Cosmetologist for 6 years. As someone else stated it is only enjoyable for me when I was renting my own station in a salon. You need to be able to afford the rent and today it could be $600 per month or higher. Also need business license and everything that goes with running a business. If you do not have clients you may have lots of days where you make $0.00. I have worked in two corporate salons that work off commission and the problem is you have to work extremely fast every time or you may not make money or keep your job. The problem with working fast and doing more than one client at once is mistakes are made and if the client has another stylist fix the problem your pay gets taken away. This career may be a good fit for people who like fast paced competition. I think this trade has changed as the weekly roller sets ladies used to get were your bread and butter in between perms and colors that are only done every 2-3 months. This career was right for my mom and my aunt when times were different but now I don't think you can make money unless you get involved in the TV or movies.
I did this just out of high school.As I grew up,much of my family did this; was natural assumption that I would like it - and while I am a "warm" person, I had a pretty hard time with the constant physical contact. I only miss certain things.. miss the creativity, and constant change in trends. I always had the "awkward" customers come to me(they were SO hard to please, but always came back, lol). But, that was the way since..since I was not in long enough work up the ladder very much. So, did you people ever get used to touching others? I must sound horrible. I am not a mean cold person.
I did this just out of high school.As I grew up,much of my family did this; was natural assumption that I would like it - and while I am a "warm" person, I had a pretty hard time with the constant physical contact. I only miss certain things.. miss the creativity, and constant change in trends. I always had the "awkward" customers come to me(they were SO hard to please, but always came back, lol). But, that was the way since..since I was not in long enough work up the ladder very much. So, did you people ever get used to touching others? I must sound horrible. I am not a mean cold person.
I have been a hairstylist for over 6 years, and while I enjoy it, I don't think it's the right career for me. I used to think I hated my job, but what I realized is that I didn't like the salon atmosphere (all the gossip, etc). Once I went out on my own and leased my own suite, I found I do like my job very much. I love the actual craft and helping people feel beautiful and good about themselves. I love the flexibility and creativity of my job. However, it is taking a toll on my body already (back and feet issues) and I don't see how I'll be able to do this for even another 5-10 years.
I have been a hairstylist for over 32 years. I have owned my beauty salon for 22 years. I am still not tired of my career choice. A long time ago, I believed I had chosen a rather shallow occupation because it focused on the physical beauty rather than on the inner beauty. However, I changed my mind many years ago as I have had clients suffering from cancer, going through divorces and many other life altering events where giving them a fresh hairstyle has literally given them an obvious lift in their spirit.
I would definitely go into Cosmetology again. I feel very blessed indeed to have not only made enough money to support myself but also to have made lifelong friends. The downside I would mention is standing for hours on end and working many hours which may not be convenient personally, but it must be done to accommodate the hours of others.
The hair industry is a very demanding one. Having colored hair for over a 25 year period has given me a full perspective of what to expect. It can be fun, exciting and rewarding both financially and to personal growth. The financial rewards are really only met as a salon owner. If one plans on working under an owner you must expect to properly save for retirement early on. There are usually no benefits within a salon such as extended health. Todays salons will also require that you stay on top of the game with constant introductions to new courses that will keep your craft up to date. These courses can also be submitted to taxes at the end of the year. Keeping up on the trends will benefit your clientele as well as your own self esteem. The contacts you can make could also benefit your future should you plan on branching out. I have had the pleasure of working on stars and experiencing both the highs and lows of this career path. If you have an open mind towards life and fashion it is the first step to success!
I have been a hairstylist for 16 years and I would recommend this profession for individuals who are artistic, creative and love working with other people. It can be very exhausting because it does reqire stand on your feet for hours and hours. But on a positive note, that will keep you active and it can be very rewarding to make someone feel great about how they look. The best part is --- you get paid to do it. In the beginning of a stylist's career, it can be very hard monetarily because they are "building a clientele" my advice would be to get into a salon that has been established for quite a while so there is an abundance or overflow of clientele. Usually, it is also a good idea to work somewhere that requires, offers or helps to pay for continued education. I'm talking about the good stuff---International Beauty Show in New York--visiting the Redken Exchange in New York--working with or doing hands on with top notched stylists like Aveda's Global Purefessionals. That is where you will really learn what the business is truly about. If I had it to do over I would do it again and again. I have met a lot of cool people (and not so cool people) and I have gotten to travel quite a bit as well. The money can be fantastic, it all depends on you.