Too old for beauty school?

hey, i am 30, and i am registered for the cosmetology program next week. i don't think it's a waste of time, if that's what you enjoy doing. It will take time to build clientele, but you got to be motivated. You got to advertise yourself when you are done with school, don't just sit around. I believe you can do anything if you put your heart into it.

Hi everyone I'm so glad I found this site. It's been an absolute inspiration reading everyone's comments. I'm 45 and am starting a hair course at Saks Academy in London next week and am really looking forward to it. Best decision I ever made. No age issue at this school either as there is a mix of 20s 30s 40s up to 60s. I too was in a dead end and stressful job and am so glad I've got the opportunity to do what I've always wanted to do. Yes, I've also been criticised because of my age and it doesn't help when that happens. My family members (apart from my daughter) are sceptical about it. However, I don't care what anyone says, I'm doing what I WANT TO DO! People have this misconception that you should stick to the same routine till you retire. Well, the way this economy is going I don't agree with that at all. It is a little scary too because I am starting from scratch. My plan is to work part-time in a salon to get more experience and go freelance the other half of the time. I can take the qualification anywhere in the world. I can't wait to be able to just carry my scissors and comb in my handbag when I go out in case anyone needs a hair cut!!!lol. So, if it's what you really want to do then do it. Life's too short.

willoughby in Santa Monica, California said: I'm 57, so you 40-something nubiles have nothing to complain about. I went to school for twenty years to get a Ph.D. in Language and Literature, had several university jobs and lost them all due to the megalomaniacal politics of academia. That said, I'm considering a 360 degree career change and have often thought cosmetology would be rewarding-- not for the beauty and hair aspect so much as the fact that you can be an armchair (or salon chair, if you will) psychologist as most people open up to their stylists more than their actual shrinks. And I love psychoanalyzing people..and knowing how to make them look good sounds nice too.ve
So.. am I nuts? Should I do it, folks? By the way, I know better than to plunk down my life savings (I'll do it through a comm. college which has an excellent reputation).

Willoughby, I was interested in what you had to say! I spent over a decade while in my 30's to early 40's getting a bachelor's and a JD while working. After I passed the Bar exam I quit my 15 year flight attendant job to be a lawyer and I have HATED every minute of it for the last 5 years. Besides hating the entire practice of law, hating the jerks I work with and work against, hating the clients, the money isn't even that great (I work for the government so I don't have to bill, which is an entirely other ugly aspect of law). I'm at the point now where I don't even care that so much of my time and money was sunk into a career/lifestyle that I hate and don't want to do. I always liked the customer service part of being a flight attendant and when I was younger I thought seriously about cosmotology (but there has always been a stigma of the industry and the people in it that probably kept me out, to be honest.) I think being "older" gives us an edge on working with people, confidence, motivation, etc. that we need to succeed. I have been told by several chi-chi stylists in the best salons in Seattle that

I've been told by a few sylists in the "best" salons that I should attend one of these pay-for-profit high end schools (Aveda, Toni & Guy, etc) because that gets you a great apprenticeship. I'm wondering if my attending a good community college program and then doing advanced training after wouldn't get the same apprenticeships if they can see we're really motivated, have life experience and confidence, etc? There's no way I can afford ANOTHER over-priced student loan on top of all my others. So, what have you decided, Willoughby? I'm really 80% certain I want to make the move but I still have some doubts, like you, that I'm NUTS!!! Any thoughts anyone???

Funny, I have been told the opposite. Go to the Comm. college, and get your license, then go to the hair shows and get as many "free" classes as possible. I can't take any much more student loan debt either! Im going the cheap route!

You say you hate the clients you worked with in your law practice. Do you really believe they will be different in the beauty Industry? "I don't think so" Clients are clients and you will have nice client's and not so nice ones.You may want to think twice about changing careers.

