Starting a new business (hairdresser)...

[bee]

Hi, Ladies! I plan to attend cosmetology school after I complete my degree (1 1/2 years to go) In the meantime, I plan to start doing hair in my home. I have at least 3 people who come to me now. I don't claim to be licensed but they seem to like my haircare methods.

I have a few questions for the cosmetologists and "Kitchen-ticians" here:

1. I am limited in the styling area, are there any resources available to bring me up to date?

2. Where can I find study materials on properly caring for my clients hair (applying relaxers, color, trims/cuts)?

3. Where can I find affordable items like the stove, curling irons, scissors, etc.?

4. Can you think of anything else I may have left out?

BTW, I know I have alot to learn and I need to be under the guide of a professional but I know I'm "gifted" in this area, which will most likely become a career for me--depending on if the Lord says the same.

Thanks

 

[baglady215]

Hey,

I'm interested as well. I am seriously thinking about leaving corporate america and going to beauty school. I checked out Jean Madeline Aveda Institute this weekend. I'm not sure if I want to go to a "white" school or a "black" school. It was nice though. Expensive too (almost $15,000). I have a lot of thinking to do.

Sorry I couldn't answer your questions though...

 

[balisi]

I'm currently a cosmetology student, and I'm feeling both you ladies on wanting a career in the beauty industry. I am so ready to leave the corporate world behind. Bee, if I were in your shoes, I'd read all I can on styling and techniques. Do some internet searches and you will find a wealth of information. Search for Milady and Pivot Point books online to really help you learn the proper way of applying chemicals, cutting, etc. If you can, go to a hair show for good deals on equipment such as your marcels, stoves and shears, as well as styling products, capes, etc. Before I started cosmetology school, I too was a kitchen 'tician and thought I knew what I was doing, especially when it came to relaxers. But since then, I've learned just how much I didn't know. I wish you the best in your future endeavors!

 

[candibaby]

Picking up some hair style books and checking out some of the younger women around your city can definetly help you see the new trends, as for learning the new techniques.. unless you can get someone to teach you, its pretty much trial and error based on how it looks.

Most good salon equipment can be found at Sallys, but I know you have to already have your license some of it. Same said for Beauty Alliance.

I say you should pick up some Milady textbook materials to learn how to properly care for hair. I'm in Cosmetology and those are the materials that we use, and if the school you go to uses the same one, you'll definetly be one step ahead of the game! Good luck!

 

[cutebajangirl]

You can get the latest Milady edition off of Amazon for $31. Also now that ceramics are the in thing for straightening, I've seen full (stove and iron) sets for as low as $159 in bss. So hopefully you should be able to find some too.

 

[bee]

Ohhhh! THANK YOU LADIES, SO MUCH!!! As I was reading your posts I felt a weight lifting off of me. This is REALLY what I'm supposed to be doing (having my degree won't hurt)!

If I have any other questions, I'll be sure to write.

@cutebajangirl: Are ceramic curling irons the best or are they just the latest? I don't want to get into this damaging other people's hair.

@balisi: I will be keeping in touch w/ you! How do I find out about hair shows? I will be purchasing the textbooks you suggested. Is there any particular one or should I purchase the whole set of books?

 

[balisi]

Ohhhh! THANK YOU LADIES, SO MUCH!!! As I was reading your posts I felt a weight lifting off of me. This is REALLY what I'm supposed to be doing (having my degree won't hurt)!

If I have any other questions, I'll be sure to write.

@cutebajangirl: Are ceramic curling irons the best or are they just the latest? I don't want to get into this damaging other people's hair.

@balisi: I will be keeping in touch w/ you! How do I find out about hair shows? I will be purchasing the textbooks you suggested. Is there any particular one or should I purchase the whole set of books?

Yes, please stay in touch. I don't know what city you're in or near, but do some searches online to find out when they will be in your area, or you may consider traveling to them. The Bronner Bros International Hair and Beauty Show takes place twice a year in Atlanta, and they also will be in Baltimore, MD in May. Just off the top of my head, there's a Las Vegas show and a Chicago Midwest Beauty Show. Of course, there are shows in New York as well. Tickets are usually reasonable and once you're a student, you would be able to get them at a discounted price.
As far as the books, I would start with the Milady Standard. If you can get your hands on any Pivot Point books, those are really the best in my opinion. Bee, I'm so excited for you!

