Everyone knows that in order to really make it as a hairstylist, you have to have your cosmetology license. Yes, I know that as natural stylist, in most states you don’t have to have a license or certificate to practice your craft. But take a moment and really think about where you want your hairstyling career to be in the next 5 years. I am hoping that if you are not fully licensed that you are by then.
Cosmetology school is a great experience and you actually learn a ton of things that you don’t even think is relevant. It’s a great way to meet other people with a similar mindset as you and to experience realms of the beauty world you didn’t think to explore. Cosmetology school is a great starting point, but it’s there to help you pass your state test and that’s it!
Cosmetology School vs. Natural Hair
Cosmetology school teaches you the basics of doing hair. You learn how to cut in your angles and how to frame the face. You learn how to mix color correctly (it depends on the brand). You even learn braiding and extensions. Well you are suppose too and to an extent you do. But what happens if you get a teacher who knows nothing about textured hair types?
Well if you are trying to step in the textured hair realm, it can be frustrating. When I was in school my teacher was not well versed in textured hair types. So, when we got to the section about braids and weaves, I demonstrated to the first year students how to actually achieve some of the looks. As a student I loved having the opportunity to showcase the skills I learned over the years. However as a graduate I realize that we need more representation for the textured hair community in the cosmetology schools.
Textured hair is not something that we really talked about in school. It seemed more like we did a drive -by through the textured hair section. Even though I already knew how to do everything we were learning that week, most of the girls were struggling. Mainly, because they just simply didn’t understand.
The main problem that we see in cosmetology schools is that you don’t get taught what products to use and when to use them. They also don’t have the clientele needed to actually practice on textured hair types and then you are dealing with the lack of knowledge amongst some of the educators. And those are just some of the problems.
Ways to Fill the Gap
The gap can be filled and it is being filled slowly. I have seen more classes and workshops for the natural hair community, but when it comes to school, there isn’t really enough representation. Below is a few ways that we as natural stylist can help fill this gap.
- Volunteer at your cosmetology school. If you are wanting to start offering classes or workshops, start at your old school. This will help you develop and create a structure. Now in most states you need a Master Stylist license in order to actually teach, but you can put on demonstrations. Basically you just show the class how to achieve certain looks or even talk about proper product use. The choice is yours just make sure you are abiding by all your state board’s requirements.
- Get Master Stylist License. Now if your goal is to actually teach at a cosmetology school, you need to get your Master Stylist License (this may not be the name for your state. Check your local state board website to see what your requirements to become a licensed teacher are.)
If you are a current cosmetology student, good luck and don’t give up. There are classes and workshops out there to help you sharpen your natural hair skills.
If you are a stylist, start offering demonstration services for free or go to the schools and just talk with the students. I say start with the school you attended, they will more than likely let you help out.
Just another day at Cosmetology School. Taken from Great Plains Technology Center Facebook.
Marketing photo for the second year students. We was trying to get more clients
