Everything You Need to Know About Going to a Hairdressing School
Hairdressing is an exciting career. It’s for creative people who enjoy working around people. With the right training, working as a hairdresser can guarantee financial security and career development.
To get admission to hairdressing school in Everett, you must be ready to work and learn.
Age requirements
Generally, hairdressing schools specify that individuals must be 16 years and older. Even if the school you have chosen lacks an age requirement, your state’s hairdressing board is likely to have one. Despite feeling a bit too old for the job, it is never too late to pursue a hairdressing career. Whatever the reason, do not let your age keep you from pursuing your career.
Education requirements
To become a hairdresser, you have to attend a state-licensed hairdressing school. The schools may require a driver’s license and high school diploma or its equivalent. You may however be asked to produce your school transcripts if you lack the diploma certificate. The level of education varies from state to state. A high school diploma or its equivalent depends on the state where you wish to attend hairdressing school.
Full-time training programs in hairdressing may take up to nine months. This may earn you an associate degree. However, the training does not end there. On-the-job training will provide more of the learning opportunities.
Application documents
Typically, schools ask for social security number. This, in most cases, is a requirement when filling in financial aid forms to apply for tuition assistance. You may have to ask for parental consent if you have not reached 18 years of age.
A letter of recommendation is needed along with your school application. If you are transferring, you will have to present a transcript to provide evidence of hours from your former school. To have the hours released by your state cosmetology regulations board, you need to pay your former school’s bills in full.
Further training
Most hairdressers in the field carry on with advanced courses that keep them abreast of the latest trends. Once you have completed an approved training program, it is essential that you take a licensing exam. The exam format varies between states and fee is charged before taking the test. You can take a combination of practical, oral and written examinations, depending on the state.
Interviews
Besides aptitude tests and short answer questions, you may be asked to do a written or video essay. These essays look a lot like a letter of intent, which details out why you would like to join the hairdressing industry.
You will also be required to explain how you are suited for this career.
Required qualities
Besides acquiring technical skills in a hairdressing school, you have to possess some essential qualities. Creativity is essential since you will need to help your customers choose new hairdos. Customer service skills are also vital specifically since you want to build your chain of customers.
Other qualities include good time management skills and good physical stamina. Succeeding in hairdressing also depends on your willingness to work hard. Most of these qualities will not be learnt from formal training.