 

[BAILEYSCREAM]

Bee,

I'm neither a cosmetologists nor am I a "Kitchen-tician", but here's some info. If I can think of anything else, I'll add it later.


1. I am limited in the styling area, are there any resources available to bring me up to date?

Invest in a few beauty magazines geared at cosmetologists and hairdressers.

http://www.ehow.com/how_14289_become-cosmetologist.html

2. Where can I find study materials on properly caring for my clients hair (applying relaxers, color, trims/cuts)?

http://www.worldofhair.com/publications/milady/student.htm


3. Where can I find affordable items like the stove, curling irons, scissors, etc.?

You'll find these at wholesale prices in trade magazines.

4. Can you think of anything else I may have left out?

Get some business cards printed.

Ask satisfied customers to recommend you to friends.

Always buy wholesale.

Keep all your receipts for tax rebates/returns.

 

[bee]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I ordered the Milady Standard Textbook & workbook on ebay. I found a Jilbere 2000watt dryer for $20! I may not make it to cosmetology school for another year or two but I will try to keep up on all the styling shows that come to my area (St. Louis, Missouri)

I'll keep you posted.

 

[Mizani_Mrs]

Good for you! I have a degree but i wouldn't mind being a kitchen- tician either. Or maybe owning an upscale BSS that offers advice to customers when they walk in the door (great idea!) .....but i seriously doubt it because it'd be hard to replace my salary. anyways...... I just wanted to add this important advice to you. PLEASE don't forget about Haircare & Hair Maintenance techniques. There are a million stylists who can do the latest & greatest styles but they don't know jack about how to take care of hair. Or how to treat clients. They don't even bother to offer suggestions on what clients should do/use at home. This to me is the icing on the cake. I am currently in search of a beautifician who specialize in haircare. As for me....i don't give a darn about getting the latest cut, i just want a nice wash/fingertip massage, a smooth rollerset and i am HAPPY. Talk to clients and potential clients and tell them that you care about their hair, explain to them your relaxer technique and that you don't CUT their ends....u 'dust' them. Tell them u use good salon products and will not do the infamous 'switch' on them. Tell them u are interested in knowing how their hair is doing and they can ask you questions...etc etc. TALK TALK TALK! Girl....I would be in love with a stylist who told me this, license or no license. who cares?????

 

[baglady215]

To the ladies who attend cosmetology school, what schools do you attend? I know that most schools are pretty local. Are they "white" schools or "black" schools? Just curious.

 

[Avaya]

I can't remember where I got this website from (I think from another thread on the hair board). Anyway it looks interesting. It is a series of how-to do hair tapes. I've never ordered any of them but I may in the future.

http://www.stepbystephair.com/pages/14/index.htm


31-Step-by-Step Hairstyling DVD's 30-60min each/$29.95 each

CUTTING, SETTING & STYLING SEREIS:

Vol 1- Advanced Setting & Styling Techniques

Vol 2- Swing Bob Cuts/ Short, Medium Long Lenghts

Vol 3- Boyish Bob Taper Cuts/Styles

Vol 4- Short Layered Taper Cuts/ Color Highlighting

Vol 5- Step-by-Step Hairstyling & Maintenance Techniques

Vol 6- Strictly Cuts/Classic Layered Bob Cuts

Vol 7- Strictly Cuts/ Fringed Layered/Shag Bob

Vol 8- Strictly Cuts/Asymmetric Bob Cut

Vol 9- Step-byStep Advanced Relaxing Techniques

Vol 10- Textured Ringlets/Fro Techniques

Vol 11- Precision Layered Taper Cuts/Styles

Vol 12- Long Flip Setting Techniques

Vol 13- Short Layered Flip, Cut & Styles

Vol 14- Classic French Rolls

Vol 15- Spiral Up-dos

Vol 16- Wavy Up-dos

Vol 17- French Twists & Up-braids

Vol 18- Pin-curls & Up-braids



AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING SERIES:

