|
Schools Search Widget
How Cosmetologists Help Their Clients
Cosmetologists are more familiarly known as hairdressers or beauticians.
They help their clients to chose the right cut and color for their
hair. They advise on what is the best way to treat the hair for
its texture and type, and to cut for face shape, body build and
the age of the client. These are all aspects of the client which
can change over time. For these reasons being up to date with fashion
and trends and to some extent, art and technical design, are important.
It’s having the feel for what current trends are and applying
them in a flattering way to the client.
This is why really good craftsmen and women can command such high
prices for their work. Over time the client and cosmetologist can
build up a relationship as they work together to enhance the appearance
of the client.
They perform this task by shampooing, conditioning, cutting and
shaping hair and by the final dressing. Helping someone else to
look their best for everyday and to prepare for special occasions
is a satisfying occupation. Having an unkempt client arrive but
leave well turned out, and satisfied, shows the skills involved.
Associated with cosmetologists are manicurists, pedicurists and
skin care specialists. These are skills which a cosmetologist also
has which make the services they offer more complete. Really competent
ones keep records of products they have used and recommended and
the treatments they have given.
Working Environment for Cosmetologists
Because of the nature of the work, the conditions for cosmetologists
have to be clean and pleasant. Part of what is offered by the cosmetologist
is the atmosphere in the salon and the room has to be well designed
and pleasing to a number of people with different tastes.
For the safety of the cosmetologist some treatments demand that
they wear gloves and overalls to protect their skin from dyes and
other chemicals. Smart overalls, or neat personal clothes, are part
of the presentation. As this work requires hairdressers to spend
a lot of time on their feet it is worth considering comfortable
shoes.
Most work a forty hour week but at busy times the hours can be
longer. This is a useful qualification and skill because it is possible
to work part time, for instance when a woman has children she can
fit their hours and the needs of a salon together. Many can be self
employed either with their own salon or visiting clients in their
own homes. Some work in the film industry so it is possible to think
beyond the ideas of beautician’s normal environment.
There is considerable room for flexibility once someone has the
training and experience. This is a training and skill which can
be used for years and allows the practitioner to travel abroad and
earn a living if they wish.
Cosmetology and Beauty Training
A basis is a high school diploma and in some States a GED. The
training is usually a minimum of nine months. Training can be in
a State licensed school where the trainee can obtain their license.
This is a written test, sometimes with an oral test or a practical
exam.
It is an old adage that many clients tell their hairdresser personal
issues which they wouldn’t dream of discussing with anyone
else. This is because this work is on a very personal level and
the client has to feel a considerable level of trust in the other
person to permit them to do this personal work. As a result interpersonal
skills are a vital part of the training and development of the student.
This is a job which offers satisfaction and with skill has extremely
good earning potential.
|
