Since the recession hit, the concept of a “staycation” has become incredibly popular.  Many luxury resorts and vacation spots around the world offer salon-and-spa services, and that salon-and-spa pampering  is often an integral part of the trip for some vacationers. But with so many people staying home and trying to save money, they may feel that salon-and-spa days are out of their reach.  As a cosmetology student, this can is the perfect opportunity for you to swoop in and save the day.  Your cosmetology school can offer all the services of a day spa at lower prices than the big-name hotels and spas.

Clients are looking for a lower-cost spa experience, and you are looking to get hands-on practice in cosmetology techniques, so you are a perfect match for each other!  This situation provides a huge opportunity for beauty students and cosmetology schools.  In the past, people have been wary of the service they’ll receive from students at a cosmetology school, so having clients on a budget come in for pampering services in is a great way to prove how modern, professional and enjoyable cosmetology student services can be.  You’ll gain a great deal of experience in your area of cosmetology before you graduate and possibly even build up a client-base that comes with you when you start your career.

So, as a beauty student at cosmetology school, make sure you spread the word on the low cost and high quality of the services your cosmetology school can provide.  The recession is usually a bad thing, but it can be a great opportunity for you.

Is your cosmetology school doing anything to take advantage of these new opportunities? Do you see more clients on a budget coming through your doors?

Ivan Zoot holds the world record for the fastest haircut at a mere 55 seconds. Wow! Of course, that’s for the Guinness Book of World Records, but still. Is speed-cutting a skill that can take you anywhere? I’m just not sure.

On one hand, we’ve all heard the saying that time is money. In most other industries, a quick turn-around with a quality result is one of the most important things a business can provide.

On the other hand, when a client comes into a salon, whether it’s for a day of pampering or just a quick trim, they like to feel relaxed, right? They like to be able to sit in your chair and chat, or read a magazine – anything but feel rushed.

So, which is more important - quality or speed? What are you learning or did you learn in cosmetology school? To be quick and efficient, or to linger over each client and make them feel special? Or something in between?

We’re so excited to invite you to create a profile, explore the Lounge and make it a fun and informative place for the beauty, cosmetology and esthetics industry. The best way to get ahead in today’s Internet world is networking. By creating a profile on the Lounge you can meet and network with beauty students, teachers and professionals in your area of expertise. You’ll make new friends, learn more about your field of beauty and advance your education and career.

If you’re a professional now, you probably remember having lots of questions when you first started out. With the Lounge, you’ll have a chance to answer beauty questions from amateurs, and we all know a little good advice can help someone feel more confident! You can also get some questions of your own answered! Maybe you heard about a new technique and you want a little more info, or perhaps you have a beauty problem and need some advice from a professional. Ask away!

In addition to Q&A, the “Conversations” section of the Lounge is teeming with discussion about the latest happenings in the world of beauty – from general news topics to beauty jobs and careers. In “Tutorials” you can view, comment on, rate and post your own tutorial videos to get more involved with your Lounge friends.

So, we are officially inviting you to visit the Beauty School Lounge, set up a profile and have fun with it!

The Ultimate Beauty, Cosmetology and Esthetics Resource

When a soldier is serving overseas, looking good is on the bottom of the priority list.  Whether they’re in the deserts of the Middle East or out to sea on a Navy ship, their job serving their country is what is most important.  So although they may not focus on their looks, they definitely deserve pampering more than most.

This is where your salon, spa or cosmetology school can help support our troops.  Lisa Hoffman, wife of actor Dustin Hoffman, has started a trend by donating more than $1 million worth of Lisa Hoffman Beauty products to troops and their families.  Your salon or school may not be able to make a donation at that level, but everything counts.
Here are some fast, easy ways to support the troops:

• Collect donations at work or at school that can go to an organization that helps the soldiers. Operation Gratitude accepts monetary donations that go toward the shipping costs of sending the packages.
• If you receive small containers or bottles of health and beauty products from your suppliers you can donate those through Give2TheTroops. They have a wish list of all the health and beauty items soldiers have requested.
• Your salon, spa or school could offer discounts to soldiers and their families. The soldiers need to relax when they get home and it’s tough for their spouses and children to be at home without them, so they could use some pampering too!

