Business Skills

The better prepared you are to be both a great artist and a successful businessperson, the greater your chances of success. There are two ways to become your own boss in this industry. 1) Own your own salon, and 2) renting a booth in an existing salon. Both are serious undertakings that require significant financial investment and a strong line of credit. Salon owners have a very different job than hairdressers. Owners work behind the chair while they manage the business. Opening your own salon is a huge undertaking- financially, physically, creatively, and mentally. You need to decide what products to use and carry, what types of marketing and promotions you will employ, and who to hire.  Creating your brand identity is important in building a unique, successful business. What is going to make a client want to visit your business vs. the one across the street? What are you selling? What is the theme of your salon? Is the environment friendly?  A vision statement is a long term picture of the long-term goals for the business, what it is to become, and what it will look like when it gets there. You need to pick a good name for the business that identifies the characteristics that sets your business apart from the rest. You will want to base your location on your primary clientele and their needs. Select a location that has good visibility, high traffic, easy access, and good parking. Business regulations and laws are any and all local, state, and federal regulations and laws that you must comply with when you decide to open your salon or rent a booth. When you open a salon, you will need to purchase insurance that guarantees protection. A salon can be owned by an individual, a partnership or a franchise. The sole proprietor is the individual owner and, most often the manager of the business. In a partnership business structure, two or more people share ownership. A corporation is an ownership structure controlled by one or more stockholders. You must have a business plan before opening a business. You need to have a vision statement, mission statement, organizational plan, marketing plan, financial documents, and salon policies. Good business operations require a simple and efficient record system. Proper business records are necessary to meet the requirements of local, state, and federal laws regarding taxes and employees. Records need to be correct, concise, and complete. Keep an accurate record of all income and expenses. Always keep service records or client cards that describe treatments given and merchandise sold to each client. The records should include the name and address, the date of each service, the amount charged, the products used, and the results obtained. Booth rental is renting a booth or a station in a salon. Many people like this more than owning their own salon because it is less stressful. Your personnel is your staff or employees. The size of your salon will determine the size of your staff. Make it your top priority to meet your payroll obligations. The front desk is an important part of your salon. The best salons employ professional receptionists to handle the job of answering phones and greeting clients/attending to the client’s needs. Always make a client feel welcome in your salon.

Hair coloring

One of the most creative, challenging, and inspiring salon services is hair coloring. Die to its popularity, it also has the potential for being one of the most lucrative areas in which a stylist can choose to work. There are many reasons why people color their hair. They want to cover up or blend gray hair. They want to enhance an existing hair color and create a fashion statement.  They want to correct unwanted tones in their hair. They might want to accentuate their hair cut more. The structure of a clients hair and the desired results determine which hair color to use. The hair structure results in the outcome of the color service. Porosity is the hair´s ability to absorb moisture. When you have low porosity, the hair is resistant. Therefore, it requires a longer processing time. When you have high porosity, your cuticle is lifted. The hair is overly porous and takes color quickly. It is important to be aware of that. Learning to identify a client's natural hair color is the most important step in becoming a good colorist. Natural hair color ranges from black to white. Hair color is unique to each person. Eumelanin is the melanin that lends back and brown colors to hair. Pheomelanin is the melanin that gives blond and red colors to the hair. Every color has a level. Level is the unit of measurement used to identify the lightness or darkness of a color. Hair color levels are arranged on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being the darkest and 10 being the lightest. When determining the natural level, get a half inch section and hold it up so light can shine through it. The law of color is a system for understanding color relationships. Equal parts of red and yellow make orange. Equal parts of red and blue make violet. Equal parts of blue and yellow make green. Primary colors are red yellow and blue. These can´t be created by combining other colors. A secondary color is a color obtaining by mixing 2 primary colors. A tertiary color is achieved by mixing a secondary color and its neighboring primary color. Complementary colors are opposite of each other on the color wheel. The tone is the balance of color. There are temporary hair colors, semipermanent, demipermanent, and permanent. Volume measures the concentration and strength of of hydrogen peroxide. Use 10-volume peroxide when less lightening is desired. Use 40-volume when you want bleach to pull through fast. Never leave the client unattended while coloring their hair because you need to watch the hair process. Single-process hair coloring lightens and deposits color in a single application. Hair lightening is a chemical process involving the diffusion of the natural hair color pigment of artificial hair color from the hair. Be careful while bleaching hair and always watch how fast it´s processing for! New growth is the hair between the scalp and the hair that has been previously colored. Toning the hair helps get rid of unwanted tones. Highlighting colors some of the hair so you have the variety of your natural color with some lighter tones.

