10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Went to Beauty School

Pursuing a cosmetology education can be a great first step on the path to a fulfilling and exciting career in the beauty industry. However, attending beauty school involves a lot more than just learning to cut hair, do makeup, and paint nails. Beauty is an art that requires dedication, patience, and attention to detail. 

In this blog, we’re giving you 10 things to know before starting beauty school. Whether you are considering enrolling or have already begun your beauty school journey, these tips can provide you with a head start toward your career!

1. Networking Is Key

While honing your technical skills is essential, don’t underestimate the power of networking. Beauty School provides a unique environment where you can connect with fellow students, instructors, and professionals in the industry. Building relationships early on can lead to future job opportunities, mentorships, and collaborations that can significantly boost your career.

2. A Diverse Skill Set Is Important

Beauty school is not limited to hairstyling alone. To thrive in the beauty industry, it’s crucial to develop a versatile skill set that includes makeup application, skin care techniques, nail art, and more. Embrace the opportunity to learn and practice various disciplines, as it will enhance your career prospects and enable you to cater to a broader clientele.

3. Practice Self Care

The beauty industry is all about self-care, and while you’re giving your clients what they need, it’s essential to focus on yourself as well. The beauty industry can be physically and mentally demanding. It’s essential to prioritize self-care to avoid burnout and maintain your well-being. Incorporate stress management techniques, exercise, and relaxation practices into your routine. Taking care of yourself will not only benefit your own health but also ensure that you can provide the best care for your clients.

4. It Takes Dedication And Commitment

Attending school is very much like having a full-time job; you spend most of your time in class or on the salon floor with customers. When you’re not doing that, you’re in a class learning about theory and technique or working on building your clientele. There is a lot of information to familiarize yourself with, and attention to detail is key. Beauty school is incredibly rewarding, but it isn’t for the faint of heart.

5. How Much I Would Bond With My Instructors

Spending nearly every day with the same people, you’re bound to develop some good relationships. Instructors understand what you’re going through because they were students once too. They’ve also battled through the struggles of finding clients and work after graduation. Instructors truly are the greatest resource for students: they have navigated the same professional terrain and they have industry connections that prove to be helpful for many students.

At Hair Professionals Career College, our instructors still actively work in the field and are constantly working to further their own education for the benefit of their students. We believe in the power of unity and collaboration, we are more powerful when we work together to achieve success!

6. About The Out-Of-Pocket Expenses

The out-of-pocket expense is different for every student due to *financial aid eligibility and program choice. There are often scholarships available through third-party sources that can help to alleviate the financial burden, or students can look into educational financing to cover costs.

Speak with an admissions representative from Hair Professionals career college to get an idea of what start date will be the best for you, and what resources are available to make your transition into a beauty career as smooth as possible.

*financial aid only available to those who qualify

7. That I Would Make Such Great Friends

Just like you bond with your instructors, you will also bond with your classmates and probably some of your clients too! Your job is to make people feel as beautiful as they look, and that happens when a stylist is able to truly connect with their client. Cosmetologists apply makeup and perform beauty services, but a truly great stylist has the power to make their clients feel important and cared for beyond the scope of their services.

8. Time Management

Beauty school can be demanding, both in terms of coursework and practical sessions. Developing effective time management skills is crucial to balance your studies, practice sessions, and personal life. Prioritize tasks, create a schedule, and allocate time for self-care to maintain a healthy work-life balance throughout your educational journey.

9. Keep Your Passion No Matter What

Even with the long hours, and the sometimes hectic scheduling it’s clear to see that passion is often the driving force for many beauty professionals. The sense of satisfaction that stylists get from seeing the joy that they have helped create is one of the most cited reasons for choosing this career.

“If you do what you’ll love you’ll never work a day in your life”- we’ve all heard the old adage. Becoming a beauty professional is hard work, but when you’re passionate about what you do it’s the kind of work that you will choose to do over and over again.

10. That It Can Be The Best Decision

Pursuing a career in the beauty industry can be one of the best decisions you make, offering a plethora of opportunities for personal and professional growth. Whether you’re seeking a career with flexible scheduling options or high earning potential, the beauty industry attracts motivated and passionate people.

Start Your Journey Today!

Hair Professionals Career College is dedicated to developing highly-skilled and prepared professionals. We want to be a part of your journey in the beauty industry. To learn more about how we can help you achieve your goals, set up a tour of one of our Illinois beauty schools today! We have locations in Sycamore, Palos Hills, and Oswego. The beauty industry is a great place to start your future career– we can’t wait to help you get started.