7 Skills You Need To Be A Successful Cosmetologist

Cosmetology plays an incredibly important role in the beauty industry. It covers a wide range of appearance-enhancing options, from hair and skin care to nail care–and becoming a successful cosmetologist means you can help others achieve their beauty goals. There are many opportunities available for cosmetologists, whether you want to work as a hairstylist or nail technician at an existing shop or launch your own business down the road. Each one of those allows you to create personal connections with your clients, enhance their self-esteem, and help them express their own unique creative style.

Are you ready to start your journey to becoming a successful cosmetologist? Take a look at these 7 essential skills you need to accomplish your goals.

Skill #1: Technical Proficiency

Of course, one of the most essential skills you will develop as a cosmetologist is your technical proficiency. You need to be skilled at cutting, coloring, and styling hair so that you can help your clients accomplish their vision and achieve their dreams. Those technical skills can make the difference between a bland cosmetology career that fails to launch and one that allows you to keep rising higher and providing more for your clients.

Of course, in order to develop those technical skills, hands-on training and practice is essential. The Mitsu Sato Hair Academy allows potential cosmetologists plenty of opportunities to practice with a wide range of hair types and styles, developing your passion for haircare into a solid skill set that will increase your confidence. 

Skill #2: Strong Communication Skills

Effective communication is essential for cosmetologists. Without communication skills, it can be very difficult to understand your clients’ needs and preferences–and ultimately, that often means that you deliver styles or cuts that they don’t like, leaving you with dissatisfied clients who don’t trust you with their hair needs. When it comes to building your cosmetology skills, there are several essentials of communication you must emphasize. 

• Active listening: Be present in the moment and make it clear to your clients that you’re listening to and invested in what they have to say
• Providing consultations: Work with clients to better understand exactly what they’re looking for, whether it’s a cut that increases confidence and self-esteem or a style for an important event
• Building rapport: When clients feel a strong sense of connection to you, they’re not only more likely to trust you, they’re likely to return to you for their future needs

As you build your communication skills, you’ll find that it puts you in a better position to connect with your clients, providing them with exactly what they need and deepening your understanding of their unique style goals.

Skill #3: Creativity and Artistic Vision

Creativity is essential for developing unique styles and solutions for clients. Each client’s hair is different, and their preferences are just as different. As a cosmetologist, you want to help them meet their visions without damaging their hair or leaving them with a cut they can’t maintain. Your creativity can help them accomplish those goals and get the look they’re imagining in a way that works for them.

For aspiring cosmetologists, there are several ways to improve artistic vision and cultivate the skill to match it. Most notably, you need the opportunity to practice and an education that will help you increase your understanding of the tools and solutions available to you. Going through a training program can increase the tools you have at your disposal while allowing you to develop your own vision.

Skill #4: Customer Service Orientation

When it comes to cosmetology services, providing excellent customer service and ensuring client satisfaction is essential. Appearance is often intrinsically linked to self-esteem, mood, and even others’ perception of an individual. If you fail to meet your clients’ needs, they may have negative feelings about themselves, negative interactions with others, and lower likelihood of returning to your salon or to you. 

Your customer service skills can also make a huge difference in building rapport with clients. Those long-term relationships can lead to repeat business and referrals–all of which are essential to building your career.

Skill #5: Adaptability and Flexibility

The beauty industry is fast-paced, with new trends arising all the time and new clients coming through your door on a regular basis. As a result, professionals need to be able to adapt to trends and client preferences quickly. That means:

• Being open to learning new techniques
• Staying on top of industry trends
• Working with clients to achieve their goals, even if it seems difficult or doesn’t match your specific vision

As you develop your adaptability and flexibility, you’ll find that you’re better prepared to handle whatever your clients might throw at you–and that means that you can remain a leading cosmetologist in the industry. 

Skill #6: Time Management

Time management skills are vital for beauty industry professionals. You must be able to manage and set appointments, then complete services within a set timeframe. That means you need to know how long it takes to accomplish specific tasks. In addition, you’ll need to be able to understand and evaluate your own ability to multitask. While some stylists may be able to juggle more than one client at a time–for example, taking care of a haircut while another client’s color sits–others may need to focus on one client at a time.

There are several things you can do to improve your overall time management skills.

• Prioritize tasks so that you know what to focus on first
• Stay organized so that everything is where you need it to be, when you need it to be there
• Try not to overcrowd your schedule; instead, leave room for breaks, food, and potential delays

As you learn to manage and adapt your schedule, you’ll often find that you’re in a better position to manage your time effectively–and that can mean increased productivity and profit over time.

Skill #7: Business Acumen

In addition to the beauty side of cosmetology, it’s also important for aspiring cosmetologists to understand vital business skills. That can include things like marketing, sales, and financial management, all of which are essential to advancing your business. Knowledge of those business principles can help you promote your services and manage your career effectively, whether you’re working for someone else or building your own client base in your own cosmetology practice.

Develop the Skills You Need

As you consider whether a career in cosmetology is right for you, take the time to assess your current skills and consider how you can improve in or develop these key areas. Are you interested in furthering your skills? Explore Mitsu Sato Hair Academy’s programs to gain the necessary training and skills for a career in cosmetology. Contact us today to start on the path to a cosmetology career!