Cosmetology is a body care profession that is concerned with the maintenance and remedial care of the human body’s skin, hair, and nails. The field of cosmetology caters to the needs of women, men, and children, and its practitioners, cosmetologists, are beauty experts who are consulted for procedures ranging from massages, hairstyling, makeup, and laser hair removal, that help enhance the client’s body image and build confidence.
In the course of their jobs, cosmetologists are often required to assess the specific needs of clients to ensure that the right treatment is given for that client’s individual requirements. Learning the profession of cosmetology to provide these needs successfully is an in-depth intensive process that can take from four to six months of study to obtain a basic license and approximately 18 months to two years to receive an advance license. As with any other course of study, learning cosmetology involves the use of school books which provide theoretical rudiments and tenets of the profession.
There are a range of cosmetology school books that are used in the teaching of this profession that provide information and guidance toward gaining the necessary knowledge for successful practice in the work arena.
However, there are a number of cosmetology school books that are widely recommended for new students of cosmetology as well as practitioners in the field. It is felt that these range of books contain both the fundamentals of cosmetology as well as the insight that years of experience in the field affords. Among these books are four that are considered must-reads for any student cosmetologist who is worth their salt.
Here is a look at four books that should be read by cosmetology students (as well as practitioners) who would like to get a wealth of information on the required skills of their field.
Milady’s
The Milady’s textbook has been around as a leading learning resource in cosmetology schools since 1938. Since its first publication, the book has been consistently updated to mirror the changing trends and needs of the decades as they pertain to makeup application and other procedures. For instance, the 2012 version of Milady’s has been infused with useful information on infection control, a detailed guide for left-handed practitioners, and a range of new procedures.
Start Your Own Hair Salon and Day Spa
Cosmetologists are presented early with the choice of working in an established business or having their own private practice. In ‘Start Your Own Hair Salon and Day Spa’ — 2nd edition in the Entrepreneur StartUp series — a spread of support is provided for cosmetologists with entrepreneurial ambition. Inside, industry experts and practitioners present tips, insights, advice, and personal examples that is all insightful information on establishing a private practice. Information goes from finding an appropriate venue, attracting clients and support staff, the steps to future growth, marketing, pricing, and building and maintaining relationships with clients as well as vendors. This is also recommended reading for those who will opt to work in an established practice and who want to learn the tools to become a leader within their chosen workplace.
Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual: For Everyone from Beginner to Pro
Cosmetologist of 25 year’s experience, Bobbi Brown, presents this extremely informative tome that contains guidance for success in meeting client needs — from makeup techniques, to visual aid from photographs and line drawings on makeup application, to beauty secrets from some of the industry’s renowned cosmetologists.
A bit of extra credit is also present in the form of chapters on Knowing and caring for the hands and feet and the skin. The book also has photographs representing spectacular makeup looks that range from everyday to model-type applications. Students are also given some good old advice about how they can successfully break into the industry and to work along with industry photographers and celebrities.
It goes without saying that these books won’t do you any good unless you attend a beauty school. We at Evergreen Beauty College offer beauty courses that are designed to make our students competitive in the beauty industry. Call us on (425) 643-0270 for more information.