Jane in Port Orchard, Washington said: Willoughby, I was interested in what you had to say! I spent over a decade while in my 30's to early 40's getting a bachelor's and a JD while working. After I passed the Bar exam I quit my 15 year flight attendant job to be a lawyer and I have HATED every minute of it for the last 5 years. Besides hating the entire practice of law, hating the jerks I work with and work against, hating the clients, the money isn't even that great (I work for the government so I don't have to bill, which is an entirely other ugly aspect of law). I'm at the point now where I don't even care that so much of my time and money was sunk into a career/lifestyle that I hate and don't want to do. I always liked the customer service part of being a flight attendant and when I was younger I thought seriously about cosmotology (but there has always been a stigma of the industry and the people in it that probably kept me out, to be honest.) I think being "older" gives us an edge on working with people, confidence, motivation, etc. that we need to succeed. I have been told by several chi-chi stylists in the best salons in Seattle that

Somehow, I don't find your story to be believable.

It is not a story, it is a fact. You say you hated your clients as a lawyer,what, makes you think it is different in the beauty Industry? They are people,some can be pleased very easily some not so easily.Just like in any industry dealing with the outside world.

Mary inTampa in Tampa, Florida said: Somehow, I don't find your story to be believable.

Sorry you don't believe me but this is my situation. My question has still not been answered. If anyone has some real advise please weigh in.

As far as the clients - I don't expect some won't be a pain. I just won't have to solve their unsolveable legal problems even though they won't listen to my real world advise. Their body issues and low self esteem that they play out on their stylist seems slightly less stressful than the fact that I can't keep them out of court for sexual discrimination lawsuit to the tune of $100K+. I AM thinking twice about changing careers, which is why I'm asking.... I would appreciate meaningful, helpful advise instead of cattiness.

I enjoyed reading your comment. Good luck in all you do!!!

djdj in Santa Ana, California said: I enjoyed reading your comment. Good luck in all you do!!!

Thank you!

Jane, Jesse has been giving negative and unsupportive responses to everyone since day one, don't mind her. I totally understand you. I too work for the federal, of all the political BS and 'back-stabbing' that comes with it, I soooo hate my job of so many years I've put in thus far. I am 46 yrs. old and ongoing 3 months in beauty school and absolutely love it!!! If you like the idea of making others comfortable (pamper ;o) and beautiful and your passion shows it, you'll do just fine. There are many stylists who hate their jobs simply because they lack passion and positive attitudes, they have no other opportunities to turn to. Good luck to you and other followers.

Mr Keith thinks he knows everything LOL 3 months into it he is an expert.If you don't agree with him 100% of the time regarding this industry ,you are negative. I thought this is what it was all about, "opinions" . It seems only certain people need make comments about the Industry and no one else has a say about anything they don't want to hear.Especially the beginners. All I was saying is ,if you HATED your clients in the Law practice,what makes it different in this industry. You may want to find a job that you work alone,because people are people everywhere and you will have complaints no matter what when you deal with the public.Who is negative now.Some of you on here only read what you want to read so you can be negative.

jessie in Ottawa, Ontario said: Mr Keith thinks he knows everything LOL 3 months into it he is an expert.If you don't agree with him 100% of the time regarding this industry ,you are negative. I thought this is what it was all about, "opinions" . It seems only certain people need make comments about the Industry and no one else has a say about anything they don't want to hear.Especially the beginners. All I was saying is ,if you HATED your clients in the Law practice,what makes it different in this industry. You may want to find a job that you work alone,because people are people everywhere and you will have complaints no matter what when you deal with the public.Who is negative now.Some of you on here only read what you want to read so you can be negative.

