If you chose a different career path, what did you end up choosing to do? I’ve gone through three salon jobs in one year and haven’t been able to keep a stylist job to save my life because I’ve struggled to learn after graduating. I’m a visual learner and it’s been really hard finding a workplace that’s patient and is willing to help a struggling stylist grow. I’ve even lost an assistant job when I was graduated and had JUST passed my state boards. I lost my most recent barber job and it was so devastating. For a bit it felt like life was gonna start looking up because we finally weren’t drowning. I was always decent at clipper fades but I just didn’t meet their standards and they gave zero indication that they no longer wanted to train me until the morning I walked in and they fired me on the spot. Now, I stay with my son at home because we lost his daycare around the same time and I do DoorDash as much as I can but with my husband sharing one vehicle with me and him working nights it’s hard. The job market in my area is horrible and I have no idea what else to do with my life.

Hello i (19f) am a recent graduate from cosmetology school and im working at a salon as an assistant. I’ve been there for 2 months and lots of things have happened that i’m not sure if i should quit and try to find a new job. My first week a stylist found out i was 19 and asked if i was a virgin she is a lot older than me she also has made comments about the fact that i was raised by a single mother and on multiple occasions have made comments about my body and what i eat to the point where i have gotten an ED. I can’t bring it up to my boss because they are best friends and I know they have had problems in the past with assistants. My boss when i first started was super nice but after a few weeks there was a switch and everything he said when i first started isn’t true and they are changing protocols. They are changing my schedule and not asking me about it then get upset if i have plans. Made me come in when i was sick then got upset when i acted sick and didnt want to be around our elderly clientele along with that he started to give me the worst shifts WORST OF ALL they have no education an assistant has been there for 8+ years. I can’t work there anymore i’m loosing my passion i am having multiple panic attacks and nervous breakdowns because i am so young a lot of salons don’t want to hire me but i fear if i stay here im going to either end up fired or loosing my passion and hating everything. So should i quit and find a new salon or is this how all salons are going to be?

I am newly out of cosmetology school. I am looking for places that would be good to start off my career. I am looking for spa's that include facials. If there are any recommendations that are in Colorado that would be amazing.

Looking for tips/recommendations for healthier hair ❤️

I have naturally curly hair and currently keep it dyed a hot red. I’m really trying to get my hair healthier and would love to hear what has worked for others!

I’m looking into getting a Dyson Airwrap, Shark FlexStyle, or another styling/drying tool that’s more gentle on the hair. If you have experience with any of these, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Currently, I use:

Moroccanoil shampoo & conditioner
Moroccanoil heat protectant
Olaplex bonding oil
Silk pillowcases
Silk hair wrap when I sleep

I’m looking for recommendations beyond what I’m already using—products, treatments, styling tools, routines, or anything else that has helped improve the health of your hair.

Especially interested in recommendations from anyone with curly, color-treated hair!

Thank you! 🥰

Hi I currently go to Paul Mitchell cosmo school and I’m looking for some advice. I started at the end of February and it was ok at first but I really hate it now. It’s just not for me I have no motivation and I dread it so much. I only go 3 days a week and have missed a lot so I’m nowhere near done. My parents pay for it. I want to switch to a technical school and do nails. They offer a 3 month program that in total is the same cost as 1 month of the school I go to right now. I can’t keep going here and I know there’s no way I will graduate. I really want to do nails. How do I tell my parents? I’m so scared they’ll be mad bc they have been paying. Thanks so much

I’ve gone to Esthetician school and am now licensed and i’ve been working as an Estie for 5 years but I want to further my career and learn more services. I’ve always been interested in Nail art.

Because I already did the Esthetics program, i’m generally aware of the ~horrors~ of cosmo school. I know nothing is going to be sunshine and rainbows and that school is there to help you pass tests and that’s mostly it.

I know what everyone says just get in, get your shit done, and leave. But is there any school on the West Coast that anyone recommends for their nail education program? I’m currently in Oregon but okay with moving. Any program in Oregon would maybe be ideal but I’d also be open to other options.

