniform... Invest in a second pair of pants. Compare prices. Usually your school provides you with a uniform. Mine gave me 2 smocks and one pair of pants. You will need another pair of pants and these usually have to be black scrub pants. Your school may offer a 2nd pair but it'll cost you. Try your local Wal-Mart or GoodWill for a cheap pair. There going to get dirty anyway so don't waste your money on a good pair. I get away with black yoga pants usually if there wide leg. I wouldn't attempt this in your first 12 weeks of school though where you only have one teacher.

After my last relaxer in intro

• Lunch... It is expensive to eat outside of school. Try to pack as often as possible and skip the vending machines. Keep a cooler in your trunk with ice or freezer packs if you crave pop that bad. The quarters add up.

Mmmmm! Boston Market

• Elevator...Lugging your kit around can cause some distress to your back, knees, and hands. Your body is your tool for success in this career. Keep it safe.
• Teachers... Don't judge a teacher right away. I've had more than a few teachers change my mind about them because i judged them or listened to rumors about them. Don't talk badly about your teachers because hair schools are small and that teacher could easily find out. You have to be around your classmates and teachers for a year if you don't like someone then put on a smile and fake it until you make it. You have to suck it up because you never have to see them again after graduation. Also never get attached to a teacher. They will come and go. You might not have the same one for a year. Be open and don't compare teachers. They all can teach you a different way to do the same thing. That's what makes school so amazing.
• Don't Quit... At times hair school can start to lag and become draining. Things get old and irritating. But trust me when i say its not worth it to quit. If you receive financial aid and you quit more than a month into the program then your almost guaranteed to owe money. A year when its over seems like nothing. You don't want to be the student who's taking 3 years to graduate because they stop coming to school.
• Stay Motivated!... I've seen students take all day on one thing because they wanted to socialize and take extra long breaks. No one is going to make you get your services done. Eventually time goes by and you realize that your really behind in doing your services. You don't want to be left after your class graduates on time without you.
• Family... Rely on any support you have while being in school. Don't move out on your own just because you can or want to. While your in school try to save as much money as possible.

My mom and I

• MINE!... Label or mark everything you have. Your possessions can easily be misplaced  stolen, thrown away, or forgotten. Put your initials and name on everything in a discreet place.
• Book Work... Do your book work. Don't leave questions blank. You cant graduate without it being done. Move ahead in the chapters as often as possible. Learn how to skim and how to abbreviate things. Find the shortest route to your destination.

• The Case... Don't try to use your own case for a year. They're usually broken by the 3rd month. They tend to be clunky as well. I suggest a piece of luggage with wheels. A rolling duffel is what I use. Get something dark colored. It will get dirty.

• Money... Don't be afraid to spend the money to improve your case or personal collection. While in hair school you can claim everything on your taxes that has to do with school. Anything you buy from lunch to shoes to a comb. Your gas and hair products can be claimed to. Keep a record of everything you buy.
• Laundry... The dryer is your best friend to freshen up your scrubs. Some smocks may shrink in the dryer so pay attention to washing instructions. I've never had issues with shrinkage and I do put them in the dryer. Put you're scrub pants in the dryer inside out to reduce that layer of white fuzz that its attracted to the fabric.
• Personal Image... Most girls start out coming to hair school with there hair and makeup completely done. This wears off quickly! Don't kill yourself to look amazing every time you go to school. Just try to look fresh faced and polished. Make sure to keep gum around in case you go on a lunch break or drink coffee in the morning. If you smoke cigarettes then make sure to keep a light body spray like Dove to go in your purse. You will be in your clients personal space while draping, shampooing, and cutting their bangs. They will easily be able to smell any smoke on your clothing or breath. Remember a great smile goes a long way.
• Keep Track... Keep a copy of everything you do. Never rely on your school to completely keep track of everything you do including your services. Below you'll see a day log of all the service I completed in the given day at hair school. I even write down what I've done to my clients. Sometimes the computer will not record everything you've done to that client. I make sure to get everything signed off at the end of the day for future reference. If I ever need to dispute with the school on what they have on file I can always show proof. It would be horrible not to get credit for what you've done.

• Ask Questions... Never be afraid to ask questions. I've never had anyone shoot me down for being curious about something. Take advantage of the time you have with your instructors.
• Enjoy It... Make hair school fit into your life by making it something you enjoy. Try to find something in your daily routine at hair school that makes you look forward to going. This month I challenged myself to learn 3 braids and I mastered two by the 15th. Don't take it to seriously but don't waste the time your paying for either.

My School

I love going to cosmetology school but sometimes things can get rough. I'm not telling you its going to be easy, I'm telling you its going to be worth it!