Jessie, sorry, but your irrational, unreasoned comments masquerading as "advice" are not appreciated nor given any consideration. To recommend that I find a job that I work "alone" is absurd. You don't know the first thing about law or a legal practice, so I recommend withholding further (uninformed) opinions on why you believe I won't make a good stylist b/c I don't like practicing law . You don't need to be a cosmetologist to know that the stress and pressure of a law practice (and dealing with people with some serious legal problems where the stakes are very high) IS IN FACT different than dealing with people who sometimes have unreasonable expectations of their stylists and who might be emotionally fragile or demanding. I'm not minimizing the customer service issues that can occur in the hair biz, but anyone with emotional maturity gets the difference. The topic here is older people entering the styling biz. No one here just fell off the turnip truck. I've been working for 30 years, most of it in customer service. I don't need your immature lecture that there will be "complaints no matter what when you deal with the public." No kidding? Sounds like YOU are not happy with your life.

Keith in Charleston, South Carolina said: Jane, Jesse has been giving negative and unsupportive responses to everyone since day one, don't mind her. I totally understand you. I too work for the federal, of all the political BS and 'back-stabbing' that comes with it, I soooo hate my job of so many years I've put in thus far. I am 46 yrs. old and ongoing 3 months in beauty school and absolutely love it!!! If you like the idea of making others comfortable (pamper ;o) and beautiful and your passion shows it, you'll do just fine. There are many stylists who hate their jobs simply because they lack passion and positive attitudes, they have no other opportunities to turn to. Good luck to you and other followers.

Thanks, Keith! I appreciate your words of encouragement. I agree with everything you said! Good luck to you also.

I can see now Jane why you didn't make it as a lawyer. Very hard job being a good Lawyer.To go from Law to Hair is a big step. Good Luck ! Whatever your endeavers may be.

I agree with Jane. So happens, I do know almost everything about law. I was a court reporter for ten years and a legal assistant for twenty.

There is a world of difference between the stress of law work and hair work. Lawyers make the wrong decisions, and they risk being sued or a bar complaint, or losing their license to practice. A young lawyer has to be super ambitious to get and keep that coveted spot in a great law firm.

I know first hand how the legal market has disentegrated. Law firms are breaking up.

cont

Not everyone who actually went to law school and passed their state bar is a good choice for being a lawyer. I know that firsthand.

At least Jane knows she shouldn't be, or doesn't want to be a lawyer. Jane, that's a good thing. You're still young enough to get out of your life what YOU WANT.

Before you send the money to get a hair license, go to a salon, ask to spend three days with their stylists, get a feel for it.

My thought is the MONEY!!!! You might be great at it, and make very good money. What about court reporting? You are already familiar with law. You could teach yourself court reporting. And there are some reporters out there making over $100,000 a year.

Mary inTampa in Tampa, Florida said: Not everyone who actually went to law school and passed their state bar is a good choice for being a lawyer. I know that firsthand.

At least Jane knows she shouldn't be, or doesn't want to be a lawyer. Jane, that's a good thing. You're still young enough to get out of your life what YOU WANT.

Before you send the money to get a hair license, go to a salon, ask to spend three days with their stylists, get a feel for it.

My thought is the MONEY!!!! You might be great at it, and make very good money. What about court reporting? You are already familiar with law. You could teach yourself court reporting. And there are some reporters out there making over $100,000 a year.

Mary, thanks for your comments! I have thought about court reporting before, but heard from several court reporters that it takes 4-5 years to learn enough to even work. Its not that I think cosmotology is an easy shift - I know that too will take several years to build a client base. But I am actually interested in cosmotology too. Good tip to go to a salon for a few days. I think I will try that. But what about court reporting... heard of anyone taking less than 4 years to be functional? What do you do in the meantime for work?

Kathleen in Springfield, Massachusetts said: Hello- I have recently been thinking of attending beauty school, an idea I've had for years. I am largely discouraged by family members because I am currently 48 years old with hardly any work experience other then being a homemaker and visual artist. Truthfully, I wouldn't want to get my hopes up over something that would only lead to embaressment and disappointment. I can't help but think that even if I did well in school that no one would give me the the chance in the employment world due to my age and inexperience. Is there any advice you could offer me?

Thank you!-Kathleen

I believe it's never to late to begin living your dreams! You need to go for it, life is too short for regrets. Besides how will you know if you don't try? Good luck!

