Why do people look down on going to school for cosmetology?

[TokyoReina]

I don't simply think people look down on it because it's a trade. Especially now that college can get you nowhere fast and people with trades can outearn degree-holders. I think it's the fact that while, yes, some folks go to cosmetology school with a serious passion and go on to become master stylists, artists, etc...many don't and got into it because they couldn't see themselves doing anything else. They're just going to do hair. And not necessarily well because how many people, here on these boards, have had a hard time finding a good stylist that knows as much as they do.

When I was in HS as a freshman, they offered a cosmetology class. This was a pretty ghetto school by the way. That was the ONLY class folks were hustling to get into. It's like a hood dream. At least it's always seemed to be around my town in people's mind. I personally think if a person really wants to treat it like a career and take it seriously, there's no reason to look down on them. It's just a stereotype promoted by some that makes it hard on those who are serious about the trade.

 

[renren]

Thanks for this thread OP. People where I live think this way as well. If you dont do well academically they send you to do hairdressing. Well, I just graduted college and now im doing a cosmetology program and you would not believe the kind of comments I get about it. Many people do not realise that this is an opportunity to become a business owner.

I also believe that many view it negatively because of past and current experiences with persons in this profession.

If salon owners act professionally and create a professional atmosphere at their salons, I believe people would have more respect for the industry.

For me, the possibilities are endless and its something that I love....

 

[NikStarrr]

Because most jobs in the "service industry" are looked down upon. I think it's kind of seen as a "what someone does if they don't go to college" kind of profession. There are some really successful hairstylist---but in actuality, most of them don't make a whole LOT of money, plus cosmetologists come a dime a dozen. I have 3 in my family. I don't think it's job that anyone should be ashamed of. It seems like it could be fun.

 

[aja1121]

I went to a Performing Arts High school and they incorporated Cosmetology into the curriculum. We were definitely looked at as the non-college bound girls. Sadly, it was true. Of my graduating Cos class (about 15), only 2 of us (including myself) attained a 4 year degree or greater directly after high school and only 5 of us (including myself) passed State Boards our senior year.

I did all of this and still ended up working in the retail cosmetic industry for years doing a job I didn't need a degree for.

Back in the day, going to college was the thing to do to make it out here in the world. Now a days you need a trade or skill to fall back on just in case your college bound career falls back on you.

**Now finding a good cosmetology school to go to is another story**

 

[empressri]

I have no idea why, it's not as easy as some think. I know someone that went, didn't pass the state exam and got discouraged and didn't want to try again. Although...said person I wouldn't let her touch my hair any way cause she'd end up making someone bald but anywho....

What woman you don't know never went to get their hair done? I swear, certain professions are a sure thing that you will ALWAYS need, doctors, morticians, beauticians. Cause folks are gonna be born, they're gonna die, but they HAVE to look good in between!

 

[Carisa]

Because some see it as a lower level/blue collar job and there isnt much education required.

 

[~Sparklingflame~]

But ya'll, if having a service oriented, low level blue collar job is so bad, what would happen if there were no one to do these service oriented, low level blue collar jobs????

Why turn up your nose and look down on these people who take up trades and these type jobs, especially when just about EVERYONE partakes in some form of service industries.

 

[TamedTresses]

I don't see anything wrong with someone choosing to go into cosmetology.

It's funny...sometimes the people you are looking down on are doing better than you. Just because you sit at a desk all day doesn't mean much.

 

[Evolving78]

and being in the beauty industry is not easy. it is very hard work. you are basically selling yourself. there is nobody there to do the leg work for you. it can become an expensive investment. it takes a lot to build a clientele, stay current with product knowledge and techniques.

it is very easy to punch in a clock, do your work, and collect a check. i eat and breathe what i do. this is my livelihood. if i don't show up for work, i don't get paid. if a client doesn't enjoy the experience and care i offer, that could be bad publicity for my business. there are no company benefits, etc.... i give kudos to anyone that becomes successful in this business.

 

[brg240]

But ya'll, if having a service oriented, low level blue collar job is so bad, what would happen if there were no one to do these service oriented, low level blue collar jobs????

Why turn up your nose and look down on these people who take up trades and these type jobs, especially when just about EVERYONE partakes in some form of service industries.

that's what i think too, I mean why look down on someone that is filling a need?