These are just some small ways your school or business can help our troops overseas.  A care package including their favorite shampoo or a soothing lotion would let them know we’re all thinking about them while they’re gone.

Is your beauty salon or cosmetology school participating in one of these charitable programs to help the troops and their families? Do you have any other ideas to help the soldiers?

Some people might feel that spending money on cosmetology services to make them look better will be put on hold in troubling financial times. But it turns out it’s the exact opposite! Since the baby boomers are aging, many feel the hands of time are ticking against them and some will do anything to erase Father Time from their faces, hands and hair. Also, many people can no longer afford those luxurious vacations, and instead take a luxurious trip to the salons and spas.

Many professional women want to make sure that they’re looking their best so that they’re ready for that last-minute job interview or looking polished when out networking.  And everyone still wants to look beautiful for the big events in their lives, such as graduation and weddings.  That means there is an ever-growing demand for licensed estheticians and cosmetologists.

Training to become a beauty professional might be a smart move in troubling times. The demand for cosmetology, hairstyling and esthetics professionals is increasing - even during the recession. And when the economy starts to take off again, studying to become and working as a beauty professional could secure your future even more.

We want to hear from you! Beauty professionals and students, are you worried about the pinch of the recession economy? Or do you have a steady stream of business in these troubling times?

1. Job outlook
2. Average job satisfaction
3. Difficulty of the required training
4. Prestige
5. Pay

Essentially, cosmetology tops the list because it meets the five basic qualifiers: there always seem to be openings available for qualified cosmetologists, they love their jobs, training is rapid and cost-effective, people and clients have a high opinion of professional cosmetologists and they make good money.

But what are some of the other unspoken benefits of being a licensed cosmetologist?

First, this career is a fashionista’s dream. It’s one of the rare fields with good job opportunities in which you’re rewarded for staying current on fashion and design. You gain prestige and client approval because you spent a few hours over the weekend catching up on Project Runway, E! Entertainment TV gossip, and Tabatha’s Salon Takeover.

Second, your job can’t be “outsourced” to people with questionable credentials. It might seem obvious, but a cosmetologist and their clients’ relationships are very personal. You can’t fake this type of customer service over an international phone line.

Third, the beauty industry manages to keep expanding and improving every year with services and customer avenues. Cosmetology is a huge part of the beauty industry, which is literally a multi-billion dollar and growing business sector.

So how do you make this dream cosmetology career even more lucrative?

Specialize. A creative career demands creative solutions. So evolve into a niche specialty that you can put your personal spin on. One example is finding lucrative work building and styling wigs and hairpieces. The country’s population is aging, and with age comes hair thinning and loss for both men and women. You can help people who have lost their hair due to age, disease or accidents, or you can go for a more exciting angle and design hair pieces for stage, screen, and TV productions.

Are you in cosmetology training, or already in the cosmetology field? Do you plan on specializing? How will you create your own signature line of service?

If styling hair was a sport, then working on celebrities’ hair would have to be the Super Bowl or World Series event for trained cosmetologists. There’s nothing like being pulled from the minors to perform in the Big Leagues! So, how does one get to that star status?

Well, all of your questions can be answered through a new book: Shortcuts, by Diana Schmidtke. She maps out her successes as a celebrity hairstylist in her new book for the recent and not-so-recent graduates of beauty schools.

Schmidtke’s book isn’t just a laundry list of to-do’s for a get-rich-quick scheme, or just about the adventure of moving to Hollywood. It also covers the field of Special FX artistry and answers industry questions, such as the difference between union and non-union stylists. There’s even a quiz section to help you determine if your passion lies more with fashion and music or television and film!

