If you’re reading this article, most likely you’ve given serious thought to entering the beauty industry or attending a beauty school and now you want to know what to expect from the day-to-day world of working as a cosmetologist, skin care specialist or manicurist.
Before getting into the details of “A Day in the Life of a Beauty Industry Professional” let me first assure you that the job outlook in the industry is very good. In fact, the beauty industry is virtually recession-proof, because everyone wants to look their best whether the economy is strong or weak. Plus, the demand for hairstylists and aestheticians will continue to be very strong because there are currently tens of millions of baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) who want to look at least 10 years younger than their actual age.
COSMETOLOGIST
After attending cosmetology school and passing the state exam, you’ll have a day filled with variety, because you’ll be trained to work on hair, nails and skin care.
As a trained hair stylist, you’ll cut, trim and style hair. You may also shampoo and condition hair occasionally if the salon doesn’t employ a regular shampooer.
You’ll advise clients on hair color, permanent waves and hair straightening. With your regular clientele, you’ll keep a record of hair color and permanent wave formulas. You’ll be expected to maintain a clean work area and regularly sanitize your instruments.
Depending on where you work, you may be called upon to answer the phones and make appointments. Most hair salons also sell personal care products which you’ll be expected to promote and sell. (You can earn extra dollars, since most salons will give you a commission on the products you sell.)
It’s important for you to know that the successful completion of attending a beauty or cosmetology school and passing the state exam is not the end of learning. To be successful in the dynamic world of beauty, you’ll need to stay current with the latest fashions and beauty techniques because hairstyles change and new hair care products are continually being developed.
Throughout your career, you’ll be expected to attend workshops and industry trade shows where industry representatives introduce new products, services and techniques. Your training should continue with advanced beauty school courses throughout your beauty career. And, be sure to read one or more beauty magazines every month.
As a cosmetologist, every day will bring a new challenge as well as an opportunity to show your creativity. Working in the beauty industry is a very gratifying career; however, never forget the importance of maintaining good health and sanitary practices because you’ll be on your feet most of the day and experience prolonged exposure to chemicals. Stay healthy and protect yourself by always wearing plastic gloves and aprons.
AESTHETICIAN
As an aesthetician, or skin care specialist, you’ll be giving facials, makeup analysis and application, and performing skin care procedures. Aestheticians also remove unwanted hair by tweezing, depilatories or waxing.
You may give full body treatments, as well as head and neck massages.
Similar to the day-to-day work of a hair stylist, you’ll be standing for long periods of time as well as working with tools, machines and appliances, as well as personal care products that may contain chemicals.
Just like a hairstylist, you’ll be expected to recommend and sell the skin care products and makeup that most day spas stock for resale to their clientele. In between client appointments, you may be asked to sit at the reception desk, answer phones and make appointments.
MANICURIST/PEDICURIST
Sometimes referred to as a Nail Technician, you’ll be cutting, trimming, polishing, coloring, cleansing and massaging nails on the hands and feet. You’ll be expected to make recommendations to clients on choosing between a regular manicure or artificial nails.
You’ll inquire about your client’s job and lifestyle before recommending artificial nails and also ask your client if they are allergic to the chemicals in artificial nail products.
Sanitation is particularly important when working on the nails. You’ll need to look for the mold or fungus that sometimes grows under artificial nails. If you discover an infection, immediately advise your client to see their doctor after you remove the artificial nails.
You may be working with electric nail drills to file artificial nails and must properly sanitize the drill bits to protect against infection. Your training prepares you to identify a customer with an infection or communicable disease on their feet, such as athlete’s foot or eczema. In this situation, you must diplomatically refuse to work on them in order to protect your other customers.
SUMMARY
Overall, the working conditions are very pleasant in the beauty industry. You’ll work in a clean, well lit and well ventilated environment. And the atmosphere is a very positive one, because beauty professionals spend every work day making people’s lives better by enhancing their appearance.
However, be prepared to work some evenings, weekends, holidays and most lunch hours when demand for personal care services is high.
Most people think of hair salons and day spas when they think of the beauty industry. But there are numerous career options in a variety of settings, so be sure to keep checking www.beautycollegedirectory.com for more informative articles about a career in the beauty industry.
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Robert Gross earned a Bachelor of Science degree from San Diego State University in 1979. He earned his Cosmetology license in 1981, then became owner and president of Salon Success Academy in 1991. In 1994, Mr. Gross had a law enacted to allow his students to take their state license exam within 10 days of graduation. In 1995, he had a law enacted to allow the first externship program in the nation. Currently Mr. Gross serves on the board of the
Professional Beauty Federation of California as vice - chairman
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