What Techniques Do You Learn in Cosmetology School?

May 27, 2021

You can expect to learn a wide range of skills from a cosmetology education.


First of all, it is important to distinguish what a cosmetologist does differently from other beauty professionals. Cosmetologists study the art of beautification, particularly in regards to services for the hair, skin, and nails. On the other hand, estheticians focus on skincare, and nail technicians specialize in nail techniques. In this way, cosmetology is a more general beauty subject that also specifies hair training and makeup application. 

Schools like PJ’s College of Cosmetology have specialized training that will prepare you to work in your specific field of interest in the beauty industry. Cosmetology training programs are currently accepting new students and will train you in the areas highlighted in this guide. 

 

Hair Cutting, Styling, and Coloring 


Studying hair care is an essential component of a cosmetology education. Beyond studying the physical biology of our hair and how this relates to health, you will also study techniques that professional hairstylists incorporate into their services daily. In general, you can expect to learn the following hair care procedures in a cosmetology training program: 

 

  • Hair cutting 
  • Hair styling 
  • General hair color services 
  • Highlights and lowlights 
  • Balayage and ombre 
  • Perm, straightening, and other chemical procedures 
  • Event hair and artistic styling 
  • Braiding and hair extensions 
  • Hair maintenance and scalp massage 
  • Deep conditioning treatments 

 

Makeup Services 


Another aspect of focus in cosmetology school will be studying makeup skills and applications. Professional makeup artists are needed in countless industries and for event/client services. Beauty school can give you the strong foundation you need to become a successful makeup expert. Here are some of the makeup areas of study you can expect to learn from a beauty school cosmetology program: 

 

  • General makeup application and technique 
  • Wedding, prom, and other event makeup 
  • Specialty and stage makeup 
  • Lash services 
  • Eyebrow shaping 
  •  Makeup art applications 

 

Nail and Skincare Procedures 



Beyond hair and makeup, you will also learn basic skin care and nail care. This will not be as specialized as an esthetician or nail technician course but will provide you with the skills you need to become a well-rounded beautician. 

  • Facials 
  • Manicures and pedicures 
  • Nail tips 
  • Hand treatments 
  • Some hair removal 
  • Basic nail and skin health management 

 

Though the technical skills are extremely valuable, you will also learn insightful business and safety skills that are necessary for the industry. These not only prepare you to manage a business and follow important guidelines, but they also prepare you to apply for your state license when the time comes. The connections you make with your instructors and peers will also be an invaluable part of your experience at cosmetology school. 

 

Overall, cosmetology school programs are comprehensive vocational training that will allow you to learn the need-to-know techniques to become a professional cosmetologist. Not to mention, the instructors and staff are there to assist you and make sure you are prepared to succeed. These people are also there to ease you through the process of enrolling in the course. Programs like those at PJ’s also offer courses throughout the year to make this more accessible to you. Connect with our enrollment advisors online or call us at 800-62-SALON (72566). Our team is eager to assist you on your cosmetology journey and wants to help you master these beauty techniques. 


27 Sep, 2021
Whether you’ve been fired or are simply looking to take your career to the next level, switching jobs in the beauty and wellness industry takes strategy and planning. You can have a job or you can build a career; the choice is yours. If you find yourself job hopping frequently, either by choice or by circumstance, it’s going to be more difficult to establish yourself. A job switch is something to be taken seriously as the consequences of your move, both good and bad, can reverberate for months and even years. Before you make a job switch, think through these 5 things. YOU WILL LOSE BUSINESS We know it feels like everyone will follow you if you do leave, but not everyone does. Some won’t like the drive, the new salon, spa, or shop décor, or even your new team members. Some clients may even be looking for an excuse to try someone new. MULTIPLE MOVES RAISE A RED FLAG TO FUTURE EMPLOYERS Salon, spa, and shop owners look at your track record and if they see you’ve moved multiple times over the past 1-3 years, they are going to be less enthusiastic about hiring an “at risk” team member. YOU MAY BE THE PROBLEM If you have moved several times and are still not happy, then it’s time to do a checkup from the neck up. The only common denominator in your career choices is you. It’s time to stop and think about what it is you really want, write it down, and go find it. WHEN IT ISN’T WORKING, TALK IT OUT Let’s face it: there are going to be times when you just are not “feeling it,” and the love and newness has worn off. When you get to that point, reflect on what you are feeling and ask yourself, “Is it true and is it real?” If it is, then the only way to work through it is to go to the source and talk it out. If you don’t, it will fester and get worse. RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE WHAT IS WORKING Look around and appreciate the perks, joys, esthetics, flexibility, team, training, or whatever else is really great about where you work. Sometimes just shifting your thoughts can create a new perspective. Moving on After Being Fired What if your job switch is based not on choice but on circumstance and you have been fired? Being fired is extremely stressful, no matter the reason. You can find yourself struggling with all types of emotions ranging from embarrassment, anger, fear, and even depression. If you’re in this sticky situation, follow these steps to turn this potential negative into a positive. LOOK TO YOUR FUTURE It can be difficult getting past the “being fired” part, but you must move on! You have two choices: you can live in a negative space and dwell on the past or you can decide to look to your future and learn from this experience. TAKE OWNERSHIP This can be as painful as being fired itself. Spend some time taking a personal inventory of the reasons why you were dismissed. Don’t play the “blame game” and point fingers at others. Take full responsibility and turn this negative experience into a positive learning opportunity for your future. Reach out to mentors or enroll in outside education to help you grow in any areas that are keeping you from the success you are destined to achieve. MOVE FORWARD It’s time to freshen up your resume and cover letters. Be certain to point out your successes and your strengths. There is no reason to mention your dismissal at this time. INTERVIEWING During your interview for a potential new position, be prepared to answer those questions you fear the most like, “Why did you leave your last job?” Honesty is the best policy, but there’s no need to get into a long drawn out conversation about it; keep it brief. Share what you have learned and how you have made a personal commitment to learn and grow from this experience. If you have enrolled in outside education and/or have mentorship in this area be sure to share this information during your interview. For other interview tips, check out this guide. Being fired from a job can shake a person to their core. It ranks in the top of life’s most stressful situations, but if you take the initiative by enrolling in classes and reaching out to mentors to move past any barriers, you can turn things around. Job switches can happen at any time for a multitude of reasons. It’s up to you to be proactive and always go towards what you want. When you need to make big changes, make sure to do your research and make sure the changes are in the direction of your dreams.  If you are interested in starting your career in cosmetology, PJ’s College of Cosmetology can help. Call us at 800-62-SALON (72566) or request information at gotopjs.com.
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