Cosmetology is an artful instruction of specific sets of skills for making people feel better about their hair, skin, and nails. Once a student acquires the instructional delivered cosmetology skills, these are expanded by the individual stylist’s creativity, helping clients, in turn, express theirs.
The field of cosmetology continues to expand. There are more than 600,000 stylists employed in the United States as hairstylists or cosmetologists. For the client’s health and protection, state licensing is a requirement to work in the industry. Academic preparation is required for your scope of practice to sit for a state board exam leading to a license in your state. At Lamar Community College, the Cosmetology Department masterfully delivers the required skills for multiple state certifications that allow you to sit for the state board exam, become licensed, and launch your career as an entrepreneur in this industry. With a 96% state board pass rate, we pride ourselves in teaching excellence in industry skills and business management.
You might wonder about the pros and cons of earning and practicing your cosmetology degree. Allow me to share a brief list to help you in your research:
Pros
- If you like talking and meeting new people, this is a glass slipper fit for you. You will have the chance to meet new people as clients, educators, and industry experts while building relationships that can catapult you to new heights.
- Focus on your passion. As a student, you get to choose the best fit for your passion. Do you want to do nails? Is your passion hair or skin? Have you thought about the art it takes to be a skilled barber? Your focus during your time at LCC will be specific to your passion.
- Short training with high earning potential. You do not have to go to school forever. Because your passion is a trade, you are focused on building the skills for that specific field allowing your time in school to be much shorter than a typical degree plan. You can complete your degree in as little as 12 months.
- Applied degrees at LCC are an affordable quality education that can save thousands of dollars. In addition, many need-based scholarships and financial aid opportunities are available to students.
- Supplemental income in tips. As a student and a licensed individual in the industry, clients appreciate your willingness to go above and beyond, often substantially rewarding your quality service.
- Commission earning potential. Most salons provide the opportunity for licensed individuals to earn a commission for upselling products or services to clients in addition to the base pay. You are learning the art of customer service and salesmanship while earning additional income for educating your clients on the importance of products used at home.
- Flexibility. You can set your own hours and build your schedule. There are broad operations hours outside the traditional 9-5 grind in this industry.
- Become a business owner. This career gives you the option to be an entrepreneur. You can develop your clientele, manage your salon, sell products, and create unlimited earning potential by being your own boss.
- Creativity. You get to practice art and get creative by trying new things with haircuts, color, nail art, fades, and more. You will be licensed to create. The best part is that your work can directly reflect who you are and help create a brand that people will recognize.
- The industry is not going anywhere. The Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that employment for barbers, hair stylists, and cosmetologists is projected to grow faster than the average growth across all occupations in the U.S. during 2016-2026. YOU are in the right place at the right time.
Cons
- The job is physical. You are on your feet most of the day. It can be tiring, but an active lifestyle betters your health and helps maintain your metabolism while maintaining your sugar level. This is a dynamic profession, always exciting, and always moving in new directions.
- The truth about hair, skin, and nails. You are dealing with people and must be prepared for what this entails. We are held to the same infection control practices as a hospital setting. You will learn how to deal with various scenarios that allow you to be the expert in guiding your clients about their hair, skin, and nails healthy maintenance.
- Some Clients. Clients can at times be demanding, negative, challenging, or unsure about their desires. Knowledge is power; you will learn how to manage these situations effectively.
- Time and effort. Investing in yourself is a commitment, but think of it as an investment, not a hobby. Anything worth having takes time and effort. You will build a future for yourself as an entrepreneur by developing your craft and professional skills.
The pros by far outweigh the cons. At LCC, we are dedicated to providing you with the best education to ensure you can be successful in the industry. Our academic and skill training will prepare you for a successful licensure exam with the Department of Regulatory Agencies in Colorado and get you started on a rewarding and exciting career. It is time to invest in you and your future. For more information about this program and LCC, visit us at Lamarcc.edu, or email Prof. Kendra King at kendra.king@lamarcc.edu with questions and to set up a time to visit the College.