Too old for beauty school?

really old

people have a right to post what they want. if its old to you dont read it.

I have one year left to get my BSBA in Marketing. It will be ten years after high school when I finally finish, ugh!!(Ok my husband is in the miliatry so I have lived in 3 different states in 5 years and will be moving in 3 months again, so I kind of have an excuse =-D) I am concerned that I will not be able to get a decent job after I finish school. One because of the economy and two due to my lack of having a job for a long time.
I have always wanted to attend beauty school, but have always been told that I NEED to finish college. SO here I am almost done with it, but have no real job skills. I have not been able to keep a job very long, because of all the moving around and trying to attend school( It's not an excuse, I have trouble keeping jobs I don't like and sometimes school and work overwhelm me).
OK I know this is loong, but I want good advice.lol
My husband tells me I should finish school and see if I can find a good job that I like, if I don't than we can talk about me going to beauty school.
Another concern is that beauty school is very expensive and I already have student loans.
Any advice would be gladly appreciated!!
If you are in the beauty bizz, please help!

I posted this on adifferent thread, but you guys seem to have more positive feedback, which I need.

You are never too old to do something you love. Go on and do it! I am a 50+ that would love to have someone older than 25 cut or color my hair! I'm betting more folks my age feel more comfortable with someone closer to their age. Look at all those boomers needing hair colors and cuts!

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

If you are going to go to beauty school at 48 get prepared for a lot of rejection. It is not worth it. You are not old,however,for this industry you are starting at an age that will take you years to build a client base and it is not a job that is glamorous as it looks.Just think about it and think of your future before you go out spending a fortune on courses.It always looks fun from the out side. I have seen older woman come into the industry and not last because of the stigma that is attached to the industry.You are definitely judged.I started out young I am older like you and have a client base built. It took me years.Do some research on the subject,don't take advice from the schools they will tell you anything to get money.Look into other courses that may benefit you in the end.

I'm 45 and in cosmo school. I love it! Not only that, I have visited several salons, and the owners are thrilled to have a mature professional apply for work. I have had nothing but positive feedback and have no doubt that I'll find work after I finish with school.

beauty schools only require high school diploma and or GED.

You should visit pickmysalon.com to find a beauty shcool that is right for you, you can read the reviews from the students that attend.

I have had my license for over 35 years, went to beauty college right out of high school and when i was married i followed my ex spouse all over the country with his career while i did hair...i recently had to renew my license because i let it go longer than a year(so don't do that because you have to take the state board test all over) but for me it was a refreshers course and it hadn't changed in over 35 years.....i am back working again full time in a salon at a walmart working for Regis.(great company to work for) and realize this is what i was meant to do, make people feel better about themselves. It is worth it especially when you have clients that tell you their haircut or perm is the best they have ever had. I say go for it and by the first year you will know if u were meant to do it......Good luck to ur hair future.....

Thank you!-Kathleen

What a bummer. I guess you have had a bad experience but no matter what age you are if you are good at doing hair it is very much worth it, so maybe it was just not what you are good at. Yes, owning a salon is hard and takes years of building a clientele base but if you work for a company such as Regis it is very rewarding. I have worked for many different companies in my 35 years of doing hair and have had other jobs in retail sales and after years of pondering over what career is best for me. I know that being a cosmetologist is my calling. My horoscope even says so. I know most people don't believe in that but if you look at them they really do have an insite into what you are suppose to become. Hope you find what is best for you in your life. Good luck and GOD bless!

The economy is not hurting the hair industry much. Yes, some people are doing their own hair but where I work it isn't hurting us. In the Great Depression even then people would spend $5.00 getting haircuts. So look for a salon that has a busy clientle base such as salons in Walmarts or shopping centers. OR even consider a nursing home or retirement community, they always want mature people working for them. Yes, alot of people do their own hair but when they mess it up the come to the professionals like us to fix it because it is cheaper for us to do it then spend more money to fix their mistakes. Reconsider your options and you will be happy you did. Good luck and God bless!

Jessie in Ottawa, Ontario said: The best thing you can do for security art your age, is get computer skills ,you won't regret it. What ever else you do,is your choice ,however,having as many computer skills you can get,is a job waiting for you. Good luck

This is complete and utter crap.

I have advanced computer skills, including advanced Excel and Word. I have 10 years experience in accounts payable, receivables and 3 years of payroll. I have 3 years of office management. I did legal research for 2 years, and drew loan documents and funded mortgage loans for another two. I have almost 2 years of Jr college and a semester of paralegal training. I have additional education from UCLA in business law. I CANNOT GET A JOB.