Well everyone Im doing it I graduated from school in oct of 2010, got my license Jan 2011 ...still cant believe it !!!!! I decided to go the assistant route so far I've been asstiting since feb. love it !!!! Just tired cause I assist 3 days work at my other job 3 days .....hoping in the next year to go into hair full-time only got 1 more year and I turn the 50 =) Just keeping it simple...if you work hard, keep focused, have passion, you can do it !!!!!can't wait till I can reitire from my waitress job and be my own boss =) PS thank you everyone for posting your thoughts it really does help to know Im not the only one over 30 trying to start a new career =)PSS wish I could go tho London to study more So Kay if you ever want to talk..... I live in Las Vegas =)

Kay in London, UK in United Kingdom said: Hi everyone I'm so glad I found this site. It's been an absolute inspiration reading everyone's comments. I'm 45 and am starting a hair course at Saks Academy in London next week and am really looking forward to it. Best decision I ever made. No age issue at this school either as there is a mix of 20s 30s 40s up to 60s. I too was in a dead end and stressful job and am so glad I've got the opportunity to do what I've always wanted to do. Yes, I've also been criticised because of my age and it doesn't help when that happens. My family members (apart from my daughter) are sceptical about it. However, I don't care what anyone says, I'm doing what I WANT TO DO! People have this misconception that you should stick to the same routine till you retire. Well, the way this economy is going I don't agree with that at all. It is a little scary too because I am starting from scratch. My plan is to work part-time in a salon to get more experience and go freelance the other half of the time. I can take the qualification anywhere in the world. I can't wait to be able to just carry my scissors and comb in my handbag when I go out in case anyone needs a hair cut!!!lol. So, if it's what you really want to do then do it. Life's too short.

You can do it!!!! I just posted on july 23 I llive in Las Vegas been a waitress for over 20 years so glad to be starting this new career...Youre gonna love it good luck to U =)

amy in Glen Burnie, Maryland said: Hi there! I'm in the same boat right now and am soooo glad I found this sight....I'm 36 and I'm going for it....did you end up signing up? How is it going? I'd love to know!

Hi I am to start esthetician school next week, I am having a total panic attack! I am 47 and scared to death. I want the change so bad but scared of the market and jobs because of my age. Am I wrong? Any encouragment would be great

Kathleen in Springfield, Massachusetts said: Hello- I have recently been thinking of attending beauty school, an idea I've had for years. I am largely discouraged by family members because I am currently 48 years old with hardly any work experience other then being a homemaker and visual artist. Truthfully, I wouldn't want to get my hopes up over something that would only lead to embaressment and disappointment. I can't help but think that even if I did well in school that no one would give me the the chance in the employment world due to my age and inexperience. Is there any advice you could offer me?

Thank you!-Kathleen

I worked at a beauty school for 11 years and I can tell you, YOU ARE NOT too old, my Mom finished the course when she was 45. There are many students in their 50's. Sure there are a lot of young students, but the range of age is so diverse, it would surprise you. I have a friend who started in her 50's and now is an instructor for a beauty school, it's never too late to follow your dream and trust me you do not need ANY work experience, they teach you everything you need to know to be a cosmetologist....Hope this helped! Go for it!!!

Kathy =) in Las Vegas, Nevada said: You can do it!!!! I just posted on july 23 I llive in Las Vegas been a waitress for over 20 years so glad to be starting this new career...Youre gonna love it good luck to U =)

Kathy, congratulations! I am 49 and just started hair school. I am the oldest in my class. Most are in their early 20's, so I feel a little like the odd ball, but they are all really sweet girls. Is it normal to feel overwhelmed the first 2 weeks of school? When did you start feeling confident in school? I never knew there would be so much to hair!