Hair Removal

Cosmetologists should study hair removal because removing unwanted hair is a primary concern for many clients. You will satisfy your clients by advising them on the various types of hair removal. It is a great extra service that you can offer. Before performing any hair removal service, a consultation is always necessary. You need to know of any allergies they may have. You need to understand the sensitivity of their skin so you know which wax best suits them. Certain medications cause changes in the skin that can cause skin to lift during waxing treatment, meaning the skin can be pulled off with the wax. Be cautious of that. Clients who have autoimmune diseases such as lupus can have reactions to the inflammation caused by waxing. Permanent hair removal isn't offered in salons. But it is still an option for hair removal. Permanent hair removal methods include electrolysis, photoepilation, and laser hair removal. Electrolysis is the removal of hair by means of an electric current that destroys the growth cells of the hair. Photoepilation uses intense light to destroy the growth cell of the hair follicles. Laser hair removal is a laser beam pulsed on the skin, impairing hair growth. Temporary hair removal methods include shaving and tweezing.  A depilatory is a substance used for the temporary removal of superfluous hair by dissolving it at the skin's surface. Always ask the client how they want their eyebrows done and what they want taken off. To determine the best shape for the brow, hold the base of the comb against the corner of the nose. This is where the brow should begin. Hold the comb so it extends from the corner of the nose to the outside corner of the eye and this is where it should end. The high point of the arch of the brow should be near the outside corner of the iris, if the client is looking straight. An epilator removes the hair from the bottom of the follicle. Wax is a commonly used epilator and is available in two main forms: hard and soft. Soft wax is applied to the skin and removed using fabric strips. Hard wax is thicker and does not require strips, you just pull it off with your hand.  Because waxing removes the hair from the bottom of the follicle, it takes a lot longer to grow back then tweezing would. It usually takes 4-6 weeks to grow back. Wax is applied many parts of the body: eyebrows, cheeks, chin, upper lip, arms, legs, armpits, etc. Many male clients wax the back of their neck and back. The hair should be at least ¼ inch long for waxing to be effective. Remember to always test the temperature of the wax before placing it on the client. Never double-dip the wax. Do not apply wax over warts and moles, or other irritated areas. Becoming a good waxer can be very efficient for you. It will bring you more clients. People need to be waxed often and it is a very good way to make extra money.

Facials

Good skin care can make a big difference in the way your skin feels and looks. It also changes how a client feels about their appearance. A facial is a professional skin treatment that improves the condition and appearance of the skin. They are very relaxing and they improve the appearance of the skin. Proper skin care can make oily skin look healthier, dry skin look more moist,  and aging skin look smoother and firmer. You must start a facial with a client consultation. This gives you time to ask your client questions about their skin. Analyze their skin and ask as many questions as you need. Then you can decide which product best suits their skin. Always perform facials in a dimmed quiet room. This helps your client feel more relaxed. There are many skin care products used in a facial, and it is important cosmetologists know this. Cleansing milks are a non-foaming lotion designed to cleanse the skin and take of makeup. Foaming cleansers contain detergents that cause the product to foam and rinse off easily. This is generally for oily-skin typed.  Toners are known as fresheners. They are lotions that help rebalance the pH and remove remnants of cleanser from skin. It is very exfoliating. Moisturizers are products that increase the moisture content of the face. They make your face less dry and very smooth. Massage creams help it so the skin gets slippery during massage and you can massage easier. Masks are often composed of mineral clays, moisturizing agents, skin softeners. Clay-based masks are for oily skin. Cream masks are for dry. Paraffin wax masks are melted and applied on the face. The wax hardens on your face and helps it go more deep into your skin and pores. The massage is a very important part of a facial. You need to use different massage techniques. You need to have light movement along with stroking and kneading movement. There is many facial manipulations you need to perform. For the chin, you need to lift it using a slight pressure. Move into the lower cheeks using a circular movement, rotate from chin to ears. Over the forehead you do a circular movement starting at the eyebrow line and working across the middle of the forehead and into the hairline. Slide your fingers to the temples and then stroke up to the hairline, gradually moving your hands across the forehead. To finish it, go through the neck with a circular movement rubbing into their shoulders and neck. You need to help the client relax by speaking in a quiet and professional manner. You need to explain the benefits of the products and service, and be sure to answer every question. You must provide a very quiet atmosphere, and work quietly. You need to maintain a neat, clean work area. Make it an enjoyable experience for them, and take your time. Not rushing through the facial is key. You will have many clients who will return to you if you are good enough.

