In a field as glorified as cosmetology, there are often challenges. It can be tough to navigate a career where success hinges on presenting oneself in an appealing manner and catering to the needs of others. I find myself adapting to different personas depending on the situation or the person I’m dealing with. It’s exhausting mentally and physically, but there is so much depth to be found in this profession. The reality of growing up is that not everyone will approve of you. People may admire you at your best and still appreciate you at your worst, but these two states rarely align. As a hairstylist, you often become a therapist, a confidant, an entertainer, all while excelling at your core duty—the art of hairstyling.

It’s a real challenge to exude confidence and self-assurance while juggling personal struggles and professional success. When your personal life spills into your work, it can be tough to maintain a positive image. My main interactions with other hair stylists have mostly been within the confines of cosmetology school, and let me tell you, it’s as intense as they say. Drama swirls around, with secrets exchanged in the back alleys over a sneaky cigarette. The very people you expect to uplift you, including some educators, can make you feel inadequate, as if your efforts will never measure up. The initial friend group you form is likely to fracture, and new connections will emerge. It’s disheartening to be enveloped in so much negativity. Listening to others lament over a bad haircut or a difficult client can wear you down. It’s not as simple as just choosing to have a good day or to stay positive. It’s about holding onto your purpose, your end goal, and your motivation. When you lose sight of why you’re there, the negativity can feel like an overwhelming, suffocating weight.

One of the best ways to survive and maintain the sunny disposition you walked in with is to find the people who care enough to push you. Look for the people that seek you out, that show you they care. The ones who call you out when you are in a mood. The ones who are always there to rant and celebrate when you kill a foil work or haircut. Find things to redirect the negativity. Allow yourself to find solace in doing hair, putting the frustration, disappointment, and fear into productive situations. Making someone else feel beautiful is a gratifying experience, and having an interesting conversation with a client or friend is a great way to remove yourself from the negativity that might surround your learning environment. It is difficult to leave it all at the door on the way out, so practice now.

It’s a demanding gig that takes a toll on both your body and mind. You stand on your feet for 6-10 hours, trying to steal a moment away from “enlightening” conversations to grab a quick lunch or sip some water in the back room. Your arms, feet, and hands ache, and if you’re prone to headaches, it’s a real challenge. With the blasting blowdryers, constant chatter, and the overpowering smell of ammonia, Ibuprofen becomes your best friend. Simple precautions like wearing gloves can extend your career by preventing contact dermatitis. Make sure to find time before or after your shifts to move your body. Whether it’s yoga, running, or hitting the gym, physical activity not only relieves your muscles but also refreshes your mind. If you neglect to take care of your body from the start, your career could be cut short by injury.

Cosmetology school is such a small portion of your career. Coming in with goals clearly aligned and a game plan is going to be your Hail Mary. There are always going to be ups that a higher than the moon but with those highs there are always low. Buckle down, bite your lip and get through it. Focus on your motivation for being there. Not finding friends, or making everyone like you. Admit when you make a mistake, take the criticism and learn. It really isn’t that long, I promise and once you are out, you can find the positive space you desire.

Looking for a career is similar to speed dating. Cosmetology school is a great place to shadow, message salons that speak to you, and ask to come in. The worst they can say is no. Even if you leave and know it is not the salon for you, we learn what we love… and what we could do without. There will be somewhere you walk in and immediately know it is not the place for you. I promise there will be a moment when you walk into a salon and just feel a weight has been lifted off your chest. One where the community is not there for just the money. They care deeply about clients, education, and the well-being of their stylists. When you find your home, I’m sure there will be new challenges and fears that await, being that I am currently in the same space as you. I guess we will get through that together.