Can you map out your dream job after cosmetology school just through a book? Probably not. But if you have questions about breaking into such a narrow niche in hair, makeup or fashion – then this book can help.

You know the kind … It smell like shaving cream and hums with the drone of electric shavers. It’s got televisions tuned to the big game. Its employees probably won’t try to sell you a $60 styling product for your buzz cut. And it’s run by a trained, professional barber.

Ever wonder what it would be like to have his job? Here’s a hint. Awesome. Find out more about this stable, flexible, and hands-on career choice!

What exactly does a barber do?
Barbers cut, trim, shampoo, and style hair – mostly for male clients. They are generally also trained to fit hairpieces and offer scalp treatments and facial shaving. Plus, they can do most everything else that cosmetologists can, including hair coloring, permanent waves, and facials.

What do barbers earn, and what kind of advancement opportunities do they have?
Median hourly earnings in May 2006 for salaried barbers, including tips, were $11.13. Entry-level earnings are usually modest, but experienced barbers can advance quickly in the field. Advancement usually takes the form of higher earnings as barbers gain experience and build a steady clientele. Some barbers manage their shops, lease booth space, or open their own shops.

What are a barber’s working conditions like?
In 2006, about 19 percent of barbers worked part-time, and the rest worked full-time. Most full-time barbers put in a 40-hour week, but long days are common, especially among self-employed workers. Work schedules may include evenings and weekends, the times when barbershops are busiest. Barbers usually work in clean, enjoyable surroundings with good light and ventilation. They are on their feet for most of their shift, so good health and stamina is important.

What training will I need to become a barber?
To qualify for a barbering license, barbers are required to graduate from a state-licensed cosmetology or barbering school. Full-time programs in barbering usually last about nine months, and may lead to an Associate’s degree or diploma. Throughout their careers, many barbers continue to take advanced courses in hairstyling or other personal appearance services to keep up with the latest trends. They also may take courses in sales and marketing if they are interested in opening their own businesses. (There are cosmetology and barbering schools in your area with classes starting now.)

Will I need to get licensed?
All states require barbers to be licensed. Requirements for a barber license vary by state, but generally barbers must have a high school diploma or GED, be at least 16 years old, and have graduated from an accredited barber or cosmetology school. State licensing examinations generally consist of a written test and, in some cases, a practical test of styling skills or an oral examination.

How much work is available for barbers?
Overall employment of barbers, cosmetologists, and other personal appearance workers is projected to grow slightly faster than the average for all occupations – even in a recession.

Do you already work in the field and have something to tell aspiring barbers? Comment and share your wealth of knowledge and experience!

Shara Stevenson is licensed esthetician and manicurist. She is also a marketing professional with a Bachelors of Arts from Georgia State University. Shara is passionate about multicultural beauty, fashion, market trends and branding. Follow Shara on Twitter @hellobeauty.

You purchased your kit, bought your uniform, and you’re officially enrolled in beauty school. That was the easy part. What you do next will determine whether you become a beauty school superstar, ready to conquer the world of beauty and esthetics, or, if you become just another person that went to beauty school and got their license but did nothing with it. You make the choice. Here’s how to make the most out of your beauty education.

Take Your Investment Seriously
You’ve invested the money in your beauty school education, so take it seriously.  Study your Milady book and take the practice tests. Participate in class discussions, and stay on top of industry trends by subscribing to publications like LaunchPad, Nail Pro, DaySpa, and Beauty Fashion. Memorizing theory is important, but it’s more essential that you can explain it. Many times students fall into the habit of treating cosmetology school like high school for adults. Instead of practicing hair cutting techniques, they’re gossiping with classmates. If beauty school becomes a chore, then reevaluate why you enrolled, and decide whether or not you want to continue your education. The amount of material that you need to cover can seem overwhelming, but don’t get discouraged! Don’t be the next beauty school dropout. Put your blinders on, stay focused, and keep unnecessary distractions at bay. You’ll thank yourself once you’ve completed your required hours.

