How Not to Be a Beauty School Dropout

In case you missed it, Beyoncé Knowles (with inspiration from her mother-the-stylist-and-salon-owner) opened the Beyoncé Cosmetology Center in Brooklyn’s DUMBO earlier this month. Located within Phoenix House, the center was conceived to empower recovering substance addicts to re-enter the workforce with the sought-after skills of a hairdresser.

“Hair salons are like therapy,” explains Knowles in a Good Morning America clip, adding, “many stories for her songs came from eavesdropping in [her mother’s] salon.” According to the segment, the idea came while researching for her role of one-time addict Etta James for “Cadillac Records” in 2007. Knowles has reportedly pledged $100,000 to the school.

So given the recession and onslaught of career-changers reevaluating their life, if any of our fashionable Styleite readers are considering beauty school, here are some facts:

Cosmetology careers are hot: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recently listed the 30 fastest-growing occupations for 2006–2016. Makeup artist came in at number 7, skin care specialist at number 11, and manicurists/pedicurists at number 28.

It’s a great return on investment, sources say: Imagine, in under a year, you’re ready to join the workforce in a fast-growing industry. According to the American Association of Cosmetology’s Web site, in January 2007 there were 1,682,641 professionals employed in the nation’s 370,215 beauty salons, barber shops, skin care and nail salons.

Perhaps most importantly, consider the varied appeal. Being a hairstylist can be glamorous, jet-setting and as fashionable as you’d like—or as simple, satisfying and small-town if that’s more your speed. But almost all hairstylists agree: They love their job for the endless creativity, the ability to be their own boss and make a difference in others’ lives. And, of course, let’s talk cash. If you’re passionate, focused and work hard, you could be pulling in a fat (and hard-earned) salary. Where to start? Beauty school, of course.

One last bonus—no dress code! That’s your right as an artiste. Chinos or casual Friday rules? I think not.

Ready to take the plunge? We’ve chosen three stylish cosmetology schools to get you started.

Arrojo Cosmetology:

Location: 56 King St. in NYC. Opened in August, 2008

Training for: Advanced, creative, and comprehensive cosmetology

Philosophy: Work hard, stay inspired, think big and all your dreams will come true (just ask Nick!)
Facts:

-Curriculum goes beyond State Board requirements and teaches ARROJO specific techniques including Nick’s renowned razor education
-Small class sizes (capping at 16) allow for personal attention and instruction
-Opportunities for the top students from each class to gain a position on the ARROJO studio team

Aveda Institutes:

Locations: Across the US and Canada, with the latest one (opened in Feb. 2010) in Birmingham, AL
Training for: Cosmetology, esthiology and massage

Philosophy: Dedication to connecting beauty, wellness, fashion and art

Facts:

-According to Aveda, their stylists earn three times more on average than others, reaching an average salary of almost $50,000 by their third year of practice
-Aveda Institutes are gorgeously designed and famously green: Consider the newest facility in Alabama, one of the state’s most sustainable buildings:
-More than 500 tons of recycled concrete used as base fill material for the new level floor slabs. Recycled concrete benefits the environment by keeping debris out of landfills, reducing the need for new gravel mining
-Waterless urinals use a cartridge with a fluid chemical seal, each saving up to 40,000 gallons of water annually

JPMS:

Locations: Ninety-five total, with 20 more opening by the end of 2011

Training for: Cosmetology, skin and nails

Philosophy: Changing lives and making a difference. Being nice and giving back: Two skills that lead to a great career and a great life, as outlined in Paul Mitchell Schools’ Dean and Cofounder Winn Claybaugh’s book, Be Nice (Or Else!)

Facts:

-In the last six years, Paul Mitchell Schools’ annual FUNraising campaign has raised nearly $3.4 million for charity
-Over 10,000 Future Professionals enroll each year. With nearly 100 schools, the company says it is one of America’s fastest growing young franchises
-Last but not least, the inspiration for Adam Sandler’s character in “Don’t Mess with the Zohan…”

by Nicole Kaldes, Styleite, on 3-26-10