Vol B1- Micro & Large Cornrows

Vol B2- African Twist Techniques with extensions

Vol B3- Micro & Individual Braiding with extensions

Vol B4- Pixie Braiding Techniques



TREND STYLING SERIES:

Vol R1- Curly Fro Technique

Vol L1- Coily Fro Technique

Vol T1- Flat Twist Up-Do with Bantu Knots

Vol T2- Flat Twist Set with Bantu Knots

Vol W1- The Crochet Weave Technique



NATURAL HAIR CARE & STYLING SERIES:

Vol C1- Nubian Coils Techniques

Vol NC- Natural Hair Coloring, Cutting & Styling Techniques

Vol N2- Natural Hair Sister Twists

Vol NT- Individual Braids & Two Strands Flat Twists

Purchase any: 1 for $29.95, 5 for $99., 10 for $149., All for only $299.00 Shipping & Handling FREE!

To request a free brochure complete form below and press "send". To order print out and complete order form below and mail payment to: Natural Oasis Coifs, P.O. Box 41054, Wash., D.C. 20018, or fax credit card orders to: 301-277-3037

I too have been interested in going to beauty school but unfortunately I don't have the circumstances to do so, but best wishes to you!

 

[BAILEYSCREAM]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I ordered the Milady Standard Textbook & workbook on ebay. I found a Jilbere 2000watt dryer for $20! I may not make it to cosmetology school for another year or two but I will try to keep up on all the styling shows that come to my area (St. Louis, Missouri)

I'll keep you posted.

You're welcome, and good luck girl.

 

[bee]

Ladies, I wanted to know how important is it to you for your beautician to use salon products? If you feel salon products are the best, for proper care and maintenance of hair, let me know?

I am not interested in becoming a BOMB stylist (Although that wouldn't hurt). I want to be a HAIR CARE SPECIALIST. I've learned so much from this board and I know I can benefit some of these "heads" I see around here.

 

[Poohbear]

Thanks for starting this thread! After graduating, I'm thinking about going to cosmetology school as well and learn how to do hair! I could work as a CPA and have a hair business on the side.

 

[balisi]

To the ladies who attend cosmetology school, what schools do you attend? I know that most schools are pretty local. Are they "white" schools or "black" schools? Just curious.

The cosmetology school I attend is nationwide. Not sure what you mean by "white" or "black" school, though. Are you referring to the student body, clientele, or techniques taught?

 

[bee]

Ladies, about those salon-style products? Which would you recommend and for what kind of hair types and hair conditions(growth, breakage, etc.)

Would you recommend using any oils?

 

[baglady215]

The cosmetology school I attend is nationwide. Not sure what you mean by "white" or "black" school, though. Are you referring to the student body, clientele, or techniques taught?

Hey balisi,

I was referring to the students/teachers/clients. I went on a visit to one school (Jean Madeline - Aveda) and most of the student body and teachers were white. There is another school (Empire) where the students and teachers are mostly black. I'm sure that the techniques are mostly the same because everybody has to take the same test. But the schools here are VERY segregated, i.e. all white or all black. I was just wondering if it was like that everywhere. What school do you attend?

 

[Poohbear]

Where can you find out about the best cosmetology and hair schools to attend??? Is there a website?????

 

[balisi]

Ladies, about those salon-style products? Which would you recommend and for what kind of hair types and hair conditions(growth, breakage, etc.)

Would you recommend using any oils?

There are so many available. Find out what salons in your area use and research those products online. Are you looking for multi-cultural products or specifically "black" hair care products? Deep Brilliance is a good multi-cultural line, for starters. The Asian BSS in my area carries a lot of professional salon products because they have a salon in the back of the store, so that's one way to find out about products.