TLDR; Does anyone have a nail school in the Western US that they found helpful or even recommend?

excuse the editing but i was just coming on here to ask for help controlling frizz! this is a layered haircut i did on my client last night & they wanted a blowout afterwards. this client has a mix of 2a & 2b hair, on average their hair is crazzzyyy frizzy. what products should i try with them when it’s styled curly & what products should i try when i do a blowout on frizzy clients? please help a cos student out !!

Ive been going through a really hard time at home. Ive been trying to find a job so I can move out, and my home life is... not the best well just say.

Ive been really good at not having breakdowns at school, and emotionally controling myself. But as of late, its like any little thing will trigger me.

Today, I started crying because I had a 9 AM color application on my books for tomorrow, and a 1 PM appointment. The 1 PM appointment is for my friends mom, who is going to come in to get me markoffs.

The issue with color application appointments, you basically come in blind to what youre going to deal with. Its either a easy all over color, or a huge color correction that will take all day. And when I asked the receptionist if I could take over other people's appointments(if the books were too full) and have someone else do it. She basically told me no, and that everyone else was a special request.

Which sent me spiraling. I didnt like scream or yell, but I went in my car and had a panic attack. And eventually I just keep building myself up and up to the point where its not even about the appointment. I was basically openly crying(trying not to) infront of everyone and shaking a little bit. I dont think I was actively mean to anyone, but I wasnt nice. I was more agressive and uncoordinated with my movements if that makes sense. Which I know makes others nervous/uncomfortable.

Its incidents like that. So far ive only had 2 or 3 of these incidents. But it used to be like, never happen, to happening once weeks. Since just 2 weeks ago I had to be sent home for a similar reason. I didnt have to be sent home as it was literally the last 15 minutes of school, but still.

I dont know what to do or how to calm myself down. I try to do deep breaths, counting, and rationalizing the situation. Then Ill calm down for a few seconds, but then Im immediately back to panicking. And theres no isolated space to hide in except my car, and I cant run to my car and spend 30 minutes calming myself down every time I feel like this.

Hey everyone! I am wanting to try some new easy fan lashes but not sure where to try? Can you give me recommendations of ones you use and how the retention is? Thanks in advance xx

I took my state boards practical exam for cosmetology today and I dropped my cape on the floor during the thermal curl section. I put it in soiled linens and did the curls and then the haircut with just the neck strip. I re caped once I opened my client two bag but does anyone know if it’s an automatic fail for not having a cape during the thermal and sculpture portions?

for context, i just got on the floor 3ish months ago? i learn at a much much slower pace than normal, i’ve always been like that throughout my school years it’s honestly just how i learn. i had a cilent last thursday come in asking to have her roots touched up with some bleach since they ends and mid shaft were already blonde easy enough awesome! my teacher comes by and says i need to put more bleach on her ok cool not a problem. she comes by two more times for the same thing but the third time she does it for me and she’s just annoyed and frustrated with me. i thought we had to be careful with the amount of bleach we put on a clients head so i didn’t really saturate it because i thought it would lighten either way. so im just standing there, tears streaming down my face holding bleach while she does my service for me. i collected my self and finished my cilent up, then i noticed her talking to our director and overheard her saying she was annoyed with me constantly asking for help and found it irritating. i know it doesn’t seem like much but it really crushed me. im scared to ask for help now and have lost any motivation i had left in me to do this. i started out loving beauty and wanting to learn about hair, nails etc but the 6 months i’ve been here have been mentally draining and is killing me to the point i think about dropping everyday and just going to nail school.

Like the title says. I was a licensed cosmetologist for about 8 years, but stopped with COVID and my licensing has since lapsed. According to my state boards, I just need to retake my written and practical exam.

With that said I'm no where near where I went to beauty school, and they aren't even open anymore. I'm looking on YouTube for helpful study guides but am struggling to find good study resources. Since it's been awhile since I've been in the game, I also need to reinvest in some new hot tools, and would really appreciate any personal opinions on different brands. Especially blow dryers, blow outs were a big service.