Morgan Deane in Fairfax, Virginia said: Kathy, congratulations! I am 49 and just started hair school. I am the oldest in my class. Most are in their early 20's, so I feel a little like the odd ball, but they are all really sweet girls. Is it normal to feel overwhelmed the first 2 weeks of school? When did you start feeling confident in school? I never knew there would be so much to hair!

Morgan, you should be proud you took the first step!!!!! just hang on !!!!! your going to feel over whelmed, for a while then youll feel confident then overwhelmed again, over and over but that normal ...but it will be worth it in the end !!!!! my email is kta224@cox .net if u need to talk =)

Thank you! Those encouraging words make a big difference. You just may hear from me again. Good luck to you as well.

hello, i have a question that hopefully someone can answer, i attended san antonio beauty collage back in 1989 and did not complete credits. i have around 900 credits, will i be able to use those credits or do i have to start all over?

tressy6870 in San Antonio, Texas said: hello, i have a question that hopefully someone can answer, i attended san antonio beauty collage back in 1989 and did not complete credits. i have around 900 credits, will i be able to use those credits or do i have to start all over?

I would suggest you call your state board and ask them. They could tell you or call the beauty school you attended.

tressy6870 in San Antonio, Texas said: hello, i have a question that hopefully someone can answer, i attended san antonio beauty collage back in 1989 and did not complete credits. i have around 900 credits, will i be able to use those credits or do i have to start all over?

I would suggest you call you state board or the beauty school you last attended.

Deb in Rockford, Illinois said: I am so excited to have found this forum! I too am struggleing with the too old issue myself. Next month I will be 49! uggh! But I feel a young 49. I have worked at a factory job for 25 years and have hated every moment of it. Sure the pay, vacation, bennies are all good, but what about the happiness factor?? I have always wanted to be a hair stylist. The hardest sell I am having is my husband who is very comfortable with the same money coming in every week and all the benifits, which I do understand, But I also can't seem to give up the idea. Any ideas for helping me sell him on the new direction I would like to grow in?? Any thoughts would be helpful.

Did you finish school and how is the salon industry. Thinking of going to school for cosmotology. I am 46 and want to do something different. I am a girly girl who likes to dress up. Please let me know you success....Thanx

I came upon this on a web search. I am also 40something and getting my NJ lic. reinstated.
I have 2 different degrees and when I was between the 2 deg's (in my mid 20's) I went to hair school . It was great! however I really got into the technology advances of the Automotive world a few years later. I also have a deg in Equine Sciences so of course the cosmetology field being somewhat medical / scientific like, was very interesting. But I decided to go full force into the Automotive world and as a female in the car repair biz it was good...no 'mean' guys....all were good to me. But, thanks to GOVERNMENT MOTORS Iwent from great paying union job to little shop jobs to even a used auto parts store to a press fleet car company. Then it dried up the last 4 years(thanks washington bs bureaucratics) So: I let my license lapse thinking I was set i was ok....I got married years ago...I don't have to really work (now) but seeing how things are getting around me, I should make some backup money; a just in case fund. Anyhow, you are never too old...I knew a woman who was a nurse and at 40 or 45 she became a cop.
How's that for a story. lol I love working with my hands and am much into art and shaping et al. I don't think I am old at all...I think most of us in our 30s and 40s are a younger mind/body-set than the generation before us. I do agree with one person who says the young 20boppers don't show up as much as the older 20's and up , do.
I hope all is going well with the original poster and to all others here, keep on truckin'(i remember seeing that as a little kid on a bumper sticker) lol.

Hi Kathleen,
I am sure this comment is rather late from your original post. I am 43 and just graduated from cosmetology school in Texas. I promise you it is never too late. I feel more independant than ever. It is an opportunity for you to gain a great income, and become a business owner if you so desire. Never let anyone discourage you from your dream. The way to stay at the top of the competition is to get to the hair shows in different areas and learn all of the newest ideas, even getting online to see what new. Once you are in a salon, you will be great. Some schools even allow you to get financial aid, including loans that will suppl. your income until you are complete. Be sure to put back about 200.00 of that for the exams and license fees. Just go for it.

