According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the outlook for barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is faster than the average for all occupations. It is projected to grow by eight percent from 2022 to 2032.
Note that you must graduate from a state-approved program for all these jobs, pass an exam, and get a license. This applies to all states, so if you’re keen on pursuing a career in cosmetology, you must meet these requirements.
Beyond meeting the requirements, you also need essential skills to become a successful cosmetologist. Here are the top cosmetologist skills you need to cultivate.
1. Hard Skills for Cosmetology
As you may already know, hard skills are technical skills acquired through education and experience. Compared to soft skills, hard skills are measurable.
In cosmetology, these include understanding and implementing the correct ways to care for hair, skin, and nails. It’s about applying your cosmetology knowledge to deliver the best outcomes. For example, different chemicals in hair treatments cannot be mixed, such as relaxers with permanent hair dyes.
2. Great Customer Service
Cosmetology education is essential, but if you cannot build a rapport with your clients, how can you sustain your business?
Remember that most customers gravitate toward someone approachable. They want a professional who understands the treatment they want, even if they can’t always verbalize exactly what it is.
It also helps to realize that returning customers are worth more than new ones. Anyway, if you can master effective communication and active listening, you’re already on your way to becoming a customer service expert.
3. Creativity and Trend Awareness
Even if there’s an abundance of cosmetology jobs near you, it would be hard to keep one if you lack creativity. It would also be hard to attract or retain new clients if you’re trend-averse.
So, along with completing beauty school, make sure to keep abreast of emerging trends. Combining what you’ve learned with new techniques and tools will help you make the best recommendations for your clients.
4. Physical Stamina
As a barber, hairdresser, or cosmetologist, you have to be on your feet for long periods almost every day. If you’re not physically fit, you’ll find the job challenging.
Tip: When you craft your resume, mentioning the physical fitness activities you do in the interests section can help highlight your stamina and dexterity capabilities. This can help you stand out among other applicants.
5. Time Management
Just as time management is crucial to develop even before starting cosmetology school, it becomes more vital when seeing several clients.
If you’re a freelancer, you’ll schedule your own appointments, making sure every customer is serviced on time. As a cosmetologist, you know that treatments can take hours, so if you don’t want other customers getting frustrated because you keep them waiting, you have to manage your time properly.
Ready to Boost Your Career in Cosmetology?
A successful career in cosmetology always starts with the right cosmetology course. Aside from being one of the few beauty schools that offer a Manicurist Course, Lancaster Beauty School in the Antelope Valley is known for its outstanding students, who are experts in the cosmetology arts.
You may contact us to learn more about the programs we offer, including cosmetology, barbering, advanced manicuring, and so on.