I live in southern CA and I have been unemployed for 2 years. Oh, and I have a cosmetology license that I let lapse. I could go and at least get a minimum wage position as a hairdresser almost anywhere. Now I have to take my state board exam again before I can do anything. If I had kept up my license I would probably be working today.

pearlyred in Houston, Texas said: The economy is not hurting the hair industry much. Yes, some people are doing their own hair but where I work it isn't hurting us. In the Great Depression even then people would spend $5.00 getting haircuts. So look for a salon that has a busy clientle base such as salons in Walmarts or shopping centers. OR even consider a nursing home or retirement community, they always want mature people working for them. Yes, alot of people do their own hair but when they mess it up the come to the professionals like us to fix it because it is cheaper for us to do it then spend more money to fix their mistakes. Reconsider your options and you will be happy you did. Good luck and God bless!

I have thought about going to work for a retirement community dressed the way that hairdressers did back in the day (maybe the 50s or so) because that is the era that so many of those clients would come from, and it seems like it would be fun for them to have their hair done the "old fashioned" way. :)

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

Go For it!! It never to late to follow your dreams. Im 31 and I am shopping around for a good beauty school to attend. I went on a tour today and I felt so old, but the one thing I gave to the class was my knowlegde and experince that surpised not only the students, but the instructor. Good Luck and keep us posted!

I saw GO FOR IT......never lose sight of your dreams and once your in school you will find out if your good or not.....doing hair is a talent and if your not good at it you will know as soon as your do your first haircut, perm or color.....I've been doing it for over 30 years and love it but also am looking for a second career so i can retire someday.......but never let anyone tell you that your too old to do what you want.......good luck......

I'm sad for you that people are telling you you're too old to do this - I enrolled at HCC at age 56 and have taken to this naturally. I've been "touching" hair for 10 years doing bridal up-do's and doing color for girlfriends for years - I LOVE the cutting and styling and yes, you will know instantly if this is for you - talent is key here - you've either got it or you don't and the passion will surface if everything is in alignment. I still have a while left before I finish school but I'm inspired and energized by the very idea of being out there doing what I absolutely love - I've gotten a lot of good feedback from those in the industry and they have encouraged me every step of the way. Let me be the one to inspire you to move forward in this endeavor -you won't regret it!

Well if you have all these computer skills and all these other skills and you can't find a job,something is wrong. There is always work for people with multiple skills. You have to apply on a regular basis ,when you are looking for work. Hair dressing is good ,if you started when you were young and you have built a large clientele.Starting out at an older age and trying to make a career out of it is fantasy. I have seen many woman frustrated and crying,because they were judged by their age. It is the beauty industry and it is superficial. I have seen more than a few older hairstylists last little more than a few months because they couldn't take the way they were treated. I won't say every salon will act in this fashion,however,a good majority do.I worked for 20 years as a stylist,and have seen it all.If you think you can do it,go for it,no one is saying not to. My experience over the years has been good for me,however,if I had to do it over again,I would have picked something more secure.

Nothing is wrong with her and mature cosmetologists are all the rage in AMERICA. Maybe problems in Canada. People pay no attention to this person she has issues.

A nerve was touched I guess.
When some one has a difference of opinion,it seems to bother you a lot.I don't think that has any thing to do with the country you are from. God forbid, if one makes a comment that you doesn't agree with. Have a great day!

No one cares, Tanya. And you seem to be in the minority here, in case you haven't noticed lol. God forbid someone makes a comment that YOU "doesn't" agree with.

PCantini in Houston, Texas said: I'm sad for you that people are telling you you're too old to do this - I enrolled at HCC at age 56 and have taken to this naturally. I've been "touching" hair for 10 years doing bridal up-do's and doing color for girlfriends for years - I LOVE the cutting and styling and yes, you will know instantly if this is for you - talent is key here - you've either got it or you don't and the passion will surface if everything is in alignment. I still have a while left before I finish school but I'm inspired and energized by the very idea of being out there doing what I absolutely love - I've gotten a lot of good feedback from those in the industry and they have encouraged me every step of the way. Let me be the one to inspire you to move forward in this endeavor -you won't regret it!

Hi, I just wanted to jump in here and ask you how the HCC program is? I am enrolling in the fall there at the Katy campus. I am the ripe ole age of 37 and have always wanted to do this! Anyways, what are the classes and instructors like? Is it all hair, or do you get some facial classes and nails and makeup? Thank you for your time.

