What I Wish People Knew About Beauty School

There’s a stigma around beauty school and the people who attend it. Some people choose to brush the stigma off by making passive aggressive comments or being out-right combative. But instead let’s talk about it! Beauty school can set you up for success. If you are a passionate, outgoing and dedicated individual who wants to create your own future and happiness, beauty school could be the perfect place for you.

We know that a roadblock many aspiring beauty pros face is push back from their family and friends about their career choice. Here’s what every beauty school student wishes people knew about their education and profession.

You Make a Difference

How do you feel when you get an amazing haircut, a relaxing facial, or a beautiful makeup application? Is it refreshing and exciting? Does it make you feel like a brand new person? Imagine being the person who makes others feel this way. That’s what being a cosmetologist or esthetician feels like. One of the most rewarding feelings as a beauty professional is seeing the difference you make for your clients.

Many people in the beauty industry were once healers and givers in the past. Nurses, CNAs and other medical professionals change careers to beauty to continue making a difference in the lives’ of others without the potentially stressful environment.

You can also make changes worldwide. Teaching communities across the world how to stimulate their local economies is something we’ve seen happen within the Aveda network recently. A featured former student from our school by the name of SharaLee has been making a difference across countries by teaching women in Nigeria the cosmetology trade in efforts to help them learn and provide for their families.

Did you know that the beauty industry made such a difference at such a large scale?

Learn How to Get Started at Our Cosmetology Program

The Industry Rewards Movers and Shakers ⏩

Family members glow with pride when a young adult is rewarded for their forward thinking, innovation and bright mind. The tech industry isn’t the only field that rewards people who are always one step ahead of the curve. The beauty industry is an area that rewards people who are ready to take a chance and make a change by doing something different!

Balayage, ombre and unicorn hair. These are all examples of trends in the beauty industry that have taken the world by storm. Who do you think pioneered such trends? The pros behind these jaw-dropping styles work in the industry every day. They push themselves creatively and do things that you’ve never seen before right in their salon chair.

What other industry allows you to be crazy, creative and innovative without boundaries?

The Career Options Are Vast

Do you want to be a hairstylist, a colorist, a product specialist or something completely new? A career in beauty can take you to high-end salons or stages with bright lights. Possibly across the world via social media or a plane ride! Don’t believe us? Check out our Career Dreams series, and check out the list below.

• Hairstylist
• Salon Manager
• Freelance Hairstylist
• Salon Owner
• Freelance Makeup Artist
• Film/TV Hairstylist
• Beauty Writer
• Beauty Blogger
• Product Specialist
• Platform Artist
• Spa Manager
• Spa Owner
• Esthetician
• Waxing Specialist
• Beauty Marketing Specialist

And this isn’t where the list ends. The future is wide open for licensed beauty pros. The career outcomes can be just as creative as the work itself. That’s not to say that the work is easy. To get a career you love you’ve gotta dedicate time and passion to mastering and learning the craft. It all starts with an education and builds from there.

You Can Make Money

This is by far one of the most common and most daunting concerns of parents in particular. However, there are some misunderstandings. Working behind the chair at a chain salon isn’t a bad first step in your career and it isn’t the only choice in a beauty career.

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) reports that the job outlook for Barbers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists between the years 2016-26 is growing at a rate of 13% (which is faster than average). Skincare specialists jobs are at a 14% growth rate and Manicurists and Pedicurists at 13%. The job projections are only growing and with this increase and it is likely that the average pay will follow suit. Make note that many official reports of income for cosmetologists and other beauty pros don’t include tips and can make up a large part of their yearly income.

You’ll also want to keep in mind that high-end salons and spas are beginning to offer benefits that many traditional companies offer like 401ks and insurance. This is something brand new to the industry that functions as an additional incentive!

Trades Are Growing in Popularity and Demand ☝️

Trade jobs are growing in popularity. This is largely due to the shorter amount of time required to learn the job itself as well as the generally lower cost of education. An article from NPR covered a story that explains the current situation many college-aged people are facing: college or career? The article explains that the fear of trade schools and jobs prevent people from pursuing potentially high-paying careers. The focus of the article isn’t on beauty but it’s not hard to draw the conclusion that cosmetology and esthiology is regarded the same.

It used to be a high school grad’s instinct to immediately enroll in a four-year program after they shed their cap and gown. However, we want to be a part of the narrative that says, “Traditional four-year college isn’t right for everyone.” People who learn better with hands-on work and visuals tend to thrive in trade schools vs. traditional college lecture halls.

The initial reaction of many is that in a trade job you likely won’t earn as much as someone with a degree, but there’s data that contradicts that old-school way of thinking. This infographic from Entrepreneur explores the idea that pay gaps eventually level off. This is making trade jobs more and more appealing.

According to an article published by Glassdoor in 2017, cosmetology is on the list of careers that will never be taken over by robots. With this fantastical future full of order kiosks, AI and robot employees, you’re going to want to start considering a career that can’t be outsourced to humans or tech.

Not sure if a trade education, like beauty school, is the right move for you? Click here to find out how beauty school can offer you some of the same benefits as college and more!

Sometimes College Isn’t The Right Answer

College isn’t always the right fit. People who have struggled in traditional learning settings in the past aren’t going to find happiness or an easy learning environment in college. Colleges often require the organization and note taking skills that you learn in high school with increased difficulty.

It’s not about how smart someone is. It’s about the way they learn, thrive and become better. At Douglas J Aveda Institute, we believe in creating a safe and fun learning environment that challenges you and excites you. And above all we help you become the best you can be. Cosmetology and esthiology are two areas of study that can be taught in a variety of ways, including working with real people!

Are you looking for a sign that beauty education is the right fit? Click here to read the 5 signs that indicate it’s a match made in heaven.

You Can Do This

You can do this. Put the past in the past and take a hold of your life. The time is now and nothing can stop you. We are incredibly proud of every student who has walked through our doors, dedicated their time, put passion into their work, and come out successful.

Tell your family and friends about your decision to attend beauty school with pride. We can’t wait to help you achieve your dreams. When you’re ready you should contact Douglas J Aveda Institute. Our staff works diligently to help you set and reach goals. We will help you come up with a game plan for the rest of your education and help you pursue employment after graduation.

You can do this! You will do this!

Douglas J Aveda Institute does not guarantee employment. For more information about gainful employment, click here.