If you’re a cosmetology professional, chances are you are already familiar with the National Cosmetology Association and the Professional Beauty Association. (If not, you need to be.) Now, these two organizations have joined forces to help you take your networking and connections to a whole new level.

Individually, each of these organizations has represented the interests of cosmetology and salon industry professionals for years. They have served as networking tools and connection-makers for salon owners, hair dressers, nail technicians, estheticians, educators and students.

By providing resources such as membership publications, discounted products and services, in-depth industry research, industry education, trade shows and networking opportunities, the NCA and PBA have been helping their members enhance their careers and their connections.

New possibilities are definitely in store for current and future members! Check out their websites to learn more about the benefits of membership, to get involved, and to keep an eye out for new developments within the organization. According to the PBA, this merger will be an exciting opportunity for everyone involved. (Gordon Miller, former Executive Director of the NCA has joined Behind the Chair as Vice President of “The BTC Experience.”)

If you aren’t already a member of a professional organization, this is a great time to think about joining! Membership fees are manageable for most members and the professional opportunities are nearly limitless. If you are currently or plan to attend cosmetology school, joining these organizations can be a huge step forward in your career.

Any current members of these organizations? What are your thoughts on the benefits or possible disadvantages to membership?

Are you protected under the First Amendment when you express your opinions in an open forum like Facebook? When does freedom of speech go too far? Well, one beauty school in Illinois is testing that the limits of freedom of speech and the use of social networking sites like Facebook.

Salon Professional Academy of Elgin is suing one of its students for creating a Facebook page about the school where students could rant or vent about classes or instructors. The beauty school is suing Nicholas Blacconiere for unauthorized use of their logo and $50,000 for emotional damages caused by defamatory comments posted on the page. The lawsuit alleges that the defendents published “libel per se,” with statements that were unfounded, untrue and defamatory.

One has to wonder: can corporations or individuals start suing over Facebook posts? If so, this lawsuit could set a precedent on how students are held accountable for complaints or insults posted on the web.

What do you think? Should Nicholas Blacconiere be held legally accountable for his actions, or is this Illinois beauty school infringing upon his rights? Would the damage to Blacconiere’s reputation and future career in cosmetology be sufficient, or is paying financial damages necessary to punish him? BeautySchool.com wants to know!

It’s that time of year when the weather starts to hint at fall and newspapers and stores are full of back-to-school savings and specials. And apparently tons of cosmetology schools are getting in on the deal!

The first days of school are a big deal in a kid’s life – and they like to make a good impression. So in addition to the right backpack and sneakers, a cool new haircut is essential for the first day of school – and they don’t have to cost a fortune.

Fortunately, many cosmetology schools are there to save the day, offering special prices for children’s haircuts – and making it easier for parents to fit the right look into their budget. Many cosmetology schools have specials starting at $1 a haircut. Some cosmetology schools are even offering free haircuts to those who need extra assistance!

Is your cosmetology school offering a special deal to celebrate the back-to-school season and offer a little relief to parents’ pocket books?

One of the most important questions a potential cosmetology school student has is how to pay for cosmetology education. The Montgomery GI Bill was designed to provide soldiers and veterans with financial funding for higher education. Each state has its own Montgomery GI Bill approving agency, and technical schools such as beauty schools are ideal candidates. The GI Bill has even recently been expanded to cover the spouses and dependents of military personnel, so it’s important for beauty schools to recognize and appreciate the service soldiers and their families have given to our country.

Ryan Vaia, a U.S. Marine Corps sergeant, long dreamed of becoming a licensed cosmetologist. However, when she applied to one Illinois cosmetology school, she discovered the beauty school would not maintain Illinois VA compliance because of the need to have an on-site member of the staff maintain academic records. Fortunately there are more than two dozen other Illinois cosmetology schools that do not have that issue.

If you’re a member of the military or immediate family, you may be able to benefit from the Montgomery GI Bill – but make sure the cosmetology school you choose is approved and willing to work with you! As for Vaia, she is already looking at other cosmetology schools in Illinois in order to transfer to one approved for the Montgomery GI Bill.

What are your thoughts on situations like Vaia’s? Have you ever run into any challenges applying the Montgomery GI Bill funding to a cosmetology school education?

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On a whim yesterday, I decided to treat myself to a manicure and pedicure . And I’ve read a lot about student salons at beauty academies – but I’d never actually been to one! So I called and made an appointment at a nearby school.

First great thing – they had me in right away. And “Amy”, the student who used me as a guinea pig, was great. I originally wanted a French manicure, but she hadn’t had the chance to learn that yet. She offered to find me a more experienced student, but I told her it was fine.

The salon itself was nice – it was huge and divided into smaller sections. The equipment looked top notch. The teacher-supervisors were all cheerful and smiling and things felt busy but not chaotic.

Amy was new enough that she still had an instruction card she referred to, in order to make sure she was completing all the steps. But she did a great job on my pedicure – my toes look like little gems! I am definitely planning on going back to see if I can get a beauty facial in the near future.

Checking out a student salon is a great way to get a feel for the local schools while giving yourself a little treat. Just don’t forget to tip!