I agree with every ,except you, Just being facetious!
Have a wonderful day!

Has any one ever worked in Atlanta? I heard that is the place to work, if you want to make a lot of money as a stylist.

Well they apparently don't agree with you! I always have a great day. ;)

Bev, cosmetology is "everything". Congrats on your decision to enroll. :)

Hi Bev! If this is something you've always wanted to do, then do it! I am behind every single person who has a desire to do this or anything they feel is their passion. I am not letting my age stand in the way - as I have said, everyone has encouraged me. The HCC cosmetology program is great and my instructor, Martin Reyes, has an extensive background, 20+ years in the salon environment and now teaching his craft - he is meticulous and I have enjoyed learning from him. The program is very comprehensive and does include esthetics, makeup and nails but my focus is hair -when you take the board, everything is included so there's lots to cover. Every campus is different; I attend the downtown central campus and because it is a community college, they require a specified enrollment in order to hold class - was hoping to attend the summer session but this is a difficult class to make because many people want to take the summer off - not me, I want to get finished and losing this 10 weeks is critical to my timing, but the fall session begins the end of August. Stay in touch - perhaps we can touch base and compare notes - let me know if you would like more details and I will give you my email address!

PCantini in Houston, Texas said: Hi Bev! If this is something you've always wanted to do, then do it! I am behind every single person who has a desire to do this or anything they feel is their passion. I am not letting my age stand in the way - as I have said, everyone has encouraged me. The HCC cosmetology program is great and my instructor, Martin Reyes, has an extensive background, 20+ years in the salon environment and now teaching his craft - he is meticulous and I have enjoyed learning from him. The program is very comprehensive and does include esthetics, makeup and nails but my focus is hair -when you take the board, everything is included so there's lots to cover. Every campus is different; I attend the downtown central campus and because it is a community college, they require a specified enrollment in order to hold class - was hoping to attend the summer session but this is a difficult class to make because many people want to take the summer off - not me, I want to get finished and losing this 10 weeks is critical to my timing, but the fall session begins the end of August. Stay in touch - perhaps we can touch base and compare notes - let me know if you would like more details and I will give you my email address!

i would love to exchange email addy's. is it ok for me to post mine on here? i do have some questions. i feel most will be answered after i go up there this week to re-enroll. i actually started all that last year this time, but for personal reasons was unable to start last year. may i ask how far along you are? you mentioned taking summer off, is this because there were no more spots available? i am hoping to attend day school full-time and finish up august 2010. thank you so much for responding. i am very excited for you and me both!! you are only as old as you feel right?

Hey Bev....write me at midtlady@yahoo.com - I'm opening myself to everyone else too, but this may be our only way of getting in touch! Too much to cover...be in touch at your earliest!

This is very encouraging! I am changing from 20 years of trucking into cosmetology... the complete course at Mannings Academy in Vancouver. I am a older (over 40) student, and I know that the older I get the more forgiving of people I become, especially when they think they have you figured out. It's just better not to say anything, and stay focused, and observing... I still have to laugh at people when they are presumptuous (that include's myself). Staying focused, and intentional, and taking one day at a time with a quiet positive disposition. Not worrying about the favoritism, and prejudices, that continue to rave through the school. I appreciate all of the older sister's who have written encouraging notes in this forum! Have a great and wonderful week...kimberly

Stacey in Houston, Texas said: Are you kidding me??!! Too old!! Please, I'm 43 and I'm going to eventually go back to school for mortuary science or forensic autopsy tech. I used to think I was too old also, but NO MORE!! I'm finally to the age where I'm starting to care less about wht others think and more about what makes ME happy. Sound selfish?? I hope so! And it's about time. No way are you too old, go for it!! Let me know when you finish, I could use a good hairstylist!! Good Luck, Stacey

I don't want to sound negative but think about this, I was a hairstylist for 20 years and unless you get into an UPSCALE spa/salon in an UPSCALE wage earning area you aren't going to make more than 28,000 a year including tips, and thats AFTER spending 3 - 5 years building a strong clientelle base. You'll basically start out at 8 - 10 an hour and when you build your clientelle you can lease but then you have all that expense (600-800 a month or more) It's a hard way to make a living, it's also very hard on your body. back, shoulders, knees, feet, wrists. (alot of carpal tunnel) the average new graduate spends 2 years in the business and than moves on because of the low wages.