 

[balisi]

Hey balisi,

I was referring to the students/teachers/clients. I went on a visit to one school (Jean Madeline - Aveda) and most of the student body and teachers were white. There is another school (Empire) where the students and teachers are mostly black. I'm sure that the techniques are mostly the same because everybody has to take the same test. But the schools here are VERY segregated, i.e. all white or all black. I was just wondering if it was like that everywhere. What school do you attend?

Hey Girl - Thanks for clarifying. I know what you mean. Many times, you will find that a Cos. school has a great concentration of one race or another. Up until a couple years ago, my school (which I'd rather not name) had a large caucasian student body, with a few black students. My school is located in a predominanty "white" upscale area, but most of the students and all of the instructors are black. From what I can tell, most of the Aveda schools are probably going to have a high concentration of white students and instructors.

 

[Mizani_Mrs]

Hey Ms Bee. IMO, I think it is very important to use salon quality products. i would only go to a stylist that uses salon products (or otherwise she'd have to have supercheap prices) You should select 2 or more popular black salon lines (such as Mizani & keracare) and select 2 or more popular caucasian salon lines such as Nexxus etc. Plan to buy a product line that you'd use on people with dry hair, people with damaged hair, people with fine hair, healthy hair, etc etc. I got upset when my stylist would switch products on me and I'd look and discover she's using a regular CVS brand. It's like well heck, i could have done my own hair at home. and especially when she'd charge me the same price for a mizani relaxer and a precise relaxer...what a rip-off if u ask me. I know that some people think that there isn't a difference between drug-store brands compared to salon brands. I'm one of the ones who disagree, i think salon brands have a higher concentration and/or a better grade of the good ingredients. but that's just my opinion....

don't loose sight of your vision girl. just do it!! search online for used tapes on ebay or elsewhere. start out small...just start advertising as doing trims, washes, rollersets, etc. then as you buy a tape and learn a new technique then add it to your list of services.....

Ladies, I wanted to know how important is it to you for your beautician to use salon products? If you feel salon products are the best, for proper care and maintenance of hair, let me know?

I am not interested in becoming a BOMB stylist (Although that wouldn't hurt). I want to be a HAIR CARE SPECIALIST. I've learned so much from this board and I know I can benefit some of these "heads" I see around here.

 

[balisi]

Just be careful about carrying too many different product lines. Two different brands of relaxer should be just right. For color, I recommend one line that you learn inside and out. The reason is that you don't want to end up with too much product in stock at any given time, which may sit around untouched for long periods, depending on how many customers you have. You probably won't be able to purchase salon type chemicals without a license though (unless you got the hook-up)

 

[baglady215]

Hey Girl - Thanks for clarifying. I know what you mean. Many times, you will find that a Cos. school has a great concentration of one race or another. Up until a couple years ago, my school (which I'd rather not name) had a large caucasian student body, with a few black students. My school is located in a predominanty "white" upscale area, but most of the students and all of the instructors are black. From what I can tell, most of the Aveda schools are probably going to have a high concentration of white students and instructors.

Thanks for the insight balisi!

 

[bee]

You ladies are AMAZING! Everytime one of you adds a new comment, I print it out I'll be up and running in no time! I found some Pivot Point books on Ebay and I received my Milady Textbook (1999), yesterday. Those Pivot Points have tips on style and design and are relatively cheap.

I did a search and was unable to find a wholesale dealer for my irons and stove. Any suggestions?

BTW, I will probably carry the Keracare and Nexxus line of products. Where can I find those for the LOW-LOW?!

 

[Poohbear]

Does it matter what cosmetology school you attend to learn about hair??? If so, what are some good cosmetology schools and where can I find out about them???

 

[baglady215]

I honestly think I will learn more about hair CARE here at this forum. As far as technique, I think most schools are basically the same because they all have to teach you how to pass the state test.

 

[balisi]

Does it matter what cosmetology school you attend to learn about hair??? If so, what are some good cosmetology schools and where can I find out about them???

Yes, the school does matter. You do not want to end up in a "ghetto" school, and you want to make sure that your school prepares you well for the state board. I have heard of schools that do not even provide practice mannequins, whereas my school provides six mannequins in each student's kit, plus long hair mannequins that remain at the school. Have you tried looking up schools online?