Starting beauty school was one of the most exciting—and honestly overwhelming—decisions I’ve ever made. Coming from 15 years in the culinary industry, I thought I knew what hard work looked like. But stepping into cosmetology school, I quickly learned that this career asks for more than just skills. It demands creativity. It requires resilience. It takes a whole lot of heart.

If you’re considering enrolling in cosmetology school, or you have just started, here’s something I wish someone had told me on day one.

1. It’s More Than Just Hair

When most people picture cosmetology school, they imagine endless haircuts, colors, and styling. But the truth is, you’ll cover much more. You’ll dive into nails, skincare, makeup, business basics, and theory. You might not see yourself painting nails or performing facials. Nonetheless, learning those skills gives you versatility and confidence. They’re part of your state board exam.

The takeaway? Keep an open mind. Even if something doesn’t seem like “your thing,” soak up as much as you can.

2. The Kit Isn’t Everything

That big starter kit they hand you on day one feels like Christmas morning. It includes shears, clippers, mannequin heads, brushes, rollers, and more. But reality check: some of it will break, sit untouched, or just not hold up to real salon use.

The two things worth upgrading right away? A solid pair of shears and a reliable blow dryer. These tools are your daily workhorses, and investing in quality early will make your life easier and your work stronger.

(If you’re curious, here’s what I keep in my bag.)

3. Beauty School Teaches the Basics—But You Can Build On Them

One thing I didn’t realize at first is that cosmetology school is designed to teach you the basics. And honestly? The basics can get boring. You’ll practice the same foundational techniques again and again until they’re second nature.

But here’s the secret: once you’ve got those basics down, most instructors are more than happy to show you advanced techniques. They’ll do it one-on-one if you ask. That’s where your initiative pays off.

And if there’s an area you struggle with, lean into it. For me, it was blowouts. Before school, I’d never even curled hair with a curling iron. So I made it my mission to get better. I volunteered for every shampoo and blow-dry client on the salon floor. I even offered to blow dry my classmates’ long hair just to practice. I’m still no blow-dry wizard, but now I can produce reliable results every time—and then polish the look with hot tools for a killer finish.

The lesson? Don’t avoid your weaknesses. Master them.

4. Your Attitude > Your Talent

Skills can be taught. Attitude can’t. Clients don’t just come for a haircut—they come for an experience. You can be the most talented person in the room. However, if you’re rude, dismissive, or distracted, clients won’t come back.

Be on time. Be teachable. Treat every client like they’re your best ad campaign. Your future self will thank you.

5. Time Management Is Everything

Cosmetology school is no joke—it’s a full-time job that you’re paying to attend. Between class hours, practicing on mannequins, studying for exams, and maybe even working on the side, burnout can sneak up fast.

Treat school hours like salon hours. Get used to showing up on time, staying focused, and balancing your outside life. I set aside one day a week for meal prep, theory review, and content planning to keep myself organized and less stressed.

6. You’re Building a Career, Not Just Passing a Test

It’s easy to get tunnel vision about state boards. Yes, passing is important, but your real goal is building a career. Start networking. Document your work. Find your creative voice. Think about what kind of stylist you want to become—not just how to get your license.

My Three Biggest Pieces of Advice

Looking back, these are the lessons that carried me through the hardest days of beauty school:

1. Confidence Is Everything Behind the Chair

Clients can sense fear a mile away. If you hesitate or second-guess yourself, they’ll notice—and some won’t be kind about it. On the other hand, if you project confidence, most people will overlook small mistakes because they feel safe in your hands. Make them feel good, even if you’re nervous inside. Fake it until you make it is real in this industry.

2. Get a Job in a Salon (Any Job)

Don’t wait until you graduate to set foot in a salon. Shampooing, assisting, cleaning, working the front desk—it doesn’t matter. Being surrounded by working stylists gives you a front-row seat to how a salon really runs. You’ll pick up techniques, see how stylists interact with clients, and get used to the pace of salon life before you’re thrown into it yourself.

3. Show. Up. To. Class.

Cosmetology school is hours-based. No matter how talented you are, if you don’t log the hours, you don’t graduate. Simple as that. Even on the days when you’re tired, stressed, or just over it, clock in. Every hour adds up, and the sooner you finish, the sooner you get to the good part—your career.

Final Thoughts

Here’s the truth: I don’t know many people who loved their beauty school experience. It’s hard. It’s exhausting. It’s stressful. It’s basically a full-time job that you’re paying to attend for a year or more.

But I know so many stylists who absolutely love what they do for a living. Beauty school is temporary—the foundation. Once you graduate, the real fun begins: building a clientele, experimenting with your creativity, and shaping the career you’ve always dreamed of.

So if you’re starting cosmetology school, take it one day at a time, show up, and keep your eyes on the bigger picture. The work you put in now is the ticket to a career full of connection, creativity, and growth.

✨ Thinking about beauty school or already started? Drop your questions in the comments—I’d love to answer them in a future post.