Kathleen in Springfield, Massachusetts said: Hello- I have recently been thinking of attending beauty school, an idea I've had for years. I am largely discouraged by family members because I am currently 48 years old with hardly any work experience other then being a homemaker and visual artist. Truthfully, I wouldn't want to get my hopes up over something that would only lead to embaressment and disappointment. I can't help but think that even if I did well in school that no one would give me the the chance in the employment world due to my age and inexperience. Is there any advice you could offer me?

Thank you!-Kathleen

mature lady in Columbia, MD in Columbia, Maryland said: pcantini in Houston, Texas I too graduated from hair school at the age of 55 and I have been working for a National change since February of 2011. I have had some return clients and people seem to like me but I am getting a little discouraged at the little amount of money I am making. I am in a salon that just opened about 3 weeks ago and the company has given out coupons for half off haircuts. I feel like I am working extremely hard for peanuts. I made more money when I got a full time job years ago right out of high school. My husband and I have really had to scale down our spending. What encouragement can you give me? I don't have to make $50,000 a year, I just want to be able to eat.

this is how most people are in the business. even though you are in a chain, you need to get people to come in and "request" you. start getting client cards on these people if you can, or give out cards with your name and number. If you have books and take more than walk-ins this will work for you.

Since this forum doesn't allow truly long-form posts, I believe I will have to break this into several pieces. When I first came here, all I saw were posts about whether or not you should do it, and people saying that they had gone into school, etc.—but I almost never got any input regarding what happens afterwards, or what the actual process is like. So—I intend on fleshing some of that out a bit for anybody who might be curious. Keep in mind that my experience is going to be a bit atypical, because I generally tend to be an outlier in most things I do, and I definitely am in the cosmetology field. I'm a straight, white male in my mid-40s, who was considering going to grad school to become a therapist before opting to go towards cosmetology.

So—my main input for people who are choosing this path, irrespective of age, is that if you're focused, good with people, and driven, you will have no problem. At least that has been my experience. I think women have a bit harder of a time with it in cosmetology school, because there is no shortage of cattiness and sniping—and I have found that the men (and, at the risk of sounding homophobic [which I'm not, I can assure you] specifically _straight_ men) in my school had an easier time brushing that kind of stuff off. There were certainly women who didn't let it get to them, but they were few and far between. My experience at my school (which is a public school) is that it is full of a lot of self-entitled people who are lacking motivation. If you are driven in that kind of environment, you will really stand out. At my school, the cosmetology club was compulsory, and I ended up being the president. This was largely due to the fact that I brought motivation right from the start. Often times being in that position was like pulling teeth, because the student body could be so lackluster. Part of that is just endemic to the culture of my school.

PART TWO: Anyway—the actual schooling part of it can be quite a grind. When you first get there, they are smashing tons of information that you. (In addition to a large amount of new information, you are required to pick up a great deal of new manual skills, which can be very frustrating. If I didn't have my gender programming in the way, I likely would have thrown down my tools multiple times and stormed out of the room crying from frustration. I could feel that impulse on more than one occasion, but of course I kept it in check (yes—I can be somewhat girly at times…). For those who are not at all scientifically inclined, you might be a bit intimidated by the fact that you generally have to learn some basic biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology. I found it to be no more difficult than anything that you would get in junior high or high school, but a significant portion of my classmates were struggling. My personal opinion is that the majority of them had the most difficulty with it were not really applying themselves at home. I heard a number of people claim to be bad at testing, but almost invariably those people spent almost no time at home really studying. I was willing (and able, time-wise) to spend an entire day making, and studying flashcards—as well as occasionally getting up at 3:30 in the morning to study before a test. Keep in mind, that I was the only person in my class that did this, because it was important for me to be at the top of my class, grade-wise. There were other people in the class who were giving me a run for my money who were not putting in the kind of time studying that I was.

