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

[Fine 4s]

I love watching Tabatha's Salon Takeover. The people are always broke on that show and can't manage a biz to save their life! I need a show promoting the money makers and HOW they achieved success. Don't just flaunt it without telling me how you did it now....

 

[lux10023]

theres so much money to be made as a salon owner shiddd..the two i have in my family..make bank!!!
the way us women go hard for beauty and our upkeep--if your salon isnt lucrative something aint right...

aint nothing like being your own boss..it is hard work...
and who said the exam to pass was easy...its def not...

 

[Fine 4s]

Even cosmo students are ashamed! From what I've observed, a lot of the students go because they have no vision for their future and no sense of direction. Cosmo seems to be the easiest program they could get into and potentially finish. Most of them end up dropping out anyway. A classmate had fancy invitation cards made for her graduation and ready to be mailed. Most people thought it was quite funny and nothing to really 'celebrate.' So until the people in the industry see it differently, maybe then it will change?


I would love to be part of that group to change this mentality. How would one go about doing this? Hmm.....

They do not understand how lucrative and flexible it can be. You do not have to have a traditional 9 to 5 in order to be able to take care of yoursef/your family and have a good life. Some people will never be able to "think outside the box" when it comes to things like that.

My grandmother's sister told my grandmother about me 'she's not an intellectual, she only knows hair.' This is after spending 8 years in higher ed. LOLOLOL

Probably because it isn't traditional college.

Bingo!

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)

This mess is so not easy! Cosmetologists/stylists are really artists. It takes a long time to get really really good at it (if you weren't born with the gift that is.)

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....

Just like janitors, fast food servers, electricians, plumbers, garbage wo/men etc etc. Hierarchy of careers....*sigh* Isn't there a saying "Those who can't do, teach?"

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.

UGH, wish me luck! I'm off to take mine in August/September along with my RE license! I'm all over the place....I'ma do your hair in that brand new house I just sold ya!

However, people tend to overlook the high upsides to many cosmetologist who go on to become business owners and valued members in their community. Not to mention the income potential for talent.[/QUOTE]

Income potential for not just doing hair in the salon, it qualifies you to do many other jobs IMO. There are some folks I know who want to be tech/education writers for the beauty schools (school books.) I'm going to marry my cosmo license with my 'traditional' school to land a job in the field that I would otherwise not get. For me, I'm demonstrating my commitment to the field by enrolling and going part-time! Part-time is NO JOKE. I'm soooooooooooo...tired. I pull double shifts every day/4 days a WEEK!

I have absolutely no idea. You're not exactly a dummy if you do to hair school. You learn an astronomical amount of biology, chemistry and anatomy. You're studying something outside of the norm. You have the ability to gain fame from it. I dunno...

WEll.....thank you but uhm, we ain't learning nuffin' about no biology, chemistry or anatomy! I HATE that about my program!!!!! The teachers can't even spell OR pronounce those words.

It's sad that they do. I would *love* to go to cosmetology school, but I've got an old school family and have spent too many years in school studying other things. But I love all things beauty; makeup, hair, etc. and would love to incorporate that into a career.

Girl, BA, MBA and NOW cosmo....you can do it too!

Do you guys remember in Grease when Frenchie (the dumb one) dropped out of high school and went to beauty school instead (and then she was bad at that too)? It's images like that in the media that give a negative perception of cosmetology. Furthermore, I have never met a cosmetologist that actually knew anything about hair (I also rarely go to the salon so I know they are out there, I just have not met them), but at the same time, not everyone who graduates from college is smart so...

"Beauty school drop out"
They really should not be called cosmetologist, stylist is more appropriate.

Also, for some reason...it seems like any time someone says something ridiculous about hair they always back it up with, "Well my mother is a cosmetologist so I know about hair..." i.e. that crazy girl in the nappy natural hair article posted a little bit ago, and this dude who told me that it's a scientific fact that blacks have "lesser" hair.

This is the only thing stopping me from going for it (and money lol). Several people have told me that I am missing my calling.

Uhm, that siggy.....

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.

This is it! Most people in my program have NO passion for it. They do it, to try to guarantee a MINIMUM lifestyle or b/c they dropped out of high school.

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.

At the IBSNY show, Ted Gibson talked about changing the perception of beauty school or people in the industry.

