From Classroom to Salon Chair: Transitioning from Cosmetology School to Your Dream Job
Your complete guide to thriving in the beauty industry
You’ve done it. Congratulations! You’ve graduated from cosmetology school, and you’re ready to land your dream job. But how do you exactly do that?
We’ve got you covered. In this guide, you’ll learn more about the journey from cosmetology school to a rewarding job behind the chair, helping your clients have their best hair days ever.
Getting Started
First, let’s start with some answers to basic questions, especially if you’re just beginning your cosmetology career journey.
How long is cosmetology school?
All cosmetology programs in Missouri require their students to spend 1500 hours training to receive their cosmetology license. However, the timeline from start to finish varies based on the school you attend and the program you choose. For example, The Salon Professional Academy in St. Charles offers full and part-time programs. No matter which program you choose, the minimum amount of time to complete cosmetology school allowable by the state of Missouri is six months.
How much is cosmetology school?
Cosmetology programs range from 20K to 40K. The cost varies based on your living situation (some beauty programs offer a room and board option) and commuting costs. When choosing a cosmetology program, make sure you find out what’s included in the tuition costs. Most programs charge an application fee, a program fee, training materials, a textbook fee, testing fees, and sales tax on top of the tuition. Financial aid through government programs is available for eligible students.
Can a cosmetology student work in a salon?
While you’re in school, you can work in a salon in a non-service provider role. For example, you could work as a concierge, a retail associate, unpack inventory, or help clean workspaces. Working in a salon while attending a cosmetology school is a great way to learn how a salon operates and get your foot in the door.
How much do hairdressers make?
A hairdresser’s income varies widely based on many factors. According to a recent ZipRecruiter report, the average hourly rate (not including tips) for Missouri hairdressers is $18.37. But did you know that top talent can make six figures a year?
It’s true, but it’s also hard work to get to that point. Hairdressers who reach this level consistently continue their education to learn the latest techniques and trends. They work in salons like The Color Room that pay their stylists a competitive salary and pay them a percentage of their clients’ retail purchases. Reaching the six-figure mark also requires hairdressers to market their services, consistently seek new customers, and provide exceptional customer service to their existing clients to keep their schedules full.
Cosmetology school graduates who want to earn what their talent is worth must approach their career with an entrepreneurial mindset, even if they’re working in a salon and getting paid a salary. The more you take control of your career, the more money you will make!
Hair Stylist Interview Tips
You have an interview for your dream job at a local salon. Instead of worrying about the interview, here are some tips to help you appear cool, calm, collected, and professional.
What To Wear To A Salon Interview?
When you land a salon interview, dress to impress. It’s an old saying, but it still applies. First impressions matter, and people make up their minds quickly about you. Here are some style tips to help you make a good first impression:
Keep your clothes classy and professional.
Stick with a natural, clean look from head to toe.
Avoid anything too trendy, but try to gear your look to match the salon’s vibe.
When in doubt, stick with a conservative style.
Yes, hair styling is a creative field, but you don’t want your salon interview outfit, hair, or makeup to be overly outlandish. It could distract from the most important part of the interview — YOU!
How to have a (somewhat) stress-free interview
Let’s be honest. You’re probably going to feel nervous on your first interview or even your second or third. It’s natural to feel jittery. Here are some pointers to help you get through the interview without breaking a sweat:
Arrive early and take a few moments in your vehicle to center yourself and prepare.
Maintain eye contact during the interview to show your interest and appear confident.
Stay positive and never criticize past employers or program teachers.
Show the interviewer your portfolio and explain what skills you bring to the job that will complement the salon’s vibe.
Prepare to discuss your career goals and how you and the salon can have a mutually beneficial relationship.
Share what excites you about hairdressing and what you love to do.
Prepare to answer questions about how you would handle an unhappy customer.
Ask about required continuing education training and who’s responsible for paying for the training costs.
Most importantly, relax. Let your personality shine. Salons are looking for a good fit, but you should look for that, too! If you try to change your personality to fit the salon’s vibe, you could end up stuck in a miserable situation.
How to Make a Hairstylist Portfolio
Your training and cosmetology student resume lands you the interview, but it’s your portfolio that ultimately gets you the job. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words.
As you put together your portfolio, keep in mind that variety matters. You want your portfolio to reflect every skill you have. Your portfolio should:
Showcase different face shapes, hair textures, and styles you executed perfectly
Include before and after photos
Be clutter-free and streamlined with no styles repeated
When do I create my hairstylist portfolio?
The best time to create your portfolio is when you’re in cosmetology school. Doing this helps you get an early start in preparing for your career.
A portfolio isn’t a one-and-done project, though. You constantly want to keep it updated with your latest work. One way to do this is to create a social media account that’s 100% focused on your hairdressing career. Not only does this create a visual display of your work for potential employers, but it also helps you get more clients.
Grow with Us with Our Associate's Program
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again, most cosmetology programs fail their students, inadequately preparing them to thrive in their careers. The Master’s Program for Cosmetologists (aka our Associate's Program) fills this gap and pays you to learn better techniques and business-building skills so you can eventually make six figures.
Do you reject the “starving artist” mentality and want to thrive in a successful team environment, grow your client list to earn more than a liveable wage, and have a dream career making others feel beautiful? Our accelerated Master’s Program is for you.
If you’re a recent cosmetology school graduate, check out our program here, and apply today. Better days always start at The Color Room!