Jorey in Vancouver, Washington said: I don't want to sound negative but think about this, I was a hairstylist for 20 years and unless you get into an UPSCALE spa/salon in an UPSCALE wage earning area you aren't going to make more than 28,000 a year including tips, and thats AFTER spending 3 - 5 years building a strong clientelle base. You'll basically start out at 8 - 10 an hour and when you build your clientelle you can lease but then you have all that expense (600-800 a month or more) It's a hard way to make a living, it's also very hard on your body. back, shoulders, knees, feet, wrists. (alot of carpal tunnel) the average new graduate spends 2 years in the business and than moves on because of the low wages.

P.S. I graduated from Mannings, only back then it was called Magee Bros. then Jeff Manning bought the biz from his dad jerry. I don't want to put a damper on your plans or the same passion I had, it's just a tough way to make a living.

Tanya in Ottawa, Ontario said: Well if you have all these computer skills and all these other skills and you can't find a job,something is wrong. There is always work for people with multiple skills. You have to apply on a regular basis ,when you are looking for work. Hair dressing is good ,if you started when you were young and you have built a large clientele.Starting out at an older age and trying to make a career out of it is fantasy. I have seen many woman frustrated and crying,because they were judged by their age. It is the beauty industry and it is superficial. I have seen more than a few older hairstylists last little more than a few months because they couldn't take the way they were treated. I won't say every salon will act in this fashion,however,a good majority do.I worked for 20 years as a stylist,and have seen it all.If you think you can do it,go for it,no one is saying not to. My experience over the years has been good for me,however,if I had to do it over again,I would have picked something more secure.

I'm 52 and I have spent 20 years in the biz. Than I broke my foot. However, I agree with you on a lot of points. The business isn't the same now as it was "back in the day" Now it's a cut throat, dog eat dog business, superficial, business. The stylist next to you will steal your clients, back stab and talk bad about you and your work when you aren't looking. One week you can make $800 and the next $100. Feast or famine and clients aren't loyal anymore. Also there are no benefits. I've seen it all, believe me. As much as I love the art of hair, even if I could I would never go back.

Proverbs 18:1-9 says "Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach. The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook. It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment. A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States.)

It is tempting to "run like the wind" when you encounter someone like this. But that is not practical. If the person is your teacher, or your boss, or one of your community leaders, or even your parent or a family member, you will have to put up with them. BUT... there are things you can do: 1) pray for them - ask God to change their heart; 2) live by example. Avoid being "puffed up" yourself and expounding your opinion or creating an argument with the person; and 3) stay close to God in prayer and Bible study. Surround yourself with wise people who seek God's will and counsel - and know when to speak and when to be quiet. Look for people who don't gossip or try to dominate others, and establish relationships with them that will benefit and nurture both of you. Dealing with know-it-alls and annoying people is unavoidable, but it doesn't have to make us miserable. With a little attitude adjustment and "preventive maintenance," we can minimize our exposure - and the fallout

I thought the subject was about hair.

I'm with you, Chelsey - if you're referring to K from Vancouver who wrote the religious sermon - this venue is for discussion regarding the salon profession - not to get on a religious soapbox quoting biblical scripture - there's a time and place for such, but please not on this forum, K from Vancouver. I'm sure you meant well in your own condescending way by talking down to the rest of us, but you offend many when you do this. Meanwhile, and getting back to the matters at hand, I'm a student a year into my cosmetology education and I'm loving it!

the subject is about school, hair and life, and how to cope with gossip.

Oh please, did you read the whole thing??? no one is condescending-it's origin is being older and trying to survive beauty school, and if you can't put together two and two, then that's your probably-speak for yourself. Just read it and learn from it and go on with....life

Proverbs is speaking of people who pull you down when you're up, because of jealousy, contention etc. Of course they had to quote the KJV and not some modern version so it looks sermonish. If the person quoted from say the IChing or some other book would there be such adversary, probably not. Separate the Bible from church and all its misinterperations and see it in its context. Anyway you want to go to beauty school, you're not out of highschool or college, your kids are grown or old enough to do their own thing, you tell your world of your happy plans, some will say good for you, others would be a fire extinguisher, you're too old, the beauty industry is for the young, its cut throat, its all me me me, you're on your feet all day, can't make a living and so on. Your hubby may start thinking, wait a minute, she's going to be there and not here taking care of me and making my dinner. So he may either outright forbid it or try to, or say I support you but what about me who is going to take care of me? And there is the worse fire extinguisher of all, yourself and self doubt. A cosmetology license is broad you can do many things with it, although you don't need a license to open a salon, it would help. In the cosmetology school I go to there are older men and women. A mixed crowd all pursuing their goals.