I was wondering by the comments. Is it not okay to look down on them because they have the potential to make a lot of money? So if they don't make a lot of money it's still okay to look down on them?erplexed

 

[PinkGirlFluff]

I cannot quite understand how another individual can look down upon individuals that so many people depend on just because they did not go to a traditional four year college. That is just foolishness. A lot of people are out here doing what they loathe because someone told them that doing what they love will not pay the bills. But if you love it, you'll strive to be the best at it, and the best make the most money or can at least make enough to eat and have shelter. I wish I knew this when I was younger.

 

[divachyk]

But ya'll, if having a service oriented, low level blue collar job is so bad, what would happen if there were no one to do these service oriented, low level blue collar jobs????

Why turn up your nose and look down on these people who take up trades and these type jobs, especially when just about EVERYONE partakes in some form of service industries.

In my grad program one instructor would always say, someone has to be a ditch digger. He wasn't meaning it in a negative way but that it takes all types of careers in society.

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[Kneechay]

Did anyone besides me just stop and stare for a good two minutes at hairsothick's siggy?

 

[Almaz]

I don't know why this is either. My friend Jeff is a hair dresser he is professional and hardworking.

This man has a LOVELY home
Pays HIS mortgage
His Mama Mortgages and helps support his unemployed brother until he gets on his feet.

Now I have SEEN how much he charges for a single or double process cut and colour

Some of those checks are like 200 a pieces for an hour and a half worth of work. THEY pay oh those rich white ladies pay and pay GLADLY So one day I went to pick him up for dinner okay he did like 8 heads that day. Okay at least 5 of those checks were like 150+ 2 were for 75 and one was for 50 Yeah I was curious and he gladly showed me.

He is so good and his clients love him so much ONE of them actually FLEW him out to the hamptons on their private plane JUST to have her hair Blown out everyday for the festitivies of her daughters wedding.

That is the dinner before the wedding
The Wedding
The reception
The after wedding breakfast.

And this lady basically was one of those older white women with 3 strands of hair that you have to backcome until Jesus comes back. So all those years of Nurshing school I am still on the clock.

YOU never appreciate the skill of a good hairdresser.........................................


UNTIL you have a BAD HAIRCUT

 

[SuchaLady]

I see nothing wrong with it at all. My hair stylist on a slow Saturday still takes in about $1500. When I go for an 8 o'clock Im usually her 5th customer so imagine by 7 or 8 pm when she leaves how much is in her pocket. She also went to school for a Bachelors in Biology to complement her career and she also spoke of her friend that is a stylist that majored in chemistry (or bio cant remember) to go work for Soft Sheen Carson. I myself am about 3 semesters away from finishing undergrad (thank God in Heaven but that is another story) and after I finish grad school I will certainly be going to get my license. If I can be self sufficient in multiple ways then why not? I never planned on just having one source of income anyway. And college is important and I am a huge supporter of school but in this economy you sit around an flaunt your fancy degree if you want to, when you're laid off or unemployed those with skills or trades that may not seem "good enough for you" may can give you some advice

 

[OsnapCnapp!]

That's a silly notion. Women need and want their hair done every day, someone always wants their nails done as well. It's like selling women's clothing....it's a hot commodity and money can be made in that field! It does however have a lot of stigmas attached to it like someone mentioned the non-professional ghetto and gossip attitudes and also the fact that it's typed as "blue-collar" work. But hopefully that won't steer you from doing it if that is what you would like to do. You can choose the people you want to work with, you do not have to be reduced to working in a "ghetto" environment. You can make money and not worry about what none of the "white collar" people have to say because the majority of them will be giving you their money to help them to look good. If it's something you want to do and have a passion for it I say GO FOR IT girl because there are very very few people who get to wake up everyday and do something they love and actually get paid for it.

 

[JOI]

I never heard anyone look down on it so I guess it depends on who you hang around. In my world when anyone gets a professional license we say things like "good for you" and "congrats". I don't think cosmetology school is that easy - but it's not school that makes you a cosmetologist - rather it's earning your state licensing exam. Passing the exam is not guaranteed and not everyone passes on the first go.

I Agree, It's not looked down. In my state in fact people love it and everyone seems to be going for it here, I got nothing but praise when I went to cosmetology school in 95" after my high school graduation.

