I have a B.F.A. in ceramics! Yeah, what can you do with that? I have a studio and do work and sell, a bit...when time allows. I'm coming to the end of feeling that I need to be a SAHM and am feeling anxious to do something new. I'm thinking that cosmetology school would be a good fit for me, but don't really know what to look for in a school, or if it is the best idea with the economy tanking. I'm considering the Aveda Institute and advice/warnings/things to consider are much appreciated.
Thanks Mamas!
Hi Angie,
My hairdresser went to Aveda, and said it was good. But she says she got all her really meaningful training after she got her first job (at a quality salon that took the time to really help her "grow" in the profession - NOT Supercuts!)
(Plus, they pay to send her to more training in California every year to learn new skills).
Good luck!
T
Paul Mitchell the school in Phoenix is a great choice. You want to look for a school that is structured in it's curriculum but also caters to the different learning types. Look for professionalism in the school- go get your hair done without telling them you're interested and see how they treat you. Find out about career placement and opportunities within the school. At Paul Mitchell they often have competitions for students to enter to earn their way to the fun hair shows. You should not have to get your training at the salon you go to. Apprentice programs are great but postpone the time before you start making money. They are worth doing, but you should be ready to go by the time you graduate from school in case you choose to go to a salon without an apprenticeship program.
I went to school in 1984 and managed salons for 13 years. The idea of going in as a client is a great idea. You will want to make sure they are people you can work with. There are so many different personalities in this business, you want to make sure you are happy. If you are going there as a student you are committing yourself for about one year, and an apprenticeship for two years. If you feel pressured into doing something before you start there, move on. No point in being miserable for that much time. You also want to go somewhere they have clients coming in on a regular basis. When you go to check out the school as a client, ask the students how many customers they do each week. They should be doing at least 2 or 3 each week. Their teachers should be on the floor with them, checking their work but not doing it for them. You will have a manikin to practice on but Dolly isn't that great. If you go to a school rather than doing an apprenticeship, your first year working will be your most important training you will ever get. Towards the end of your training you will need to do minimum of about 15 to 20 clients daily to really learn what you are doing in an apprentice situation.
Good luck and have fun it is tons of fun.