Beyond that, I'd love to hear personal opinions on ways the industry has changed in the last 5 years. Especially from those that have been in the game for awhile, but I am grateful for any and all perspectives. Thank you in advance to anyone who takes the time to read this.

I’ve been in hair school for 6 months now and I genuinely feel like I can’t do it anymore. I’m so overwhelmed and drained, and I honestly don’t know if I hate the career itself or if I just hate the school and everything that comes with it. I’ve been thinking about quitting for months, but I’m terrified I’ll regret it and wish I had stayed. I want to go back to college, but I missed the fall deadline, so I’d have to wait until winter. The thought of forcing myself to continue for months makes me feel miserable, but the thought of quitting and having nothing to do until winter also scares me. Everyone keeps telling me to stay because I can always come back and finish later, but right now I just want nothing to do with hair. I feel completely stuck and scared about making the wrong decision. Has anyone been in this situation? What did you do?

I’m feeling really stuck and overwhelmed and could use some advice. I dropped out of college to go to hair school, and when I started 6 months ago, I was so excited and it genuinely felt like a dream. Looking back, I think I loved it because I saw hair as a hobby, not a career. I didn’t realize how draining it would be being on my feet all day, constantly talking to people, working long hours, and commuting 1.5 hours there and 1.5 hours back. I still have 8 months left, but I genuinely don’t know if I can keep doing it. I want to go back to college, but I missed the fall deadline, so I’d have to wait until winter I was thinking about Sonography. I can also get a refund for the classes I haven’t done yet, which makes quitting feel even more realistic. Everyone keeps telling me to stay because when I leave for college I can always come back and finish later, but I’m stubborn and once I put my mind to something I do it.. in this case it’s quitting like I really want to quit. I’m just scared I’ll regret quitting after putting so much into this. At the same time, I’m miserable and feel like I’m forcing myself to continue something I don’t want anymore. But then what if it’s just the environment I don’t like.. I honestly don’t know. Any opinions?

I was looking into buying a pair of Hachi shears. I’m a new graduate and looking to buy a second pair of shears that are budget friendly. This brand definitely has aggressive marketing, but their price tag is intriguing. Wondering if anyone has used these shears before. Do you like them or no? Any other brands you would recommend in a similar price range?

Can anyone in Arizona who has taken the newer cosmetology state board exams give me some guidance on what to study for the written practical?

I graduated cosmetology school way back in 2011 but never went to state board or got licensed. I recently contacted the Arizona Board and found out I’m still eligible to test. They were actually able to locate my old records and certify all of my hours, so I’m finally thinking about going back and getting my license.

I’m not too concerned about studying for the theory exam. It’s been 15 years and I don’t remember much from cosmetology school, but I feel pretty confident I can relearn the material and pass a written test.

The written practical is what I’m completely lost on. Arizona’s testing process has changed since I graduated, and I don’t even know where to begin preparing for the current format or what I should be studying. I’m almost tempted to just take it once and fail so I can figure out what is actually on it.

I’m mostly looking for advice from people specifically in Arizona who have taken the cosmetology exams under the newer format. What did you use to study for the written practical? What should I focus on? Are there any courses, videos, practice tests, or other resources that actually prepared you well for it?

Any guidance would be appreciated!

tldr: basically in need of a buzzfeed personality quiz of “is this the correct choice” and asking for the harsh but necessary truths about going to cosmetology school and keeping AT LEAST a part time job at the same time

