So you want to be a Cosmetologist? That's awesome! A career in Cosmetology can be rewarding, profitable, and fun. Not only can you build quality relationships with your co-workers but also with clients, educators, and brands across the globe. There is no limit to what you can do with a Cosmetology license.

To help you make the most of your career, I have created a list of essential tips to help you succeed as a new Cosmetologist.

1). Goal Setting

After you become a licensed Cosmetologist, you should start a list of clear goals you have for your career. These goals should include the type of salon or atmosphere you aspire to work in, income goals, and some out-of-this-world goals like wanting to work on a movie set or style a celebrity's hair. These goals will help motivate you to focus on your path and success. You can read more about goal setting here in this blog post.

2). Determine your Target Market

Knowing what type of person you want to work with is crucial to any business's success. Developing a clear vision of a person you build your brand around will simplify any marketing questions. Your marketing efforts will revolve around your target market's likes, wants, personality, and style. I go into more detail about the target market in this blog post.

3). Open to Learning

The beauty industry is constantly evolving and growing. If you want a successful career in Cosmetology, you must always learn the trends by taking classes, learning from others, and being open to constructive criticism. The most common way to gain education in this industry is by attending hair shows, taking private education classes by brands or individual hair stylists, paying for a private online subscription, and taking an online course focusing on one specific topic. Failing to continue your education will not only stunt your growth and confidence but will cap any income goals you create for yourself.

You can join my favorite education subscription with the Blonde Chronicles here. Be sure to use my code to save $5 off your first month! Code: LINDSEY5

**I am a BCU ambassador and I am earning a commission.

4). Find a Mentor

Finding a trusted mentor or advisor is essential in a new Cosmetologist's journey. This person has already achieved the success you want to duplicate in your life or career. You admire this person's career path and technical abilities and want to model your career after theirs because, in your opinion, they are successful. A mentor could even guide you in making important decisions inside your business that could be costly in the long run.

I have openly stated my experience and opinions on mentors in this post.

5). Commitment

You must be committed if you have goals and dreams for your career in Cosmetology. You must give this career 100% and practice new skills often. You must commit to marketing yourself, improving your skills, and learning new ones. It would be best to put blinders on, not concern yourself with what others are doing, and focus on your personal and professional growth.

Commit to investing in yourself!

6). Take Care of Your Body

This career is demanding on your body because you are standing for the majority of the day. Many hairstylists suffer from joint pain, carpal tunnel, tendinitis in the arms and elbows, and leg or knee pain. When you commit to this career, these are all part of the package, but there are ways to help reduce most of these issues. Wear supportive shoes, drink lots of water throughout the day, eat a well-balanced diet, take breaks, sit down, and see a massage therapist regularly. Practicing self-care is crucial when taking care of your mental and physical well-being.

7). Taking Time Off

Time off from work is just as important as the work itself. You have to enjoy life with your partner, family, and friends; otherwise, what are you working so hard for? What's the point of building a beautiful life if you can't take time off to enjoy it? Taking a break from work will help alleviate any feeling of burnout that will surely come when you are 100% committed to your career. Time off is priceless, so enjoy your vacations and days off!

8). Time Management Skills

A career in Cosmetology requires excellent time management skills. Committing to this career also requires investing time, energy, and money. To cross all the tasks off your to-do list, you must be well organized and efficient with your time in and out of the salon and find a balance between your work and your personal life. This skill will develop over time, and you will soon find balance. I suggest devoting a specific day or number of hours to practice your skills, marketing your business, tending to self-care, and keeping up with your finances.

9). Positive Attitude

Having a positive attitude starts with how you speak to yourself. Positive thinking means that you approach unpleasantness in a more positive and productive way. You try to find the silver lining in every situation, even if it is unpleasant. Life in the salon can be high-stress because you are dealing with clients in your chair, clients running late, the high energy of a salon, and several problems that may come up when dealing with chemicals. But having a positive attitude even when stuff goes sideways will help you cope with life's chaos. Salon life is not always in your control, but how you respond to the situation is!

10) Hard Work

This career requires hard work on many levels. You may be asked to come to the salon early or stay late. You may have to work in the evenings or on weekends. You may have to do services that you do not enjoy or work with clients who could be more pleasant. You will have to work hard to build your dream clientele and work hard to keep them coming to you. Hard work may look like stepping out of your comfort zone, consistently posting on social media, actively pursuing new clients, and developing new technical or business skills. Just know that it all requires work but will be worth it.

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