Let’s start with the definition of Cosmetology. Cosmetology is the study and application of beauty treatments which include: hair, skin, and nails. All three are serviced by a licensed, trained professional. All three of these services can be branched out into a different career path. For hair, the most widely common service is hairstyling, which those services are normally haircuts, hair coloring, and formal hair styling (UPDO’s). Skin care, for the basic cosmetologist, is applying make-up to one’s face. Most of the time they are referred to as a Make-Up Artist. And lastly are the nail services. Nail services are commonly done by what is called a Nail Technician. Nail Techs give basic manicure of shaping and styling a person’s nails (hands and feet) and can go further into decorating nails with a color polish, glitter, overlays, and gems.

Now that we know what a cosmetologist is, here is where I will begin my story.

In January of 2012, I enrolled in the Cosmetology program at Virginia College in Huntsville, AL. I had no clue what a cosmetologist was or what they did. Neither did I know that a hairstylist was labeled as a cosmetologist. I had initially enrolled to see if they had a culinary program, but they did not offer that program at that location. So, I had discussed this with my family and they all encouraged me to enroll in the cosmetology course. The course was for 12 months for full time and 18 months for part time (night school). I chose the full time. To be a licensed cosmetologist, Alabama requires you to complete 1,500 hours of training in a school of cosmetology before you can even take your state board exams. I did better than I expected in this program and am still very proud of myself, today. I completed my program in December of 2012, and walked the stage as an Honors Graduate in February of 2013. About a month later, I was able to take my written exam and in April or May I took my practical exam. I scored in the low 90’s on both exams and received my Cosmetology license about 6 weeks later.

In May, I was hired as a Stylist with Cost Cutters. I enjoyed cutting hair and seeing the transformation on people. Well, about a week into my new job my health took a turn for the worse. This bad turn took many arguing doctors months to figure out what was going on with me. I had to take water therapy to help me gain my strength back into my legs. Doctor visits, specialist, and all that sorts. I was in bad shape in all aspects of my life. A few months went by and I went to see a neurologist in Cullman. He is the one who diagnosed me with MS.

Back to the salon job I had. After a few weeks off, because I had been in and out of the hospital, they asked me to resign due to my health. I sadly agreed. They did ask me to come back after I was well enough to, but only with a written doctor’s release. I only did hair for people who would ask me. A couple years later I did apply for another salon job, but, did not get hired due to the fact that I was “too slow.” This is true, sadly, but I blame this on the MS and how much it has affected my cognitive speed. I kept my license up until 2021. I am thankful for the opportunity to have received this education and knowledge. I still do hair services and nails, from time to time, but with me not having a license, I cannot work in a salon, nor run a business out of my home. I do enjoy doing hair and nails, but it is not a passion of mine. I am willing to extend my skills and knowledge to help others.

So, in light of all that has been said about my story of cosmetology, I can write about it with professional knowledge to give to you. However, much as been updated with products and techniques that I do need to inquire to stay up to date. I am educated with the basic foundation of cosmetology. That year program covered a lot of curriculum. In future posts, I will be covering about the beauty of cosmetology and the branches and details of services.