 

[Hysi]

I don't know of anyone that looks down on it. The ladies that worked in the salon I used to go to drove Range Rovers, BMW's.... Owned homes and rental properties. They make GOOD money and only worked 4 days a week. I looked UP to them LOL.

Some people think the only way to make 6 figures is to become a lawyer or doctor and this just isn't the case anymore.

ITA. I hardly know any broke stylists or rather those that aren't earning up to their full potential. The ones I know of that aren't barely go to work and won't take appts, but when they do come ..... most of the stylists I know make bank doing weaves and then they charge an arm and a leg for relaxer and style. I don't think it's a field to be frowned upon because many go on to learn various techniques and some even specialize in diseases of the skin and hair. Besides, somebody gotta know how to do all these trendy hairstyles.

 

[Zeal]

I'm actually looking to take an Esthetician course.

 

[MsSanz92]

I never understood it either. Careers like Cosmetology will always be around, and when you are talented AND market yourself correctly, it is very easily to make lots of money. I think many people get caught up in the chickenhead/hoodrat perception of a cosmetologist, but people like Paul Mitchell, Ellin LaVar, etc who had become well renowned celebrity stylists/salon/haircare line/institute owners (lol) have been able to break that stereotype. I think many cosmetologists are not seen as successful or respectable because many of them don't make as much usage of their degree. More stylists need to realize since these services are always going to be needed, they should focus more so on doing private bookings for weddings/proms/sweet 16s/private events; that's where the real money is! I would have definitely taken a Cosmetology course if I went to a high school that offered it but I went to a private high school which most people would look at you with disgust if you went to a non top 50 college/university. You could imagine the backlash I would have received if I decided to not go to college and go to Cosmetology school right after high school. I am currently a full time undergrad, but I will more than likely will get a Cosmetology degree sometime in the near future; many people have said that it's my calling. Trust and believe if my first plan fails I will be putting that degree to use and besides, once I graduate college, I have loans to pay! I will be doing hair part time and might even rent a booth at a salon while working/in grad school full time to pay my debt off!

 

[SimpleKomplexity]

I don't think people look down on people going down to do hair. I think instead people think, "Oh....that's great....but you have so much potential to do so much more than that." I look as cosmetology school for the kid that was never your A or B student, struggled all through school (and HATED IT) , or the one that had a baby early in life and would rather spend time raising their child rather than being tied down to school and depending on others to raise their child, but still wants to contribute to society successfully.

I DO NOT consider it an option for the straight A/B student who has a lot going for themselves who could instead go to a traditional 4 year college, make a name for themselves and get a degree, and follow their passion by making money on the side in the dorms doing hair. When you know better...you do better...so I figure they should. Just being honest. I would seriously be embarrassed and slightly upset if my daughter came home talking about going to cosmetology school. My niece actually told me this ish the other day. She's from the Delta so I think her friends are influencing her. But I told her that was a disgrace that she come to my college graduation, hear me make a speech about how wonderful college is and the rewards it entails...and then sit there in my face and tell me she wants to go to cosmetology school. I told her she needs to research all areas before making a definite decision. I think that's just how I was raised though. Makeup and hair is a frigging hobby...not a career....or not your main career...it's a side thing

Yes I don't get it either. Especially when the people that seem to look down on it are the same people that use the said services on a frequent basis....

I'm always saying the ish that someone wanted to say but too scerd so I'll bite. Everybody uses the garbage service...but who the hell wakes up as a child and says, "That's It! I found my passion!! I want to be a garbage man!!!" Just because you use a service doesn't mean you have to want to have the opportunity to be in their shoes. I appreciate them...but...yeah you get my drift.

maybe because it seems easy to do? For most, the only way to fail at cosmetology school is to not go. (disclaimer--these aren't my thoughts btw)

I know that's how I think. Either you not go or cut a black girl's hair off when she asked for her ends trimmed and she comes back in kills you bahaha.
I know it must be much harder than that, especially mentally because what if a customer tells you they hate your "masterpiece". It takes a talented person to handle that with grace. I'd get like Cee-lo and say *** you

I think it's like a black man wanting the be a rapper. People either feel like EVERYBODY wants to do it, see it as a pipe dream or feel the person is an underachiever. In terms of cosmetology, I feel it's not right for people to feel that way, especially when a successful cosmetologist/stylist could make a great living.

