Starting a career in cosmetology is exciting. It requires a mix of passion and creativity with hands-on skills. But cosmetology is a business, and succeeding in this business takes more than just the ability to create great looks. Let’s consider some of the “business skills” cosmetologists need to get ahead.

10 Things Cosmetologists Need to Succeed (Besides Cosmetology Skills)

1.      Industry Knowledge

Knowledge of industry standards makes it possible to provide professional services. This helps to keep your business running without hitches. For hair, makeup, and nails, you should attend workshops, watch tutorials and follow influencers online.

2.      Personal Style and Hygiene

Clients often judge your skills based on your appearance. You don’t need to look your “best” every day, but you should always look presentable and clean.  Showing that you care about your appearance will give clients confidence in you.

3.      Communication Skills

Listen to clients to understand what they want. Good communication makes things move easily and reduces the possibility of error or disappointment. Clear communication builds relationships and helps retain clients. A happy client will also refer others to you.

4.      Customer Service Skills

Make clients feel welcome and comfortable. Ask questions about the style they want and deliver quality results. Happy clients come back and recommend you to others. Personal recommendations can greatly influence your client base. Ensure every client leaves your salon feeling special and pampered.

5.      Technical Skills

Mastering booking apps in cosmetology helps maximize income by optimizing schedules, reducing no-shows, and boosting client satisfaction. It allows for efficient service flow, better work-life balance, and smarter business decisions through data tracking.

6.      Time Management Skills

Time management lets you efficiently serve more clients. To avoid mishaps, learn to be prepared and punctual. Appropriate time management guarantees continuous client meetings while earning more money.

7.      Financial Management Skills

Whether you’re working for yourself renting a chair or you own a salon, you need to know how to develop and stick to budgets and set competitive prices for your services to keep your business healthy.

8.      Marketing and Promotion Skills

Marketing will be key to gaining your first clients. Share your work, engage the clients and share offers on social media. Establishing a stronger online presence is good for business because it brings more clientele to you.

9.      Problem-Solving Skills

Occasionally something will go wrong. There will be times when you must repair a poor hair color or deal with an unhappy customer. Problem-solving skills not only help you avoid mishaps, they help you roll with the punches and recover when issues do come up. 

10.  Teamwork Skills

You often work with a team in a salon. Effective teamwork means good service and satisfied clients. It also means a happy work environment for you and your colleagues.

Get the Skills for Success at Health and Style Institute

A career in cosmetology can bring you independence, job security, and financial rewards.  Succeeding in cosmetology takes a lot more than just knowing how to cut hair or apply makeup, however. Health and Style Institute’s Cosmetology program will teach you the business and personal skills you’ll need to make the most out of your technical skills. Enroll today or contact us to learn more.