Style. Flair. Passion. The Northern California region sizzles with forward fashion-thinking. From ultra-chic spas to cutting-edge salons, clients are seeking the latest in hair treatments, facials, body therapies, and nail services. This creative dynamism translates into a hot market for skilled cosmetologists, as almost 70 percent of California salon owners attempting to hire new employees in 2006 said they were unable to find qualified applicants. This means jobs are immediately available for talented salon professionals.
The $60 billion dollar cosmetology business is booming, with endless employment opportunities, from hair stylist, nail technician, makeup artist, salon or spa manager to educator, esthetician, image consultant and more. Salon professionals can average up to $50,000 or more, including tips, with the opportunity to set your own working hours and build satisfying relationships with your clientele.
Attending a top beauty college i! s a must to enter this field, since all states require cosmetologists to be licensed, as well as complete a designated number of hours and instruction and practice at a licensed cosmetology school. But "A license does not earn a living; an education does," said James Federico, who founded Federico Beauty Institute in 1946, a third-generation, family-owned and operated career school located in the Sacramento, Calif., valley.
It isn't enough for today's beauticians to merely know how to cut hair or polish nails. The cosmetology industry has undergone a transformation, so that professionals need to partner with proven manufacturers such as Pivot Point International, located in 74 countries, and other top hair care, make up and nail products. "It's about training from the ground up, honing skills and knowing advanced cut and color techniques," says Adam Federico, a third generation Federico and son of owner Gary. "But mostly, it's important to understand how to dea! l with a client and learning how to build rapport," continues ! Adam, creative director of the AJF Salon, part of the 60-year-old Federico Beauty Institute
In the rapidly evolving cosmetology field, practitioners also need to know:
o The science and art of styling: No longer is hair cutting just about knowing how to properly use a pair of shears. The Pivot Point International program, for example, emphasizes different shapes, head curvature, and how the hair is projected, using technology and hands-on practice.
o Advanced applications: Beauty-conscious consumers are requesting services beyond a manicure or facial. Specialized training qualifies professionals to do micro dermabrasion treatments, air brush skin treatments, freehand scissor and razor cutting, and more.
o Self-promotion and marketing: Recognizing how to build a client base is an integral part of a successful cosmetology career. "A confident student in cosmetology and esthetics is prepared for the market," says Gary Federic! o, a second-generation Federico. An externship working with local shops can help students develop strong customer service skills.
With an expanding population of baby boomers, Generation X and Y, growing families, and an increasingly diverse community, the need for well-trained salon professionals who serve-and inspire-continues.
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