If you’ve thought about becoming a cosmetologist, you’re probably researching the working conditions you’ll experience each day. Is it a physically demanding job? Will it be something you’ll be capable of doing over a long period of time?
Cosmetologists, hairstylists, and nail artists often work in a salon and help clients feel and look more beautiful. Let’s take a realistic look at the physical demands of this career and what you’ll need to be able to do each day at work.
Physical Demands and Intensity
When you work as a cosmetologist, there are specific physical demands you must be prepared to uphold. If you work as a hairstylist, you will need to work on your feet almost the entire day. You will be holding your arms above your waist most of that time, bending, reaching, and standing. In many salons, you will be walking between the registration desk and the salon floor, repeatedly.
In most cases, you will not be lifting heavy objects, but you must have the endurance to work on your feet eight hours a day or more, walk back and forth, and lift your arms at shoulder height all day.
Repeated Motion and Endurance
Haircutting and hairstyling require some degree of upper and lower body strength, to stand and walk all day, and to cut hair using clippers, scissors, and shears with great accuracy.
It is possible that some people may have mild back strain from long periods of standing, stretching, leaning, and sitting.
There are some ways you can help prevent repetitive motion strains and injuries. Be sure to wear a good pair of shoes with arch support. Standing all day will be easier with good footwear designed to support your feet. Use proper body posture whenever possible when cutting hair or doing other cosmetology tasks. Be aware of your spine posture when bending and leaning. Stretch before work and make sure your hands, wrists, back and legs are loosened up to avoid muscle strain.
General Safety and Precautions
Cosmetologists work with chemicals used to bleach and color hair, as well as hair care products. Nail care specialists work with chemicals and compounds associated with preparing, cleaning, filling, and adhering nails, both natural and cosmetic. Wearing protective gloves will help prevent irritation to your hands and skin when working in cosmetology.
Is Being a Cosmetologist Stressful?
Cosmetologists can work under stress on a regular basis. Although many days are routine, some client appointments can take longer than anticipated, clients may be grumpy, you’re on your feet all day, and the days may be long when the salon is busy. It can also be mentally taxing to focus on hairstyling accurately for the entire workday.
While there are jobs that are more stressful than working as a cosmetologist, there are days that can seem long and stressful. Overall, it has an appreciable amount of pressure, but most days are manageable and normal.
Remember to Unwind After Work
Like many jobs, after a long day of dealing with customers, you’ll probably want to unwind and de-stress. While this is a career that lends itself to creativity, some days are busy, some customers are demanding. Your feet may hurt after standing all day. Remember to take time for yourself after work, eat nutritiously, and get enough sleep each day.
Ready to Become a Cosmetologist? Enroll in a World-Class Program
If you’re in the Sacramento area and you’re looking for an elite cosmetology training program. The program at Paul Mitchell at Campus will train you to become a cosmetologist in about 30 weeks.
You’ll learn from industry leaders with hands-on training that will prepare you for a career in hairdressing and cosmetology at our Sacramento training facility. If you’re ready to take the first step to becoming a fully trained and licensed cosmetologist in California, contact our Admissions team and we’ll help you with more information. We’re excited to help you start your beauty career.