You have things you’re naturally good at. Many of those gifts can turn into a career, but sometimes the biggest challenge is narrowing down all the things you do well. You should identify the strongest features of your personality—they will help you see which industry fits you the best. Here are our top five traits to keep in mind if you're thinking of starting a cosmetology career.
Friendliness
Styling is just one part of the job. You'll also need to build relationships with everyone who comes to you: The clients will be the deciding factor of whether or not you stay in business. You'll need to able to make small talk, ask good questions, and genuinely care about the happiness and trials in their lives. Hairstylists are seen as a type of therapist—or at least a friend—and it's easy to see why. The interaction makes it very easy for a client to open up and chat.
Patience
Dealing with people can be difficult, and there are plenty of times you'll be frustrated with customers. Calming them down and working with them is just something you'll need to master on a regular basis. No, the customer isn't always right, but maintaining a good attitude and cheerful demeanor throughout even the most difficult of ordeals will demonstrate your professionalism and get respect from everyone around you.
Strong attention span
You may have a vision for people, but that doesn't mean that they'll love your ideas as much as you do. Once you learn the quirks of your clients, you'll have an easier time deciding and suggesting. However, at the beginning, you'll need to be prepared to listen to and do exactly what the client wants you to do. There are plenty of horror stories out there about stylists who cut too much off or left color on too long. If you find yourself getting easily distracted from your work, then this may not be the job for you.
Tactful and persuasive
Some people seamlessly work this into their conversations, but you may have to work on this trait a little. If you feel like you know what a particular look should be for someone, you need to be able to suggest it without coming off as pushy, and then give some solid reasons for your thoughts. Never be aggressive, and read his or her body language to see when you should give up. Sometimes it doesn't take much to upset someone, and they won’t hesitate to find a new stylist. As you grow in your field, people will begin to trust you more, and you can start doing the work you want to do.
Clean and neat
This one may seem silly, but you'll need to make yourself and your station presentable at all times. If you can't keep your own hair looking great, then why should other people trust you with theirs? Everything about you should say professional and competent. The same goes for your chair. Clean up between clients and keep your tools tidy and in order.
Sounds Like You?
Becoming a great hairstylist takes more than the right personality, but knowing how you are as a person compared to what will be expected of you is a good place to start. You don’t want every day on the job to be a battle. Ready to start cosmetology classes? Find a school near you.