Practice Makes Perfect
Okay, so your first five sets of acrylic nails popped off. The first time you did a perm it didn’t come out right. And, you haven’t quite perfected the effleurage facial movement. Now what? Keep practicing! The great thing about beauty school is that you’re not expected to be a shear genius overnight. Cosmetology school is structured to provide you with the foundation you need to perform basic services, and to equip you with information you need to pass state cosmetology licensing examinations. What you do with the training you receive is up to you. One way to get ahead is to practice, practice, practice.

Here are a few ways to sharpen your hands-on cosmetology skills:
-    Swap services with other students
-    Volunteer your services to community and nonprofit organizations
-    Offer services to your friends and relatives

Treat Yourself like a Business
Even though you’re a student, you are preparing yourself for a career in business so adapt the mindset of a businessperson. One of the most important things a business can do is maintain a consistent image. This is called “branding.” It sets you apart from competitors, defines what you stand for, and offers a way for customers to identify with your brand. If you’re studying to become a hairstylist, nail tech or makeup artist, would someone be able to tell by how you dress, and groom yourself? You say want to be the next hairstylist to the stars, but your hair is always messy. If you want to be taken seriously, then you need to become a representation of what you’re selling. Brand yourself. This means your clothing, hairstyle and color, and even your nails should reflect your beauty education and skills. It’s essential that your image is representative of your profession, and your target audience.

Take advantage of networking opportunities. Don’t wait until you graduate to attend trade shows and industry events. Research upcoming shows in your area and mark your calendar. Don’t have the money to attend? No problem. Most trade shows offer discounted rates to students. Another way to become acquainted with the industry is to contact other professionals that have become successful. You’ll be surprised how many beauty pros are willingly to give you advice, or even refer you for a position at a salon.

So Make the Most of Your Beauty School Education!

The statistics don’t lie. The increase in enrollment in beauty schools not only represents a need for people to diversify their skill sets, but it’s also a reflection of the growing billion dollar beauty, health and wellness industries. A career in beauty is a great way to take your passion for makeup, hair or nails to the next level. Study hard, be passionate about your goals, and position yourself as the next professional that sets trends, and becomes the voice of a booming industry.

Now salons and some cosmetology schools are joining the green movement, too. For example, Leon’s Beauty School in Greensboro, North Carolina has been taking steps to make some environmentally responsible practices a way of life. Many of the employees and stylists at Leon’s hope their efforts will inspire other salons and beauty professionals to find new ways to be more environmentally friendly.

Do you work in a salon or teach/study at a beauty school that is striving to be more Earth-friendly? Here are a few green ideas that have worked in Leon’s Beauty School and in other salons across the country:

• Bring in recycling bins! – Businesses like salons go through a lot of disposable containers. Recycling those containers is much friendlier to the planet.
• Switch from commercial cleaning products to home-made or natural cleaners! – For example, Leon’s Beauty School uses a natural water and vinegar solution to clean their windows instead of the traditional chemical-ridden glass cleaner.
• Ban Styrofoam cups! - Leon’s stylists and employees bring their own reusable cups to use throughout the workday.
• Offer discounts to customers who bring back empty plastic hair care bottles for refills.
• Replace old appliances with newer, energy-saving hair dryers or curling irons.
• Use natural beauty products like mineral-based makeup, natural henna hair dyes and sugar and water solutions to set hair curls.

Leon’s Beauty School even took their green ideas to a more creative level recently by hosting a “RecycleRama” hair and fashion show. Instead of showing off clothing made of expensive materials by A-list designers, models in this show sported creations made of second-hand fabrics, cardboard boxes, magazine pages and soda cans to spread awareness about being green.

But even if you don’t go the route of designing your own soda can couture, you can still make green beautiful! Got other green tips that you’ve used on the job? We’d love to hear ’em!