I am a checklist girlie, the one who lays out her clothes before the field trip or makes an organized by-color packing list for the 3-day vacation. Packing for spring break and forgetting the sunscreen? Probably going to regret that one. Forgetting your calculator on the day of your SAT? Also not a great idea. It is not any wonder that humans crave planning. Often when we are at the brink of completing a task we stop and wish we had known just a little more before beginning it. That is where I am sitting. I am less than 200 hours away from completing my 1500 hour program to obtain my Cosmetology license and guess what? I forgot to pack pretty much everything.

During my pre-cosmetology school search of every social media known to man; somehow information still slid through the cracks. Just searching for “things you should know before cosmetology school” doesn’t cover all your bases… who woulda thunk it?

So to round out the final hours at my dear ol’ cos school I’ve taken it upon myself to discover what students, staff, and those who have been in the industry wish they had known before they decided to commit their life to the pursuit of beauty.

I wish someone would have told me…

“I wish someone had told me that not everyone is going to be your #1 supporter. You have to put in the work to improve and the mindset you have will determine how you do.”

Kaydence Ferguson- Current Student

“If I’m being completely honest, there are quite a few things I think people should understand before starting cosmetology school. One of the biggest and most important aspects of this profession is how mentally and physically demanding it can be. When you graduate, you have to be willing to work late hours and weekend hours and they need to assist. They NEED to assist. If students can understand and accept all of that, and have a true passion for their craft, they will thrive in this industry. You can make an amazing living if you are willing to put in the work.” 

-Allie Wood Owner of Cat&Lou Salon

“I wish someone told me that it is truly a commitment of time, energy, and sanity. The connections you make can either make you or break you for your entire career.”

Tayler Johnson- Current Student 

“I wish someone would have told me it gets draining as time goes on, but the memories and people you meet are worth it. So push through it. “

-Kiara De Lessio Current Student

“I wish I had known that this profession takes a mental toll on you. You’ll have your ups and downs, but you just have to see the positive side of things and think about how thankful you’ll be in the future. “

Makayla Bostock Current Student

” I wish someone had told me that you’re going to learn state board curriculum . That’s a lot of nursing elements including infection control and diseases, it can be complicated and frustrating. It’s not all styling, curling, and coloring, there is bookwork and studying involved. Don’t go in expecting that you are going to be a TikTok stylist or own a suite/booth rental right out of school. If someone isn’t teaching you professionalism you need to teach yourself right out the gate, learn how to relate and communicate with clients. “

-Addison Educator at a Cosmetology school 

“I wish someone had told me to pay attention to every detail because the one little detail you miss could make or break something when it comes to hair.”

-Hayley Edds Graduated Student