Let’s figure this out WHERE AM I GOING TO WORK?

LET’S FIRST DECIDE How do I want to get paid?

HOW DO I WANT TO GET PAID? Commission – A percentage of the money made from the provision of services is given back to the cosmetologist as pay. Many paid this way are considered self-employed, and are responsible for taxes. The salon will provide overhead expenses such as products, lights, water, etc. A primary reason companies use straight commission or a plus commission pay plan is to motivate employees toward better results and to reward high performers.

HOW DO I WANT TO GET PAID? Hourly - Many corporate and small chains are going in this direction since it promotes a more controlled product by ensuring that employees are responsible for following company standards and policies.

HOW DO I WANT TO GET PAID? Salary + Commission – Employees receive a guaranteed base salary amount but also earn commission based on the amount of sales they make. Intended to motivate better sales production, this pay structure has some strengths and some weaknesses relative to other pay plans.

HOW DO I WANT TO GET PAID? Booth rental – The cosmetologist "rents" a space in the salon, for a monthly fee. This type of pay is defined as self-employment and the cosmetologist is responsible for all products used (perms, color etc.) as well as taxes.

HOW DO I WANT TO GET PAID? Tips are another source of income. Skilled cosmetologists can often make a considerable portion of their income from tips from customers.

RECEPTIONIST Generally, receptionists perform a variety of tasks, such as answering phones, schedule appointments, receiving visitors and packages, and providing general information about the salon to the public. Often they may be required to offer beverages to clients or even sweep and fold towels.

SHAMPOO TECHNICIAN A shampoo technician shampoos and conditions a client's hair in preparation for the hair stylist. A shampoo tech may assist with rinsing permanent waves, and shampooing color and chemical relaxers out of the hair after processing. Shampoo techs are normally only employed by corporate or concept salons and large-volume beauty salons that are operated simultaneously. In some states, a shampoo tech must have a cosmetology permit. This is usually a temporary position, held by a person who is newly licensed with little or no experience.

HAIR STYLIST A hair stylist specializes in the styling of hair, including cutting, chemical perms (relaxers, curls, waves and color treatments)

MANICURIST/NAIL TECHNICIAN A manicurist may perform manicures and pedicures. This includes the application of artificial nail tips, acrylics, shellac or gel nails. Some manicures can include the painting of pictures or designs on the nails or applying small decals or imitation jewels. In many areas, manicurists are licensed and follow regulation. Since skin is manipulated and is sometimes trimmed, there is a certain risk of spreading infection when tools are used across many people and therefore sanitation is a serious issue.

ESTHETICIAN An aesthetician (or esthetician) specializes in the study of skin care, including facial treatments, body wraps (relaxing treatments which involve hot linens, plastic sheets, and blankets), salt glows (an exfoliation treatment), waxing as a form of hair removal, and cosmetic make-up services. Some aestheticians work with dermatologists to offer more services, including laser hair removal, laser skin resurfacing, microdermabrasion, and many types of chemical peels. An esthetician can be licensed solely for that skill. An esthetician is not necessarily licensed in cosmetology, but is typically well versed in knowledge of skin care.

BECOMING A COSMETOLOGIST In the United States of America, all states require barbers, cosmetologists, and most other personal appearance workers (with the exception of shampooers) to be licensed; however, qualifications for a license vary by state. Generally, a person must have graduated from a state-licensed barber or cosmetology school and be at least 16 years old. A few states require applicants to pass a physical examination. Some states require graduation from high school, while others require as little as an eighth-grade education. In a few states, the completion of an apprenticeship can substitute for graduation from a school, but very few barbers or cosmetologists learn their skills this way. Applicants for a license usually are required to pass a written test and demonstrate an ability to perform basic barbering or cosmetology services.

If someone were interested in studying cosmetology, they could take a general cosmetology course and graduate, being able to test to become licensed for all of the things listed above, or they could choose to study only to become a manicurist or esthetician. There are private schools, and many vocational schools offer cosmetology to high school students. In addition, there are national organizations that provide educational and professional information.

FAMOUS COSMETOLOGISTS Abulcasis Jonathan Antin Kevyn Aucoin Benjamin Barker John Frieda Max Factor Marjorie Joyner Paul Mitchell Vidal Sassoon Lee Stafford Madam C.J. Walker