The Truths of Cosmetology

I am a 29 year old single woman in Ohio who has been considering Cosmetology school for almost a year now. At first I was against and skeptical because of a lot of run-ins in my previous jobs with cosmetologists that have "escaped" the world of hairstyling due to lack of pay. However, I have hated the jobs that I have had in the past. I am an artistic and creative person, I love dying my hair and learning about different styles and cuts.

What I would like to know is what are the real facts. Do you make money? Is it a viable career option? I have read time and time again the mantra that if you are dedicated and passionate you will be successful, but what does that really mean? I am not really interested in working in a high end spa/salon. I actually think I would be happier working at someplace like Great Clips or Fantastic Sam's. Are places like these good employers? Do you get benefits? Do you only work part time hours or can you work full time? I would also like moving into a management position in the future. I would just like to know some real facts, get some honest answers. I am currently unemployed so I wouldn't really be losing anything if I went into the business. I don't have a degree in anything else and have been stuck in an industry I hate and in jobs I can't stand for the past 10 years due to simple survival. I would like to do something I enjoy and that makes me happy. I have never really desired lots of money in a job, just the simple desire to get up every morning and not despise myself for my job, or come home crying because of depression and hopelessness. I don't want to move into a field that is going to give me similar situations.

Also, one other thing. I have actually been diagnosed with arthritis in my hands and carpal tunnel syndrome. Would these pre-exisiting conditions make it impossible for me to do the work?

A couple of other things. I have a few options for school. I have Regency Beauty Institute, The Salon Professional Academy, Toni & Guy, and a private local school. Any thoughts on brand name schools? I have read some nasty things about them being only about money and really not teaching properly, but the local school that is not brand name was kind of rude and distant when I spoke to them about the school. Not a great first impression when you are asking almost $20,000 dollars for a year long program. On the other hand, Toni & Guy was extremely friendly, helpful, and personable. Any thoughts from others out there?

Also, one last thing. I am an overweight person. I've always been overweight and it honestly doesn't bother me. I have, I believe, a great sense of style and enjoy looking and feeling my best. I don't believe that has anything to do with the number stitched onto my pants. But I do wonder if this would put me at a disadvantage in the beauty industry. Especially when the beauty industry tries to sell us every day that the only way to be beautiful is to be thin. Honestly I think my positive body image would be a good thing, I would love to pass it along to others who don't feel as positive about being big and beautiful. It has always been my desire to pass my feelings on to others, to be a positive beauty role model. I feel like cosmetology would really help me to do that, especially on a day-to-day basis. But am I unrealistic? To be a positive role model you have to have a position to do so, would I be a less likely hire due to my weight? Honestly, I feel like my older age would be seen as a good thing. I'm down to earth, have a good work ethic, and have been in the working world enough to understand the value of customer service and customer care. I think my experiences would be a good asset to a salon, something that would give me an advantage over someone with less work/real world experience (no offense meant by that).

I'd say your personality is the most important. To be honest, unless you open your own salon and get to pick and choose clientele, its not really a "creative" position. You have to be able to get a good idea of what your clients want their hair to look like AND know based on their face and body type what would look good on them. That takes practice.

You are at a huge disadvantage with something like arthritis and carpal tunnel. You need to use your hands a LOT (shampooing, cutting, color, doing weaves/highlights) and unless you take care of that first it will give you problems later.

Go to the cheapest school that you can find to get your education to pass your state board. Is there a local occupational program that will pay your tuition? Financial aid (not student loans!)? You need to get your hours and pass your state board. THEN go to a continuing education school like Aveda, Tony and Guy or Paul Mitchell.

Your weight won't be an issue unless it causes you to not be able to stand on your feet for an extended period of time.