I remember it as if were yesterday, I was 16 years old when I did my first makeover.  She was such a sad soul.  From what I remember she never smiled.  I had no experience whatsoever and this was way before I even knew about Sally’s Beauty Supply.  We headed to target and YES!!! We got box color (something I would never do now of course) and makeup.  Once we got back home the process began. I will never forget the look on her face when she finally looked at herself in the mirror.  Her smile was so bright, her face literally lit up with happiness.  You could see the confidence slowly breaking through her shy exterior.  I have never been so happy and from that day on I wanted to make every one that sat in my chair feel like that Happy and confident.  I’ve been so blessed over the years to meet so many wonderful people.  So many people I’ve brought happiness to and most importantly CONFIDENCE!  At the end of the day, it is not what you look like but how you feel.

If you too would like to make people feel that way, or have a passion for doing hair like I do here are some helpful tips on how to get started.

1. First find out what you’re leaning towards. Cosmetology License – School teaches you the fundamentals of everything (colors, scissor cuts, clipper cuts, perms, waxing, facials, and nails). As a cosmetologist you are not allowed to use a straight edge razor without a Barber License. Barber License– School teaches you (clipper cuts, how to apply color, perms, face shaving techniques, and you are allowed to use a straight edge razor.  Now let’s say you are like me and would like to do both. I did my Cosmetology License first (a little over a year) then I did a Cross Over to get my Barbering License (2 months/ Part time since I already have a license).
2.  Find a good school with good reviews where they strive to not only help you learn but have high passing numbers.
3. Now keep in mind that although you are going to school you only learn the basics meaning: How to properly disinfect and clean your instruments, the basics of cutting and hair formulation.  Your real learning experience doesn’t start until you start working at a shop or become an apprentice or assist another stylist.
4. With that being said, ASK A MILLION QUESTIONS!!! If I would have known that I was going to start working with very limited knowledge of how to do a simple fade or how to mix color properly I would have definitely been asking questions and for help left and right.
5. Study, Study, Study! Because for whichever you choose, aside from doing your hours on the floor you still have to pass a State Board Practical and Written test.  If you choose to do both Cosmetology and Barbering, you have to go twice! It is definitely nerve wrecking.
6. Good Luck!

I hope this information was helpful if you are considering doing hair.