PART THREE:
My school takes 3 to 4 semesters., And by far the first semester was the hardest by an order of magnitude. We had a tremendous amount of busy work to take home with us in addition to our daily practical training. It's actually kind of ridiculous. Most of that busy work had to do with mindlessly filling in page after page after page of workbooks, which were basically copying and pasting large amounts of information from the textbook. I asked every student in my school, and almost nobody said that they found that activity to be useful in learning. Instructors seem to think that it's important, because students won't look at the textbook otherwise—but, I just felt bad for the people who had outside jobs, as well as children to attend to when they weren't at school. Make no mistake—if you have a family, and work outside of school, you're going to be run completely ragged for a while. All of the women in my class who were over forty, who had kids and work outside of school, were always just holding on by their fingernails. One of them had to drop down a part-time, because she couldn't take it. But–they all made it—and I think that they will all be fine, with getting jobs on the outside, because they are all very motivated. I can't stress this enough. If you are good-natured, good with people, and can stay on-course, you will likely have little difficulty finding a job—that is, if you aren't living in one of the economically harder-hit areas of the nation. You might well have a pretty good time getting work in one of those areas as well, but since I'm not living in one of them, I can't really say.

PART FOUR: All I know is that I was employed by a really fantastic woman before I even graduated. She had gone to my school couple of decades prior, and upon meeting her, immediately struck up a conversation with her to find out about how her transition from school to work. Just in that exchange, she recognized my motivation, and saw that I was good with people, and gave me her card. I called her up, went to salon to shadow for a day, and am now working for her. She is super nice, and super accommodating, and quite a master of color. I love the city I live in, and really would prefer to work here—but I am commuting to a neighboring city, about 20 min. away, because I feel so comfortable in her salon.

One thing I want to stress however, is that I would have to say that the single biggest shortcoming that I saw of almost the entire student body was a lack of self-reflection. There were very few people in my school who I felt honestly had a real ability to look at themselves, and see themselves from the outside. People's self-assessments were often so wildly off base that it was laughable. You might be sitting here reading this thinking “oh, I am really great with people, and am super-motivated, so I will have no problem”, but I would look around you to see how much conflict you have in your life. If you find that you get into arguments easy, or you are often disgusted with people, and spend a lot of time feeling offended by others—then it is likely that you're not exactly who you think you are. I was always quite amazed at how the older women in my class were constantly making sniping comments about how out-of-line the younger women were, when they were engaged in the exact same behaviors that they were casting aspersions at. You can actually see a lot of that on this very forum. Anyway— You can make it. Good luck!

PS: I forgot to mention that I took my state board exam yesterday. It was very stressful, and I saw a lot of people fail the exam. Most people seemed to pass the practical, but failed the written. I personally found the written to be quite easy, and I think that the majority of the people who failed it were people who didn't speak English very well, if at all. Several people from my class have also failed the written—but they were all people who never applied themselves toward studying. I passed, and you will too if you stay on track!

great posts. beauty school, for me, was a lot more difficult in terms of environment than passing my state board.

i had my group of friends and that was it. we were all glad when it was done.

i'm not that great with people, i am great at doing hair (so i've been told) and i enjoy it, but the fact that i dont get along with people all that well has made me not want to pursue a career as a stylist behind the chair, although i did try when i got out of beauty school and got my license. i love working on certain kinds of hair (namely long) but as most people know you cant pick and choose as a new stylist. so it just never worked for me.

For Cosmetology graduated students, do you take state of board test ONLY for hair? I heard that we can apply hair, esthetic, and nail? Is it true? Will we capable to do so?
Thank you,

Alice in Torrance, California said: For Cosmetology graduated students, do you take state of board test ONLY for hair? I heard that we can apply hair, esthetic, and nail? Is it true? Will we capable to do so?
Thank you,

In California, you have to take the exam for everything: hair, nails and facials. I have heard from multiple students there that the new national test that was instituted last month has been given up to know without the facials part—so, only hair and nails. TO my knowledge there is no test for licensure that is only hair.

