Jennifer G - Cosmetology: An Informative Guide

COSMETOLOGY

AN INFORMATIVE GUIDE

by Jennifer G

Chapter 1

QUALIFICATIONS

Qualifications of becoming a cosmetology teacher may vary by state, but there is not much difference. A general overview of the basic qualifications is outlined here. Remember that before you become a teacher, you are a student. Dont be confused here.

Teachers must have a state cosmetology license in good standing. They must also participate in a training program to become a cosmetology teacher. Most schools prefer that you have some years of experience working in a salon and have a high school diploma. The more prestigious schools may have other requirements such as professional appearance, expert experience within a particular subject such as haircutting, and excellent social skills and verbal communication. It is important that communication skills be in line with the expert skills. Students must have a clear understand of the subject at hand you are explaining. It is also a plus to have a network of social and professional platforms. The schools want teachers to constantly be in the know-how of the current trends and social acceptance of the industry demands. If you dont have a social platform, you may not be the right fit for a prestigious school.

Chapter 2

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

They may have to keep up with their certifications. Certifications may be with coloring, hair cutting, and various knowledge of specific products. This industry generally changes with the demands of what people think beauty is. If the teacher doesnt know the latest trend, their skill level may be below standard. They must know different product lines with particular attention to the front line products. Teaching students how to work with the current forefront products is almost a requirement. No student expects to learn about products that are outdated or not used frequently. This profession comes with an understanding that the students will one day have to compete with one another. They must be equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to do so.

Not to forget this is a teaching job. All the requirements of being a teacher must be in place. Teachers should be prepared and must be able to work with the students with hands on projects. They must understand the equipment and tools that are needed for each subject. In cosmetology there is a lot of hands on projects, where the students must practice what they learn. Evaluation of the students work must be professionally done with written criteria that they must pass. Period tests, assignments, and special projects should be frequently done. Practice makes perfect. If the students engage in the subject, they will learn better. Continuing education, workshops, and seminars are greatly encouraged after graduation. Teachers that are active in the industry on the whole do better and are more secured in their job than someone who is not. There are yearly expos and seminars that are normally given. The cost is sometimes minimal considering the value you get out of it.

Chapter 3

LICENSES

In some cases, licenses must be renewed every four years. There is a small fee that must be paid in a timely manner. Failure to keep your license up to date can cause serious problems. You cannot practice cosmetology without a license. Fines and serious consequences may occur if you are caught doing so. Once you get your license, some states participate in reciprocity where you can use your license in other states without going through the entire process again for each state.

The steps in getting your cosmetology license are:

1. Attend a certified accredited cosmetology school and fulfill the required hours to obtain your certificate.

2. You must complete the health certificate, showing that you are in good health to practice this field.

3. File an application for taking the practical and written exam with your state.

4. Upon passing the exam, send in an application for cosmetology license with applicable fees and valid identifications.

5. Once you receive your license or temporary license you may work at a salon or for yourself.

6. Temporary license must be replaced with a permanent license as soon as possible. Outdated license are never acceptable.

Preparing for the written test is very important. It is best that you have full knowledge of whats inside the cosmetology book. There are no short cuts to being prepared. The more you know the better. Practice the questions in your exam booklets and at the end of each chapter. Go over the chapters several times. Repetitive reviewing of the chapters is the key. Ask for help with the subjects that you do not understand. The test is more than memorizing, it is understanding . Watch out for tricky questions. Some questions on the exam require that you know the subject thoroughly, so that you can apply your knowledge to the question. Some of the questions are not straight from the book as you may have been told. The good thing is that you do not get a number score. You receive a notification in the mail that you either passed or failed. Thats it. No matter what you scored, youre waiting for a pass. If you fail, you will have an opportunity to take it over again.

The practical exam is quite different. Your manikin is your best friend. Make sure you practice on it every chance you get. One of the challenges most students find is practicing cutting. The best suggestion is to visualize the cut and run through it on your manikin with minimal cuts. Sometimes you may have to get more than one manikin to practice. Get the cheapest ones to practice cutting. The other parts of the practical exam you can easily do without running out of hair. Make sure you practice to differentiate the difference of applying color from applying relaxers. The next thing you need to do after practicing is making sure you have all the necessary supplies for the test. When youre ready, your manikin must be new and must not be practiced on. Some states require that you must have a certain length of hair; make sure you check the list of requirements they give you. It is advisable that you have more than one of your supplies. You dont want to run into a problem of a damaged supply and having no backup for it. It would prevent you from taking some parts of the test. Pack your test taking supplies in advance and be ready. The most important thing you need to be aware of is what the proctors look for. Cleanliness and organization are two of the most important things for test taking. They may fail you for not complying with just those two. Just imagine if you went to a salon and the stylist station was completely unorganized and his tools were not cleaned; would you want them to work on your hair? When youre taking the practical exam you must imagine that you are a stylist in a salon; no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Dont forget to look the part. With this in mind, you should have a better chance in passing.

The benefits of becoming a cosmetology teacher are that they can work either part time or full time. Some teachers opt to work part time. As a matter of fact they may have their own salons. It is an enriching field where you learn the latest techniques and have the ability to showcase your work. If you are an outgoing person, you may love this profession, for you will meet many people such as clients and have the gratification of seeing your students excel.

Chapter 4

FACE TIME

The skill of communication is a necessary one. Students may complain about their teachers for various reasons. One such complaint could be relating to communication skills. Years ago, a classroom structure was very strict and controlled. Nowadays, it has become more relaxed. Cell phones, laptops, and tablets has long replaced beepers, desktop computers, and electronic organizers. Unfortunately, these devices may be a distraction in a classroom setting. As an alternative, some teachers has found ways to incorporate it in the classroom. When you use things positively instead of negatively, you will see more value in it. The benefits can be high.