Yup! What people fail to realize....entrepreneurs absolutely make the most money in the end AND live happy lives because they're not always under someone rules. Because of this, becoming a cosmotologist is a smart thing to do....if that's your type of thing...but there are many other ways to be successfully financially stable by being an entrepreneurs (doctor, dentist, attorney, and etc)

 

[KimPossibli]

I have had different experiences with two different type of professionals that come out of cosmetology schools..

the ladies at the spas where I have had my facials, waxing, etc done have consistently been professional in their behaviour and conduct of business...

the person who have been hairdressers have been consistently messy.. just messy. and this is regardless of whether it was a high end salon or a round the way hair shop.

I can't give you a reason why this has been the case.. but I know lots of ppl give hairdressers the side eye. Yeah they can make lots of money but the whole 'lifestyle' seems unseemly.

what I have said seems consistent among my circle. I don't think cosmetology school per se is the issue its what we have seen them produce..

I love my spa and will give my business repeatedly... on the other hand.. I'm giving up hairdressers as a habit though...

 

[JayAnn0513]

The last 3 hairstylist I had all had college degrees from great universities. They either went to college to please others or they went into their chosen field then discovered it wasn't all it was cracked up to be. They all make a great living and I think having a college degree makes them better business women.
I encourage any one who wants a cosmetology license to get at least an associates in business, marketing, accounting, etc.


Sent from my iPhone using LHCF

 

[barbiesocialite]

The last 3 hairstylist I had all had college degrees from great universities. They either went to college to please others or they went into their chosen field then discovered it wasn't all it was cracked up to be. They all make a great living and I think having a college degree makes them better business women.
I encourage any one who wants a cosmetology license to get at least an associates in business, marketing, accounting, etc.


Sent from my iPhone using LHCF

I have a couple degrees and am a former phd candidate, and will be starting cosmetology school this summer to be a licensed esthetician. I'm not sure what I will do with as of yet, however, I figure it might be a nice part-time skill that I can benefit from personally and profit from if being a SAHM starts driving me crazy. lol Who knows, maybe even once my kids are grown I might open a spa.

One of my friends is a nurse and she is going to beauty school too so she can do botox injections and things of that nature. Maybe it is because we have college degrees that people haven't side-eyed us in our endeavors.

 

[janda]

I don't think people look down on people going down to do hair. I think instead people think, "Oh....that's great....but you have so much potential to do so much more than that." I look as cosmetology school for the kid that was never your A or B student, struggled all through school (and HATED IT) , or the one that had a baby early in life and would rather spend time raising their child rather than being tied down to school and depending on others to raise their child, but still wants to contribute to society successfully.

I DO NOT consider it an option for the straight A/B student who has a lot going for themselves who could instead go to a traditional 4 year college, make a name for themselves and get a degree, and follow their passion by making money on the side in the dorms doing hair. When you know better...you do better...so I figure they should. Just being honest. I would seriously be embarrassed and slightly upset if my daughter came home talking about going to cosmetology school. My niece actually told me this ish the other day. She's from the Delta so I think her friends are influencing her. But I told her that was a disgrace that she come to my college graduation, hear me make a speech about how wonderful college is and the rewards it entails...and then sit there in my face and tell me she wants to go to cosmetology school. I told her she needs to research all areas before making a definite decision. I think that's just how I was raised though. Makeup and hair is a frigging hobby...not a career....or not your main career...it's a side thing

I'm always saying the ish that someone wanted to say but too scerd so I'll bite. Everybody uses the garbage service...but who the hell wakes up as a child and says, "That's It! I found my passion!! I want to be a garbage man!!!" Just because you use a service doesn't mean you have to want to have the opportunity to be in their shoes. I appreciate them...but...yeah you get my drift.



I know that's how I think. Either you not go or cut a black girl's hair off when she asked for her ends trimmed and she comes back in kills you bahaha.
I know it must be much harder than that, especially mentally because what if a customer tells you they hate your "masterpiece". It takes a talented person to handle that with grace. I'd get like Cee-lo and say *** you




Yup! What people fail to realize....entrepreneurs absolutely make the most money in the end AND live happy lives because they're not always under someone rules. Because of this, becoming a cosmotologist is a smart thing to do....if that's your type of thing...but there are many other ways to be successfully financially stable by being an entrepreneurs (doctor, dentist, attorney, and etc)

There was a time where I would have agreed with you but I don't anymore. Different people have different passions, strengths and desires for their lives. If someone wants to become a hairdresser, makeup artist or aesthetician, they should go for it regardless if ther are an A/B student.

