“In every man's heart, there is a secret nerve that answers to the vibrations of beauty.” - Christopher Morley. Beauty has always appealed to women and the quote mentioned above explains how alluring it is to men as well. Every individual wants to be good-looking as beauty is a quality that is pleasing to the senses, especially to the eyes. If you wish to understand this largely superficial aspect and make a career in it, then you should study cosmetology. However, if you wish to spread the knowledge rather than practice it then becoming a cosmetology teacher is what you can consider. Cosmetology refers to the study of beauty treatments and its various branches like hairstyling, skin care, cosmetics, manicure/pedicure and electrology. This field, away from the comfort zone of regular high paying professions, comprises of all the aspects of beauty like hair styling, makeup artistry, nail care and skin enhancement – and if that is what interests you then cosmetology has to be your field. The added advantage of this field is that you need not be a degree holder to become a cosmetology teacher – you should just have a sound knowledge about the field.
Becoming A Cosmetology Teacher
Requirements
Eligibility
A high school degree or an equivalent diploma is a must to apply for the post of a cosmetology teacher. You should also be more than 18 years old. You can then either join a cosmetology school for training or take up an apprenticeship under a trained professional. You must also apply for license as soon as possible to start your practice. It is also mandatory for you to have completed at least 1500 hours of working as a cosmetologist in a salon. In absence of a formal degree, a minimum experience of 15 years in cosmetology and expertise can make you eligible to become a cosmetology teacher.
Skills Required
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A strong educational background in cosmetology is essential as educational skills play a major role.
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Cosmetology teachers, just like any other teachers, must have strong communication and expressive skills. Also, they must be welcoming, encouraging, extremely patient and tranquil.
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The ability to give morally and ethically sound suggestions and advice to students is another skill you can't do without. These advices then become a part of your student’s skill set and can get them through their career. So, be wise!
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A positive attitude and approach goes a long way too.
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Teachers of this subject must understand and propagate the importance of extremely strong interpersonal skills so as to make customer interaction fruitful and pleasant for the clients.
Roles And Responsibilities
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One of the most important responsibilities of a cosmetology teacher is to make students understand the importance of safe treatment.
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They must ensure that the students take care of the health and safety of their clients and give them advice that is ethically and morally sound.
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The need to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in a salon must also be stressed upon.
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Verbal communication is also extremely important and so is listening. This is the only way the teachers can understand and clear the doubts of their students.
Career prospects
A cosmetology instructor can reach the position of education director at a cosmetology school after gaining considerable experience in teaching. An education director is in charge of a school's entire instructional program and may also be responsible for business and enrollment concerns as well. Another career option for cosmetology teachers is to become a platform artist and educator, teaching and demonstrating the latest beauty techniques and styles at trade shows and other venues. This profile also has the freedom to choose any related occupation like ‘fashion consulting’ or ‘salon product sales’. Some even take positions as examiners for state cosmetology licensing boards.
If you opt for teaching cosmetology as a profession, you must ensure the best possible service with excellent health and safety practices, and courteous service supported by exceptional personal, moral and ethical practices to be provided to all and teach the same to your students.