Great thread!

I'm interested in doing so much in this field so much so that I'm not even sure I have time to raise a child! Just yesterday a classmate told me he's been offered a job at a chi-chi salon, starts Saturday and when he passes his exam, they'll give him a Junior stylist position! He majored in Biology and went to Boston University (Asian cat.) That's some cute change

Seriously ya'll...I'm going to be 40 by the time I'm done learning and studying all I want to study and do in this biz. Really, a kid a 40??? *sigh* passion vs. family?

 

[Ms Lala]

I"m not sure but I wish I had gone to cosmetology school. I really wanted to but was strongly discourage by my folks. I still think about it sometimes but I'm tired of school.

 

[1QTPie]

My answer: Because people are stupid.

 

[TamedTresses]

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.

It is not disgraceful for her to follow her passion.

I know someone who owns a street sweeper business (the machine that cleans the parking lots) and makes BANK. Granted, he owns the business.

Instead of us discouraging people to not pursue their dreams, I think we should push them to dream further. If they want to do hair...encourage them to own a salon. If they want to be a mechanic...encourage them to aspire to open their own shop.

I think we knock people too often for their decisions. If it is legal and it's not hurting anyone AND it's paying the bills I have no problems with it.

 

[ChocoKitty]

I wish I would've went to cosmetology school... My great aunt is a comsmetologist. The money she's made over the years has afforded her a lot of business opportunities. She owns a strip mall, a trucking company, a cleaners and is now planning to open a nursing home. She been able to employ her children and other members of the family. She's also a millionaire.

 

[pisceschica]

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)

Its not easy.

You can fail cosmetology school. And even if you pass the school you have to pass the licensing exam.

 

[pisceschica]

I'm a cosmetologist currently but hope to eventually get a career started in the course of study I took in college. Its fun at times but I do not have the passion needed to really make bank.

The purpose of cosmetology school is to prepare you for the licensing exam. Just because you graduate and you get a license doesn't mean you know how to do hair. The purpose of school from the state government standpoint is to make sure that you are aware of the safety precautions needed when you service a client chemicals, heat, communicable diseases, etc. For instance if someone has lice a salon cannot service you.

From the school's standpoint they at the very least have to give you a solid foundation on the principles of hair design (thats a fancy phrase for hair cutting), principles of color, and basic human interaction. Some schools go above and beyond this, but at the bare minimum they are going to give you the basic.

Like I already said just because you graduate and get your license doesn't mean you know how to do hair. Like I said a license just means you are allowed to work in a salon and service clients provided you adhere to safety standards.

The thing that separates those that make little money from those that make a lot is passion. If you are not passionate about this industry its going to show when you are dealing with customers and in your skills.

Another thing that separates the best from the rest is advanced continuing education. Like I said school teaches you the basics. Even at your average every day people salon you are going to employ intermediate or advanced techniques. Advanced education allows you to increase your knowledge and technical skills. You learn about new services to add to your business and increase cash flow. You learn about new products to market to make your life easier and help your customers with their problems.

Experience behind the chair is an important thing in this industry BUT making it a point to take classes can increase your skill level at a faster rate than experience alone. Because of education its one of the FEW field where years of experience don't necessarily indicate skill level.

I think people frown upon it because they probably come into contact with stylists who are not making money and are not passionate about their industry or are not passionate. You are an entrepreneur, even when you are working for someone else. You have to build up your skill level and people skills in order to build a clientle to build business. Its hard work but if the stylist is passionate its really up to them how much they want to make.

 

[SuchaLady]

It is not disgraceful for her to follow her passion.

I know someone who owns a street sweeper business (the machine that cleans the parking lots) and makes BANK. Granted, he owns the business.

Instead of us discouraging people to not pursue their dreams, I think we should push them to dream further. If they want to do hair...encourage them to own a salon. If they want to be a mechanic...encourage them to aspire to open their own shop.

I think we knock people too often for their decisions. If it is legal and it's not hurting anyone AND it's paying the bills I have no problems with it.