I went to college (an Ivy) and then law school all to discover ( like so many other people I know) that the image I had of me working in a big law firm making big bucks was distorted. It's the furthest thing away from being glamourous and fulfilling. Instead it involves long tortuous hours and tedious boring work IMO. Luckily I have a job now which I love ( at least most of the time). But I am doing public-interest work where you most definitely don't bring in the big bucks. I probably would not go to law school if I had to do it over again.

There are so many people nowadays with college degree and either no job, a piece of a job or a job they don't like. I say follow your dreams.

 

[outspokenwallflower]

There was a time where I would have agreed with you but I don't anymore. Different people have different passions, strengths and desires for their lives. If someone wants to become a hairdresser, makeup artist or aesthetician, they should go for it regardless if ther are an A/B student.

I went to college (an Ivy) and then law school all to discover ( like so many other people I know) that the image I had of me working in a big law firm making big bucks was distorted. It's the furthest thing away from being glamourous and fulfilling. Instead it involves long tortuous hours and tedious boring work IMO. Luckily I have a job now which I love ( at least most of the time). But I am doing public-interest work where you most definitely don't bring in the big bucks. I probably would not go to law school if I had to do it over again.

There are so many people nowadays with college degree and either no job, a piece of a job or a job they don't like. I say follow your dreams.

Well written. I've learned the (very) hard way that when it comes down to it, it's not so much about how much money you're making or how prestigious your career is if you aren't happy. I know many people who had big title, big bucks jobs that only after devoting years of their life to working their way up, they realize they'd be happier doing something else even if it means a smaller paycheck. You've gotta be happy!

However, if you're happy being a doctor, lawyer, dentist, etc. then by all means, do it! My sister is in her third year of medical school and all the time, I ask her if she's happy. She doesn't seem to hate it, but I believe that because she's invested so much money and time already, she feels it's best for her to pursue it (even if she hated it, but I don't think she does). The thing is, I always ask her if she's happy because since she was in Jr High, my parents PUSHED the concept of her being a doctor on her all the time. So I wonder if it was originally her dream or theirs.


P.S. A great example is an author I've recently studied in class, Edwidge Dandicat. Her parents wanted her to be a doctor and she went to school for pre med and even went so far as medical school before she realized it just wasn't for her and she wanted to be a freelance writer.

 

[Dayjoy]

I was just wondering about this last week when I found myself guilty of the same thing. DS had a piano recital and at the end the teacher individually introduced her students that were seniors in high school and were performing in the annual recital for the last time. She introduced one young lady and stated that she had already graduated from our local HS (which is a really good school) early. I was extremely impressed as I waited for the rest of the story telling her future plans. The teacher went on the state that the young lady would be enrolling in cosmetology school, and I was actually disappointed. My sister was there and later said to me that this story stuck in her head and that it felt a little anticlimactic to her too. We were both disappointed in ourselves and our thoughts.

 

[firecracker]

I don't really understand the disdain but its been that way for years. Its a very lucrative business if you are caring, talented and professional.


Heck both of my old stylist made over 75,000.00 a year, no student loan debt, owned their own shop & home, had health/life/disabilility & supplemental insurance, contributed to a IRA's, worked condensced work weeks, traveled extensively & frequently, put family members thru school traditional and nontraditional and lots of other perks that only a steady good income can provide.

 

[mzsophisticated26]

I don't really understand the disdain but its been that way for years. Its a very lucrative business if you are caring, talented and professional.


Heck both of my old stylist made over 75,000.00 a year, no student loan debt, owned their own shop & home, had health/life/disabilility & supplemental insurance, contributed to a IRA's, worked condensced work weeks, traveled extensively & frequently, put family members thru school traditional and nontraditional and lots of other perks that only a steady good income can provide.

Yes, my last stylist owned 2 properties and a salon. One of my old stylist had a BA in Psych but she loved being a stylist. I recently thought about going to school to do hair because I consume my time reading and learning about hair care and weaves.

 

[natura87]

Its not bad per se, I just would never encourage my children to go into it . I would prefer them to seek at least college degree. If they wanted to do it I would have to accept it but I wouldnt promote it, I'd prefer a doctor, lawyer or teacher in a heartbeat.