Alice in Torrance, California said: For Cosmetology graduated students, do you take state of board test ONLY for hair? I heard that we can apply hair, esthetic, and nail? Is it true? Will we capable to do so?
Thank you,

I just took the new California State Board Exam this month and got my license. We tested on hair, nails, and facials...we can do it all! As far as how old is too old?...I'm 54 and hopefully I'll be able to find a job in this business, I love doing hair and skin care as well.

Alice in Torrance, California said: For Cosmetology graduated students, do you take state of board test ONLY for hair? I heard that we can apply hair, esthetic, and nail? Is it true? Will we capable to do so?
Thank you,

I just passed my CA State Board 2 weeks ago and we tested on hair, nails, and facials. I sure hope age isn't a problem in this business because I'm 54! I'd hate to think that 3 semesters in community college was a waste of time!

Jen in South San Francisco, California said: I just passed my CA State Board 2 weeks ago and we tested on hair, nails, and facials. I sure hope age isn't a problem in this business because I'm 54! I'd hate to think that 3 semesters in community college was a waste of time!

Sorry for the double posting...I didn't think the first one worked! This forum is a bit tweaky! :)

I am a 42yrs old women who is looking forward in going back to school for cosmetology.. My biggest "fear".. is trying to get back in to the swing of things. I attended school in DC.. in 2003 graduated but, didnt complete all my hours..sadly to say i moved back to NYc (finacial reasons)..and took another career.. and recieved my Degree in School Sciences..no hope in the work field :((...Anyway.. I got hooked on doing hair on the side, and i made decent $$$.. My hussle was pretty good but, everyweek(pay)just wasnt the same..I call it a yo-yo battle... I still do hair..off and on. I want to open my own salon.. as soon as I graduate this year. but, I"m not sure what are the requirments(do u have to wait a year or two(need experaince) to own your own shop in nyc)... I just cant work in other ppl shops anymore.. Just dont want to waste anymore time...

[I am 50 and just now looking for a job like you I was a homemaker and now going for my dream job, I looked at it like a bucket list,also what a great example Ive set for my kids its never too late to go for a dream! Good luck!! there are complainers,dreamers, and those that do it!! Join the club, no regrets!!

Oshee in New York, New York said: I am a 42yrs old women who is looking forward in going back to school for cosmetology.. My biggest "fear".. is trying to get back in to the swing of things. I attended school in DC.. in 2003 graduated but, didnt complete all my hours..sadly to say i moved back to NYc (finacial reasons)..and took another career.. and recieved my Degree in School Sciences..no hope in the work field :((...Anyway.. I got hooked on doing hair on the side, and i made decent $$$.. My hussle was pretty good but, everyweek(pay)just wasnt the same..I call it a yo-yo battle... I still do hair..off and on. I want to open my own salon.. as soon as I graduate this year. but, I"m not sure what are the requirments(do u have to wait a year or two(need experaince) to own your own shop in nyc)... I just cant work in other ppl shops anymore.. Just dont want to waste anymore time...

No, you are not. Where I go to school I see all ages, I have been talking to many of my friends at he school, I found out that the "older girls" are more business oriented and focused than the "younger girls". I feel the 30 years & up don't have time to waste so it's all about getting the hours done as fast as they can. Just do it.

Being a Hair Sylist is hard on your body, but so is sitting at a desk all day. You're never to old for anything as long as you have passion and drive

Keith in Charleston, South Carolina said: I'm so excited about beauty school but not sure to go for PM or the local technical college (1/2 cheaper). Which one would I get more training on real clients vs manneqins??? I'm thinking PM force students to sell products and college is about teaching/learning. What do you think?

Stay away from Paul Mitchell. It is a very undisciplined school in regards to the students and the instructors who usually have less than 3 years of experience. I went to Paul Mitchell and I have regretted it and will continue to regret it.