I absolutely 100% agree. Why look down on something that is honest and legal. For example trashmen. This is not a hit or miss career. You START out as a sanitation worker with lots of room for advancement and this is a position that allows for loads of overtime. And there is a specific degree (I cant remember the exact name) that complements this career and if pursued it will put you in a managerial position making far more than people would believe

 

[pisceschica]

Another thing I have to add is that your passion or lack of passion for this career will show through in your paycheck. In other professions specifically ones where you are salaried you can some times do an average to half-arsed job and still be able to make a decent living.

In this career if you have an average skill level and or poor business building skills you will not even make a decent salary since most stylists are commission.

 

[GlamSuiteSalon]

Well, I've been a licensed cosmetologist for almost 19 years, straight out of high school. However, I also have a degree in nursing. Cosmetologist still have to take and pass a state board theory & practical exam. I passed my cosmetology & nursing board exam on the first try; many people do not. I guess some look down on the field because many stylist don't treat it like a profession. I treat my career as a profession because it is my profession. I work by appointments only, I have it set up where clients can book their own appointments online, and provide my clients with a professional salon atmosphere. I also provide everthing about my services in detail on my website, so people know upfront before making an appointment with me. I can't speak for every hair stylist, but most importantly, if you treat it like the professional job that it is, it will pay you like one to. Cha-Ching $$$$$$

 

[BraunSugar]

I believe a lot of people who go to cosmetology school are there because they want to be a cosmetologist, not because they feel it is a last resort. Not everyone wants to be a doc, lawyer, engineer, etc. & you can make good money at anything you put your mind to. If you have a passion for something, work hard at it, set goals and achieve them, then that is definitely something to be proud of. Furthering your education whether you do it in college, tech school, community college, seminars, or by going to the library to read up on your interests is something not to be frowned upon. *** what society thinks. People have to do what makes them happy.

 

[theLovelyStyle]

Because these schools (like most schools) just want your money and could honestly care less if you learn. (Harsh opinion...key wordpinion)

 

[Stormy]

I think it comes down to the mentality that if you haven't gone to college you can't make $$$$.

The sad reality is, I know a number of college grads who make $ a year while my skilled friends (those with a trade) make $$$$. Times have changed and as long as you have a skill you can still do well financially. Now it might not make you a millionaire, but you CAN live comfortably if you live within your means.

So so true!!!

 

[Detroit2Dallas]

I've never seen people look down on it, and I wouldnt care especially when I was making thousands of dollars weekly and working 2-3 days (granted it was ALL day until wee hours of the morning), spend my money and remake it the next week. Only a fool would look down on that.

 

[shunemite]

As long as what you are doing is legal, I respect you. You are paying your rent, car note, feeding your kids, and dressing your kids. The only thing I look down on is a person who refuses to work and just sits at home because they don't want to do jobs that are "beneath them". Or people who sell crack, meth and dope that destroy families but drive by in large cars- that's who I look down on.

A lady that used to braid my hair was a refugee from Africa who worked hard and braided two heads a day. Micros. That's like: 16 hours total for 2 heads. I went out of town for school and when I returned three months later she had bought a house! There are people who have respectable degrees and have trouble finding jobs or are underpaid and still have not achieved their personal goals.

 

[Solitude]

My whole thing with cosmetologists is that people who don't have a license can do hair just as well or better than most licensed cosmetologists. It seems like not many of them have developed it as a "craft." But, they get a booth and people don't know any better and they just keep jacking people's hair up. I sometimes look down on the profession based on my bad experiences with cosmetologists.

Honestly, I'm surprised at the comments in this thread considering that so many ladies avoid stylists like the plague. There's just not that many "Reniece"-type stylists out there and most of them are not making bank. I'm not sure, but isn't the average salary around 20k?

 

[glamazon386]

Because it's a service job.

 

[glamazon386]

My whole thing with cosmetologists is that people who don't have a license can do hair just as well or better than most licensed cosmetologists. It seems like not many of them have developed it as a "craft." But, they get a booth and people don't know any better and they just keep jacking people's hair up. I sometimes look down on the profession based on my bad experiences with cosmetologists.

Honestly, I'm surprised at the comments in this thread considering that so many ladies avoid stylists like the plague. There's just not that many "Reniece"-type stylists out there and most of them are not making bank. I'm not sure, but isn't the average salary around 20k?