Pedicures

A pedicure is a cosmetic service performed on the feet by a licensed cosmetologist or a nail technician. Pedicures can include exfoliating the skin, reducing calluses, trimming, shaping and polishing the toenail. Often they include a wonderful foot and leg massage. Pedicures are not exactly manicures on the feet. Although they are similar treatment, pedicures require specific skills and more knowledge of chronic diseases. Cosmetologists study pedicures because it will enable them to add this very desirable service to their service offerings. It is important to know how to perform a pedicure safe and correctly. A pedicure station includes a comfortable chair with an armrest and footrest for the client and an ergonomic chair for the cosmetologist.  Pedicure stool is usually low to make it ergonomically easier for the pedicurist to work on the client's feet. The pedicure foot bath varies in design from the basic stainless steel basin to an automatic whirlpool that warms and massages the client’s feet. The soak bath is filled with warm water and a product to soak the client’s feet in. There are many wonderful different techniques used in a pedicure. There is the terry cloth mitts. They are mitts you place over the client’s feet after a conditioning product and a plastic cover have been applied. Paraffin bath is dipping the client’s foot into a wax 3 times, then letting it harden and sit on the foot. Hot stones are stones that are smooth and warm. They move across your feet smoothly and enough pressure to push into your feet, providing a deep penetrating feeling. There are many implements used while during a pedicure. Toenail clippers are larger than fingernail clippers, with curved or straight jaws specifically designed for shortening toenails. A curette is an implement with a small, scoop-shaped end that, if carefully used, allows for more efficient removal of debris from the nail. A nail rasp is a metal implement with a grooved edge used for filing and smoothing the edges of the nail plate. Foot files are designed to reduce and smooth thicker foot calluses. Some unique materials used in a pedicure is toe separators and pedicure slippers. These help the paint not smear and helps them dry more efficiently. Products for pedicure services include: soaks, scrubs, masks, pedicure lotions and creams, and callus softeners. Foot soaks are products that are put into the water in the pedicure bath to soften the skin on the feet. Exfoliating scrubs are lotions that contain an abrasive as the exfoliating agent. Masks are concentrated treatment products that lather the foot. They are a thicker substance that hydrates and nourishes the skin. Lotions and creams are important because they condition and moisturize the skin. This softens calluses and makes it easier to massage the foot. Massage is a key thing in pedicures, make sure to master that and give your client a great foot massage. Many people get pedicures much more than they get their hair done. This is why it is important to get them perfected. Interaction during the service is also a key point, keep the conversation going and make sure they feel welcomed.

