By: Lauren Francis-Jackson
Traditionally, being a hairstylist means that you are educated on hair science and theory and have experienced practicals on the salon floor through a traditional cosmetology program or apprenticeship. This is the mainstream way of becoming a hairstylist. As time evolved and hair trends changed, there became an increased need for natural hair schools. As more women were returning to natural, they were looking for natural hair salons to get their hair done professionally. Natural hair certificate programs began popping up all over the country.
When I began my salon career, I began as a natural hairstylist and loctician with formal salon training from the Natural Hair Institute, a natural hair school founded by N Natural Hair Studio in Silver Spring, MD . Even though there is no required natural hair license in the State of Maryland, it was important to me to be educated on best practices in loc’d and natural hair care. I have been a certified Natural Hair Stylist and Loctician for over 7 years. I have seen many different textures of hair in my years as a stylist. I have learned to work with textured hair in a variety of stages. So the big question is what is the benefit of cosmetology school for a salon/stylist that specializes in textured hair??
Here is our breakdown of our top 4 reasons why a natural stylist/loctician can benefit from cosmetology school:
1. A full cosmetology license can open doors that a natural hair certificate can’t.
There are many opportunities to work in different facets of this hair industry including product educators, platform artists, cosmetology instructor, and many more- many of these opportunities are options for licensed hairstylists. In addition, salon education can open because you are a licensed stylist. A salon owner may reach out to you to educate their staff on your specialty, because you have the education to position yourself as an expert. One reason I love this hair and beauty industry is because the opportunities are vast. The sky truly is the limit for an educated stylist.
2. If the State Board of Cosmetology decides to change the rules regarding braiding and natural hair services, you will be prepared and be able to continue to run your business.
In the State of Maryland, there have been discussions back and forth for years about updating the requirements for licensure for natural hairstylists and braiders. Part of the reason behind this is to tap into a part of the industry that is unregulated. Part of it is to require natural hairstylists and braiders to be educated on the basics of sanitation practices at the bare minimum. It can be a good thing, however it does mean that natural hairstylists and braiders have to be ready with proper licensing to remain in business.
3. Cosmetology school can strengthen skills that were already present or teach you new skills in a systematic way.
As a natural stylist, I have learned lots of skills that are not part of natural hair schools such as proper cutting technique. I am self-taught in trimming and cutting hair into a style. The only formal cutting class I took as a natural hairstylist was on the tapered cut/tapered Afro. However, even in the short time that I have attended cosmetology school, I have learned a more systematic way to cut that leads to some of the most requested cutting styles. I now understand why when cutting at particular angles result in certain forms. These skills can easily be applied to curly cuts and cutting locs. In addition, I look forward to gaining new skills as well. One new skill I have learned this week is how to use round brush. I didn’t get the purpose of round brushing. It adds volume to the hair. So now I can use these techniques when doing blow outs and silk press.
4. All stylists should have a specialty yet still be a diverse stylist.
For myself, I envision myself to be a diverse stylist in loc’d and natural hair care. Loc’d and Natural Hair is a speciality of textured hair. In addition to hair care, I strive to hone in on my coloring skills which will be enhanced by formal schooling which will help me understand the science behind color. Everyone’s hair has natural cool and warm tones which this affects the tone of the resulting color. At Aveda, their mission is directly in line with Locspiration’s mission- holistic and natural hair care concepts. The founder of Aveda -Horst Rechelbacher- learned how to use plant based ingredients to derive effective yet eco-friendly hair care and body care products for all. This is exactly what I was in search for in a cosmetology school- combining plant based ingredients through state of the art cosmetology practices.
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