Heck no! They make more than that. Shoot waitresses make more than that. My mom's stylist worked 3 days a week at a commission based salon and made 50K. The shop paid for all her supplies because she worked on commission. She only worked 10 am to 4 pm and every other Saturday. My old stylist had a small shop with 2 chairs in a spa and made 80K and she too worked 3 days a week and only half a day on Saturday. People who work long hours and 5 days a week probably make good money. If you own your own salon, you will make even more if you have other stylists working for you.

Think about it what does a wash and set cost maybe $40 or $50? If you do 5 heads a day and work 5 days a week at $50 that's $1250 right there. That's not even including more expensive sevices like relaxers, color, weaves, etc. A sew in weave is usually over $100. Some stylists charge $250-$300 in my area. I know a girl who only does weaves and she usually does 2 heads a day. She makes $$$.

Same thing with the African Braid shops. We had a lady file a personal injury claim at one of my previous jobs. She braided hair at an African shop. On her wage loss form her job put down she made $800 a week just braiding hair. If it costs about $200 a head for 1 set of braids and you do 4 heads a week that's $800.

Same thing with loc maintenance. I went to the shop with SO one Saturday to get his hair done and I sat there at watched. His stylist charges $50 a head. I watched him do about 5 heads for the 2.5 hours we were there. This was around 11 am and he had been working since 8 am. People were still coming in when we left. He had the shampoo guy wash them, then he did the loc maintenance and then they sat under the dryer until they were done. Then they got back into his chair for him to style the locs. Think about it 5 heads in a 2 hour period. That's $250. He could have easily made $500 before the day was over. I mean obviously that was Saturday which is one of his busiest days so he isn't that busy on weekdays. I went to him once on a week day morning and I was the only client there at that time. I know he has a lot of clients who come in the evening after work though.

You also have to think about tips. If their clients tip them, that's extra money too. Even if they only make $20 in tips a day, if they work 5 days a week that's still an extra $100 in their pocket every week.

 

[MrsHouston]

Any reputable salon is expensive to go to. A normal visit is now any where from $50 to $75 easily. These businesses are making plenty of money. Why would anyone frown on that? If you check out the parking lot, they drive really nice cars, etc.

 

[Detroit2Dallas]

My whole thing with cosmetologists is that people who don't have a license can do hair just as well or better than most licensed cosmetologists. It seems like not many of them have developed it as a "craft." But, they get a booth and people don't know any better and they just keep jacking people's hair up. I sometimes look down on the profession based on my bad experiences with cosmetologists.

Honestly, I'm surprised at the comments in this thread considering that so many ladies avoid stylists like the plague. There's just not that many "Reniece"-type stylists out there and most of them are not making bank. I'm not sure, but isn't the average salary around 20k?

I know alot of good stylist so, sorry you havent been exposed to any. And most stylist I know make WAYYYY more than 20k. Your severly misinformed. Depending on what type of salon you work in, what your skill level is and your caliber of clientele, you can easily make crazy money. Fast money and alot of money, actually. None of the stylist I know make 20k lol, this thread is funny. I guess if you work at a low end salary paid type of salon then your not going to make very much but all I can say is dont be so quick to look down your nose.

Plenty of people on here wear sew ins etc and pay like 200 or more, if a person is doing multiple heads so many days a week (or even 5-6 days a week) you better believe alot of them are making more than alot of people who have degrees. Look at how much lacefronts are selling for, and those fly off the shelves. People pay 200-1000 for good weave and wigs. Plus most people who do hair are now making wigs and doing braids. I dont know all I can say is your pretty mistaken but I can see how that can happen.

 

[BrownieBrie]

People look down on cosmetologists because some folks NEED somebody to look down on. There is nothing wrong with any profession that offers a service that people use and pay for. It doesn't matter if it's garbage men, plumbers, hair dressers, whatever.

It takes all types to make the world go round. As someone who has been in school for 4 years and has another 4-5 ahead of me, I am grateful that there are people in this world who are willing and able to do things that I am not.

 

[**SaSSy**]

Some people look down upon those who go to cosmetology school because in their eyes it's not challenging and doesn't take much skill. They have the notice and the belief in the stereotype "All Black women know how to do hair, so why pay to get certified in it"

It's similar to the belief that all black men want to become a rapper or a basketball player and forgo a higher education which takes time and perseverance.