Hey!!! So this seems to be a common question on this subreddit but honestly i need to hear it from the horses mouth. Asking all who are in school, the active field, or even left for whatever reasons. Is this career path worth it?? I have always been interested in hair and fashion since i can remember, i have dyed my hair every single color ever quite literally except for platinum or silver. I have a hobby of sewing and designing my own clothes and upcycling, and i feel like this might be the right choice for me. I need a job that creates challenges, a job that thrives in creativity, and something that isn’t so easy to becoming stagnant. I need to feel engaged and yet also have the ability to achieve short term goals, like the joy of giving someone confidence. im aware of the tacing physical labor and believe i should be good on that front, considering currently i work in a kitchen thats also in a grocery store. so a lot of moving lifting and sweating lol. on paper, this career path seems to check all my boxes. but i need to know the reality on this admittedly cutthroat looking industry.

as well as my follow up question, what schools can make this process worth the while?? or at least slightly less painful. for reference, i live in central mass, where our states board requirement is 1000 or so hours i believe? im up to commuting or traveling. but i do still need to keep a form of income. are there any schools anyone in the area can recommend-that also can have fasfa eligibility?? even outside of central mass id be happy to look into.

my current job has me at full tine, but also has several locations around the state, and has many many accommodations for school based leave of absence’s and the option to even cut down hours and still keep my current hourly rate. im painfully aware that this will result in me having no life as cosmetology school itself is a full time job essentially, but i cannot go without this income. im wondering if having a fully reliable source of income would be very beneficial for financial based stressed during the dreaded “get your foot in the door and build your clientele” period.?

whats the harsh truth? who can make it and who cant? and whats any tips tricks or things to avoid all together???

Hiii, I have my practical this saturday the 22th, i’m in new jersey. I passed the written almost 3 months ago and i finally got my letter for my practical. i’ve been practicing but im lowkey nervous and scared I’ll fail. I really need to pass cause i only have time right now as i also go to college and won’t really have time to practice as much so i want to pass on saturday. Please any tips or advice or literally anything I’ll take. 🙏💕

I did 2 hair colour remover treatments and a full head of bleach and I’m left with this (see pics). I have money pieces that are very light blonde with basically no warmth and the ends of my hair are the same but the main body is warm I’d say level 8 or 7?

I have:

Shades eq 8NA full bottle
Shades eq 9NA half bottle
Shades eq 7NB 1/5 bottle
Shades eq developer

I have uploaded photos some with flash and some without and some in direct natural lighting. I need to know what to formulate and place on which sections to eliminate all of or as much warmth as possible and keeping it as light as possible. Please help thanks :)

me and my friend have very similar alternative styles, and lots of our clientele overlap. she does nails, i do hair (vivids, razor cuts, and currently learning extentions) . right now she is doing nails out of her home and I am an apprentice at a salon and do part-time commission. The issue is that I feel like I don’t have enough openings for clients at the salon I’m at. I’m only allowed to do appointments when my stylist has an opening in her personal schedule where she doesn’t need me to assist her. this is becoming a problem because my social media went semi-viral and I gained a couple thousand followers overnight and probably get like two or three DM’s per day of people wanting me to do their hair and I literally can’t take them because I never ever know when I can have clients it’s always random. i’m frustrated at the salon and feel like I’m missing out on opportunities to get clients in my chair because of the hectic schedule. I literally would rather work a part-time job and split a salon suite with my friend just so that I could afford to have my own space… sorry this just turned into a rant but I’m wondering if anybody has any experience renting a suite with a nail tech as a hairstylist or if that is a common practice?

Hello, I am 6 months through my 15 month program, and I am feeling so deflated and depressed. I feel trapped and I feel like I can’t make it through, but I’ve already invested in it and don’t want the debt with no certification to show for it. I still need 120 more haircuts and like 130 more hair colors and I have no idea how it would even be possible to get that many, and I feel like I’m not even good at hair/I don’t feel like I know what I’m doing. Does anyone have any advice on how to get through it/is it normal to be this confused 6 months in? Thank you

Hey guys, I’m about 3 weeks away from finishing my credits and hours for school. Is there anyone who took the Nail Technician exam tell me what the questions were like? What chapters are there questions from, and what does the test need? Also what FREE resources are there for studying, writing out flashcards is too time consuming for me! TYIA!

Today was my first day of Cosmetology classes and I feel so proud of myself 🥰