Wednesday, Oct. 7th 2009
Hairdressing is an exciting field, and many graduated of hairdresser schools are able to find exciting and satisfying work. If you are interested in this field, you may be interested in specializing in hair design. This exciting area of specialization allows you to help clients look their best with coloring treatments, hair products, and hair styles. Hair is one of the surest and most dramatic ways to change an overall look, so by attending hairdressing schools and becoming a hair designer, you could be helping people dramatically change their looks and their lives.
If you want to become a hair designer, you will need to apply to hair design schools or beauty schools offering hair design degrees. You will need to hone your skills, get your cosmetology license and you will need to apply for salon jobs or earn your own list of clients.
When you apply for hairdressing/hair design programs at cosmetology schools or hairdresser schools, you will be studying to get your cosmetology license. Licensing requirements vary by state, but you will generally need to take courses about coloring and bleaching hair, cutting hair, styling hair, highlighting and lowlighting hair, nail grooming and care, applying chemical perms and relaxers to hair, hair removal techniques, salon hygiene, skin care, make-up application, sanitation of instruments, and the proper use of hair design instruments.
In addition, many hairdressing schools require you to take basic classes about anatomy, chemistry, and physiology. You may even learn how to recognize common skin diseases. These classes will help you understand the basic functioning of the human body and will help you understand how different chemicals used in hair treatments and hair styling affect the skin and body.
Many hair design schools also offer specialized classes in wigs and hairpieces as well as weaves and extensions. Since these hair options are a popular choice with customers, it is a good idea to find a beauty school offering classes in these subjects.
Most hair design programs at beauty schools take about two years to complete, although the exact time of study can depend on your state licensing requirements as well as other factors – such as whether you study full-time or part-time. It is a good idea to look for cosmetology schools and hairdressing programs that offer lots of hands-on training.
These will prepare you best for a job after graduation. Many hairdresser schools also offer apprenticeship programs or help, which allow you to apprentice with an experienced hair designer or stylist for one to two years after graduation or during your course of study. Apprenticeship programs are great because they allow you to gain experience while honing your skills. Many hair design professionals get their careers started with an apprenticeship.