Facial Makeup

The field of makeup artistry is a very rewarding segment of cosmetology. The service produces results that alter how clients view themselves. Makeup does so much to a person and gains self esteem by a lot. Clients rely on cosmetologists for advice on how to look their best. There are many different types of makeups, I would like to define a few. Foundation is a flesh-toned cosmetic used to minimize the appearance of skin imperfections. Concealers are used to hide dark eye circles, hyperpigmentation, and other imperfections. Face powder is used to create a matte or non-shiny finish. Eye shadows are cosmetics used to accentuate the eye shape and compliment eye color. Eyeliner is a cosmetic used to define the eyes and make the lash line appear fuller. Eyebrow pencils are used to add color and shape to the eyebrow. Blush is used to add color to the cheeks. Lipstick is a waxy cosmetic used to enhance the lips. Lip liner is generally applied before the lip color to define the shape of the lips and keep the color from bleeding. Mascara is a cosmetic preparation used to darken, define, and thicken the eyelashes. There are brushes used for every different type of makeup. The right brushes can make all the difference in the way your makeup appears. You need to rinse brushes thoroughly after cleansing and let brushes lay flat to dry. There is also single-use implements. These are disposable and should be discarded after one use. They include the following items: sponges, powder puffs, mascara wands, spatulas, lip brushes, sponge-tipped shadow applicators, cotton swabs and cotton pads. A thorough understanding of color is imperative to becoming an effective makeup artist. As you look at the color wheel, think of it as a tool in determining color choice. There are three main factors to consider when choosing colors for a client: skin color, eye color, and hair color. Orange is the complementary color to blue. Because orange contains yellow and red, shadows with any of these colors in them will make eyes look bluer. Red is the complementary color to green. Because red shadows tend to make the eyes look tired or bloodshot, pure red tons are not recommended. Red-orange, red-violet, and violet look very good with green eyes. Brown eyes are neutral and can wear any color. The primary goal of makeup application is to emphasize the client’s most attractive features, while minimizing those that are less appealing. Learning to objectively identify the face shapes and its features takes practice. There is oval-shaped face, round face, square-shaped face, triangular face, heart-shaped, diamond-shaped, oblong face. Here is the order of a basic professional makeup application: you start with the client consultation, lighting, apply foundation, apply concealer, apply powder, apply eyebrow pencil, apply eyebrow powder, apply eyeshadow, apply eyeliner,  apply blush, apply lip color, apply mascara. Makeup is a very good skill to have as a cosmetologist. It will give you more clientele. It is good to be good at more than just hair in this industry.  

Hairstyling

The art of hairstyling or dressing the hair has always changed in direct relation to the fashion, art, and life of the times.  Hairstyling is an huge thing in the cosmetology world. It is an important, foundational skill that allows the professional to articulate creativity. The client looks to you for that special style desired. It is up to you to make them look the best. You need to start with a consultation. Have your client find styles that she likes. FInger waving is the process of shaping and directing the hair into an S pattern through the use of the fingers, combs and finger waving lotion. This was the rage in the 1920s, which is why you may wonder why you need to learn this as a cosmetologist. It is because women today are influenced by the movie stars and celebrities they see wearing finger waves. Pin curls serve as the basis for waves and curls that are used in a wide range of hairstyles. This helps the curl to stay in longer and it makes beautiful curls. There is also roller curls, hot rollers, and velcro rollers. Many hairstyles require a lot of volume. A way to get volume is by backcombing. Backcombing, also known as teasing and ratting, involves combing small sections of hair from the ends toward the scalp causing shorter hair to mat and form a cushion. Hair wrapping is a technique used to keep curly hair smooth and straight while retaining a beautiful shape. Blowdry styling is the technique of drying and styling damp hair in one operation and it has revolutionized the hairstyling world. Never hold the blowdryer too long in one place. Move in a consistent back and forth motion. When choosing a styling brush, take into notice the texture, length, and styling needs of the hair you are working on. Styling products are very important when styling someone's hair. They give a style more hold, and the can be used to either increase or decrease the amount of curl. They can add shide and they enhance a style. Be cautious of the different types of product you use on the different types of hair. There are many products you can use: foam, gel, volumizers, pomade, hairspray, thermal protectant, etc. Thermal irons are tools used to curl dry hair. Flat irons have two hot plates. They are used to create smooth, straight styles. It is important to analyze the condition and texture of hair before you set the heat. Hair can break off or melt due to too much heat if not cautious.  An updo, is a hairstyle with the hair arranged up and off the shoulders and secured with hairpins, bobby pins, and elastics. A half updo is designed for long hair, and it is where half of the hair is pulled back. You need to focus on your sectioning, pinning, balance, and texture with updos. These are styles used for weddings, prom, etc. It is important to know how to do many different styles so you can give your client exactly what they want and make them leave happy.