In a previous post, I mentioned that I went to cosmetology school. I also stated that I would go further into detail about my experience at Empire Beauty School. So, HERE WE GO!

When I decided that I was going to enroll in cosmetology school, I was very nervous. There were two schools that I had in mind, but I was unsure which one to choose. One school was at a closer location, which would make the commute a lot easier for me. I went to the school and saw what they had to offer, but wasn’t quite sold at first glance.

The second school was further away, but they had two campuses for me to choose from. One was in Manhattan, New York, and the other was in Queens. I wasn’t very familiar with either area, but I had an aunt who lived near the Queen’s campus. Although I was living in the Bronx at the time so the commute would be a bit longer. After visiting the Queen’s campus, I fell in love with the area and the school vibe. I eventually enrolled at the Empire Beauty School campus in February 2010.

I took my cosmetology course at the Astoria Queens, NY location, and I LOVED IT! Upon enrolling, just like many of you who are looking to enroll or have already graduated, I was very nervous. I knew it was something I wanted to do, so I had to prepare myself to work hard. Cosmetology school is way more than just doing hair. There is a lot of bookwork and hands-on material that you need to complete and pass before moving on. It is not an easy task, I will tell you that much, but don’t be discouraged; you can do it!

As a young child, or as early as I could remember, I would enjoy doing hair and nails. I always thought “This would be great; I can do this; I want to be a hairstylist”. At that age, I had no idea I would have to actually study to do hair. I thought it was just something that you had to be good at. This is very ironic because, as a child, I hated getting my hair done. I know, I know, probably a bad idea. I just didn’t like having to sit in one spot for long periods of time.

Also having someone tugging and pulling on your hair strands. This was way back before they had all these gadgets to keep small children occupied like they have today. Watching TV was one way to sit you down, but it was typically television shows the stylist chose while they were at work. I can’t really remember those days completely; it was so long ago.

Although my troubles with getting my hair done were an issue, it wasn’t as bad as I thought. It actually made me want to do my OWN hair. In order for me to do that, I had to learn more about hair styling and ways it could be done better. I also had to learn about my hair type and how to properly care for it, even though it hadn’t been very damaged. Some people have extremely damaged hair.

The Cosmetology Experience At Empire Beauty School:

Textbook Fundamentals

When I enrolled in cosmetology school, there were two different phases of the program. The first few months were the textbook and fundamental aspects of cosmetology. The majority of the work in that phase was done in a classroom setting. This was where you learned all the proper terminology and instructions on how to perform salon services.

You learn how to care for your hair as well as your clients. You also learn which products should be used to perform specific hairstyles. This phase also teaches you how to disinfect your salon station and proper tool disinfection and sanitation. Sanitation is the most important part of any salon services that you perform.

The Salon Floor Phase:

Once the textbook portion was completed the next phase was the salon floor course. In this stage, you would be taking walk-in clients or bringing in your own to perform salon services. You were using salon-quality products and performing services that would be done in an actual salon. Most cosmetology schools offer salon services at discounted prices. This is because they want to allow the students to practice and get comfortable with the procedures.

Also, there is a chance that something may be performed incorrectly. Providing discounted services will ensure that the customers are less likely to be upset and make them more understanding if there is an error. Occasionally, during your time on the floor, you would return to the classroom for additional learning. This was done for a few days out of the week.

If work needed to be done in the classroom, it would be done sometime during the day. The rest of the time, you would be on the floor. The phase is done that way just in case the salon gets busy with customers. Typically, there are only one or two classes on the floor after the textbook phase is done.

Once both portions of the course are completed, you will then take a final exam. If you passed, you would graduate and prepare for your state board and practical exam. (The practical exam is physically performing services on a mannequin.)

The State Board Exam:

You must complete an approved course of study! This includes the correct hours needed, depending on your state of residence. Also, you have to pass both the state written and practical examinations to get a license to operate in your state.

As proof of successful completion of schooling, you must have the Affirmation of State-Approved Schooling section of the application completed by your school director. After your application is reviewed and accepted, you will receive information that explains the exam process in detail.

State Board Exam Resources:

• https://dos.ny.gov/cosmetology
• https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/cosmet/individuals/exam.htm
• https://www.beautyschoolsdirectory.com/programs/cosmetology-school/licensing

State Board Practice Materials:

• https://www.test-guide.com/cosmetology-practice-test.html
• https://www.cram.com/flashcards/cosmetology-state-board-exam-review-970919
• https://quizlet.com/228695305/cosmetology-state-board-review-flash-cards/
• https://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=cosmetology-state-board-practice-exam