Beauty school myths : BUSTED by Kirstin Holiday

Cosmetology Myths: BUSTED by Kirstin Holiday

Throughout my cosmetology career I have heard many myths regarding cosmetology and attending cosmetology school. As a Hays Academy of Hair Design graduate and a current instructor, I would like to bring to light and bust the myths I have heard over the years.

1. Cosmetology school is the easy alternative to a “real college”
Contrary to popular belief, cosmetology school is hard. A few things people do not realize is as cosmetologists, we study it all including; anatomy, electricity, chemistry, infection control, state law, and business just to name a few. Students are in school from 32-40 hours a week which is equivalent to a full time job. They are allowed only 30 minutes for lunch and two 15 minute breaks throughout their day. Students are not allowed to come and go as they please or skip class as they have to follow an attendance policy set forth by the school. If you fail to comply with the policy—you will be dropped from the program.

2. You won’t make any money
The great news about today’s society is that people want to look and feel good…and even better news, they are willing to pay for it! In 2014 alone the beauty industry had a combined annual revenue of 20 billion dollars. We teach out students to work smarter not harder through a business training program called Nuts and Bolts which shows students how to create a $40,000 a year habit. Nuts and Bolts also shows them how to enhance a single service client to a multi service client. In return, this causes the average guest ticket to go up. For example, instead of doing 10 clients a day with a $25.00 ticket, you do 5 clients a day at $50.00.

3. Cosmetology is not an art
Trust me when I say there is not a crafty bone in my body. When it comes to DIY, drawing, or painting I am the world’s last resort. However, if you hand me a make up pallet I can make a face come to light. By definition, art is the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form. Cosmetologists express themselves in hair, skin, nails and make up. They see the end result before they even begin.

4. You can’t be tired you “just” cut hair all day
I have to say this is one that makes me the most frustrated. As a stylist you can be on your feet anywhere from 8-12 or more hours a day. Our lunch breaks or breaks in general are never promised. We contortion our bodies while we cut, blow dry, and color. We lean over shampoo bowls and stand with our hands above our heads for hours on end. Trust me when I say there is so much more to “just cutting hair all day”.

I hope the unveiling of these four myths to be untrue has provided more insight into the world of cosmetology. Our jobs are not easy, but they are so beyond worth it.