Then why didn't you just say that instead of "preaching" to us? I think we're all smart enought to "get it"; that there are people out there who will do what they can to slander you and attempt to keep you from excelling in your field and gossip - it's up to us whether to foster that or not, we have the choice to filter it out, but if you're strong willed - which i am - I hold up real well to menial crap, however, I like leaving the "preaching" to my minister - don't you know that hair and religion don't mix? HA - that aside, I'm encouraged by many friends and hairdressers in this industry that tell me I've "got what it takes" to make it; talent, personality and the look to play the part - I'm not concerned; I've already been approached by those who want to know if I've got my license yet because they want me in their salon. I've spent 10 years on my feet doing wedding hair/makeup, I'm seasoned at standing for long periods of time. Many times I would begin at 5:00am and not finish until 6:00pm so don't tell me the hours would kill me - I know how it feels by the end of the day!

The biblical scriptures were all over the place. They went from one thing to the next. What was it, they were trying to say?

You got me, Chelsey! HA As you read, he/she claims that it was all about gossip, keeping your head about you, etc. and yada yada. With no disrespect, I simply stated that this beauty forum was neither the time nor the place for such religious-based dissertation, and here's my reason for that; religion is a very personal choice and not everyone shares the same beliefs - people get very emotional because is sparks controversy and I don't believe this is the platform for that, do you agree? - this blog, for the most part, is lighthearted and informative and it's a method of getting feedback in regards to this industry, the experiences people have had, and touches on people such as myself, who are current students of cosmetology.

In a nut shell if you want it, go for it. As to the Bible reciting on here, if its not used to attack its cool with me and leaving the Bible to the minister no wonder relgion is totally messed up. If you're 17 to 117 and want to get your license gofor it.

I agree,this is a forum for the beauty industry. Perhaps this person is an evangelist or something trying to get their word across. If they want to do that ,go to a forum with religious based questions and answers to your questions.I was a hairstylist for 19 years. I heard stories from customers that would make your hair stand up. This does not shock me, as in this Industry, you will meet them all.For some reason,people with issues ,always go to their hair stylist for support and for counseling. This may be the case!

Well, I knew I wasn't off base here; I think K needs a podium more suiting to the subject that's near and dear to his/her heart, meanwhile, I hear what you're saying about being an "armchair physcologist" - when I did wedding makeovers, these girls pour their hearts out and are looking for reason, validation, opinion and permission. You see bright and lovely young girls walking in with just enough attitude to make them likeable, but after spending a little time with them, you find many of them to have low self-esteem and lacking in self-confidence - the upside, of course, is seeing the end result and hearing their appreciation for making them look and feel like a million bucks - it's very gratifying, and I anticipate seeing this once I'm in a salon as well. Thanks for your input Chelsey :)

,you will go a long way in this industry,if your goal is to make others happy. If you love what you do,then you will be good at it.Get into a good salon where your appreciated.I loved to do hair and I still do.I just wanted out of the industry,and to do something else. If you get a chance to take some classes with Vidal Sassoon go I highly recommend it. it is a cutting technique that is so precise you can't go wrong. If you can't take the course,buy the DVD and practice from that. Education is the key and you never stop learning. Good luck in what ever you choose to do.

Wow, thanks for the encouragement, Chelsey - I am so drawn to this business because I love being around people and making them smile, there's just nothing that compares - I feel I've had a really good introduction and I'm ready to take it all on. Interesting that you mention the Vidal Sassoon method - I know a lady who trained under the man himself and I have talked to her about this. I will take your advice and get the DVD to get a little exposure - I'm all about learning from those who's been at this for a while and I have a great respect for all of you; your knowledge to us novices is invaluable so please keep it coming!

I am sure you will learn from the man and no one else in the salon will have it over you when it comes to cutting hair. if you have any further questions about the industry feel free to ask. Good luck!

Thanks for not making it a person agenda, I was trying to just get a point across... I appreciate your encouragement!

hey chelsey-were talking about gossip at school. that's all.. I totally agree with giving customers support and encouragement. thank you also for your imput. Much appreciated!

Thanks for the encouragement! I am going to make a great stylist...Good luck in your endeavors, also!