 

[SpicyPisces]

I guess it's because it's not a regular four year college. I feel like many people nowadays put an emphasis on attending college as the main way to realistically be "successful" in life and any jobs that don't require a college degree seem to be looked down on.

I guess I'm lucky because nobody has looked down on my plan of attending cosmetology school.

 

[PearlyCurly]

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!

Sorry but that is just hilarious. And i agree with everything you said also.

I never knew going to cosmetology school was look down on until i told my dad i wanted to, he looked at me like i was crazy and as if he was ashamed of me. But yet he proudly encouraged my brother to be a plumber
But why encourage someone to do something when they dont even have the passion for it??? Both trades can get you ahead in life and can make you lots of $$$$$. As long as your passionate & determined..

Most of the ppl who look down on someone just because they are following their dreams are usually the ones who hate their life & jobs.. I remember some actor saying "Do what your passionate about and the Money Will Follow".
AKA - Dont be mad just because you hate your job & your neighbor is making money off of cutting someones split ends!

 

[dontspeakdefeat]

I'm a cosmetologist currently but hope to eventually get a career started in the course of study I took in college. Its fun at times but I do not have the passion needed to really make bank.

The purpose of cosmetology school is to prepare you for the licensing exam. Just because you graduate and you get a license doesn't mean you know how to do hair. The purpose of school from the state government standpoint is to make sure that you are aware of the safety precautions needed when you service a client chemicals, heat, communicable diseases, etc. For instance if someone has lice a salon cannot service you.

From the school's standpoint they at the very least have to give you a solid foundation on the principles of hair design (thats a fancy phrase for hair cutting), principles of color, and basic human interaction. Some schools go above and beyond this, but at the bare minimum they are going to give you the basic.

Like I already said just because you graduate and get your license doesn't mean you know how to do hair. Like I said a license just means you are allowed to work in a salon and service clients provided you adhere to safety standards.

The thing that separates those that make little money from those that make a lot is passion. If you are not passionate about this industry its going to show when you are dealing with customers and in your skills.

Another thing that separates the best from the rest is advanced continuing education. Like I said school teaches you the basics. Even at your average every day people salon you are going to employ intermediate or advanced techniques. Advanced education allows you to increase your knowledge and technical skills. You learn about new services to add to your business and increase cash flow. You learn about new products to market to make your life easier and help your customers with their problems.

Experience behind the chair is an important thing in this industry BUT making it a point to take classes can increase your skill level at a faster rate than experience alone. Because of education its one of the FEW field where years of experience don't necessarily indicate skill level.

I think people frown upon it because they probably come into contact with stylists who are not making money and are not passionate about their industry or are not passionate. You are an entrepreneur, even when you are working for someone else. You have to build up your skill level and people skills in order to build a clientle to build business. Its hard work but if the stylist is passionate its really up to them how much they want to make.

I wish I could thank you a hundred times for this post!!

Everything you wrote is so true!!

 

[gcchick_07]

to fully answer this question

you can only turn your attention to the threads labeled "why i'll never go to a stylist again" or "look at what this stylist did" or the ever favorite "my stylist made my hair fall out" threads hahahaha.

a lot of women posting in here saying "man that's just wrong, a job is a job, you go on head girl" are the same women talking about why a stylist will never ever ever ever come within 100 feet of their hair again.

so it's whatever.

 

[TamedTresses]

to fully answer this question

you can only turn your attention to the threads labeled "why i'll never go to a stylist again" or "look at what this stylist did" or the ever favorite "my stylist made my hair fall out" threads hahahaha.

a lot of women posting in here saying "man that's just wrong, a job is a job, you go on head girl" are the same women talking about why a stylist will never ever ever ever come within 100 feet of their hair again.

so it's whatever.

I highly doubt that someone having a bad experience with a stylist is the reason they look down on someone going to cosmetology school. We have bad experiences with doctors, attorneys, mechanics and various other specialists. We don't discourage anyone from going to law school or med school so...not the reason.

 

[Keshieshimmer]

I have absolutely no idea. You're not exactly a dummy if you do to hair school. You learn an astronomical amount of biology, chemistry and anatomy. You're studying something outside of the norm. You have the ability to gain fame from it. I dunno...

What chemistry are they learning? Meaning are they doing labs and stuff?