Finding the right school is a huge part of having success in your future career. Being part of a learning community can be the greatest experience of your life, preparing you with knowledge and training for your future job and providing the opportunity to build friendships and business relationships that will last for years.

For most of my friends in high school, the idea of a “learning community” was represented by a typical four-year college. I didn’t know many other people that were looking into cosmetology as a career, so I struck out on my own looking for a school that fit my needs. Here are some of the lessons I learned on my journey; maybe these tips can help you find a school that will bridge the gap to your future career and put a smile on your face!

Tip 1: Just right! As I looked for cosmetology schools, I quickly got the feeling that the right kind of school was just like Goldilocks’ porridge: not too hot, not too cold, but just right. Some schools called me repeatedly, even up to multiple times daily! Others seemed to be completely indifferent to my presence. The school I chose struck a perfect balance. They seemed warm and welcoming, but not desperate and cloying; within a few minutes there, it felt like home. Make sure the school you choose strikes that balance.

Tip 2: Notice the atmosphere. As I watched the other students at the school, they seemed to be having a good time; there were plenty of opportunities for training, but nobody seemed overworked or abnormally stressed. The staff was professional and friendly; they always made sure to explain techniques and to help resolve any problems that arose; they’d even “fix” a haircut if needed! At the same time, hard work was encouraged and expected; this gave the students a sense of security that no one could fulfill their certification hours by simply “slacking off” in the back– no one got a pass to be lazy!

Tip 3: Can they meet your financial and professional needs? A good cosmetology school will have options, such as payment programs, to help students who are on a budget. In addition, many schools offer to “guide” you to a job in a salon after graduation. Good schools have relationships within the salon industry. If a school isn’t guiding its students toward jobs, you have to ask: why not?

The last thing to remember is to take your time and get it right. After all, this is an investment in your future; make sure you go to a beauty school that will help you hit the ground running!

Must-Have Makeup Trends – Dermstore.com

As I’m sure you know, I love talking about makeup, beauty products and the latest makeup trends. So in between looks at DermStore’s latest photo shoot, I chatted with the makeup artist, Liza Zaretsky, about what she saw on the fall runways and what our faces should be wearing this summer. Make sure you check out her tumblr, she has tons of fun inspiration photos! SUMMER LOOKS: Go Bronze, or Go Home: Bronzer is pretty self-explanatory, but you can take this trend a step further and use the bronzer on your eyes and find a bronze lip gloss for a bronze monotone look.

HAIR TREND: DOUBLE-KNOTTED BUN – STLMag.com

Summer is all about effortless style. Vibrant manicures, fun lip color, and simple up-dos are perfect for punching up your warm-weather look. Up-dos were all over the runways last season, and my favorite was the double-knot bun. Easy to achieve and appropriate for almost every summer occasion, here are five simple steps for getting that perfect summer up-do: 1.) Sprits dry hair with volumizing product to give your hair a thicker texture.

Spring Trend Alert: Punches of Purple! – BangStyle.com

Purple has always been a hard color for me to wear. Unless it’s on my fingertips, I have typically felt like wearing purple makeup makes it look like I have been punched in the face. But with this season’s trending shades of plum, lilac, aubergine, and violet, rocking purple is easier than ever before! And sexy at that! Here are a few ways for you to wear purple on your lips, lids, and fingertips.

Flirty Long Hair Styles for Spring – BecomeGorgeous.com

Make these flirty long hair styles for spring work for you. Play with your texture and length using a few simple yet voguish styling ideas. Sculpting long locks may steal a few precious minutes from your spare time. However, the impression you make with perfectly-polished and radiant tresses is simply stunning. The following flirty long hairstyles were envisioned by our fave stylists who just can’t get enough of experimenting with brand new styling techniques. To give your strands a fabulous vitality boost don’t forget about the importance of deep conditioning and regular trimming. Thee ultra-feminine and voguish hair designs suit virtually all face shapes.

Looking for information in order to help you begin training for a career in cosmetology, esthetics and skin care, nail technology, massage therapy or hair care? BeautySchool.com has the right cosmetology school for you.

Spring 2012 Hair Trends – Dermstore.com

We can always count on spring to inspire trends that promote fresh, natural beauty. And spring 2012 hair trends are all about looking carelessly chic and effortlessly edgy, which means less time and maintenance! I couldn’t be happier about it. As someone who’s finally stopped fighting my hair’s natural tendencies, surrendering my flat iron has made my life so much easier and my hair significantly healthier. No more dry, straw-like hair that smells like it’s been singed, even after it has just been washed. With the latest spring styles, I can rock the wash and go look and still be right on trend!

Coachella-Bound or Not, Rock Out with These Festival-Ready Finds – BeautyBlitz.com

Starting Friday, Coachella kicks off summer concert season with the first of two weekends of music, art, and frolic. This year, we’re taking inspiration from spring 2012 runway shows like Rag + Bone and DSquared2 (both cited music festivals as an influence) to round up some long lasting, desert-friendly finds to pack for a weekend in the valley.

Top Hair Color Trends & Ideas – LipstickPowdernPaint.com

So you’ve found your bridal makeup artist and you are almost set to go. Now it’s time to pull your look together for the day with the perfect hair and makeup. When it comes to bridal makeup Stephanie Daga, makeup artist and owner of Blush Pretty, knows her stuff. Daga forecasts the hottest makeup looks for the upcoming wedding season.

‘Chinplants’ Fastest Growing Plastic Surgery Trend – EMedist.com

Chin Implants up by 71% vs. 4% Rise in Breast Implants in 2011. A chiseled chin may be the latest “must have” body part. A new report shows “chinplants,” otherwise known as chin augmentation or chin implants, are the fastest-growing plastic surgery trend among men and women. The popularity of chin implants rose by 71% in 2011, more than breast augmentation, botulinum toxin injection, and liposuction combined.

Looking for information in order to help you begin training for a career in cosmetology, esthetics and skin care, nail technology, massage therapy or hair care? BeautySchool.com has the right beauty school for you.

Market Trends in Cosmetic and Skincare Products for Men – Examiner.com

Andrew Newman examined market trends in the male-targeted cosmetics and beauty industry in a 2010 New York Times article “Men’s Cosmetics Becoming a Bull Market.” A market data firm, Euromonitor International, estimated sales of “men’s grooming products” has doubled since 1997 to $4.8 billion. Skin care products are the fastest growing segment of male products sold increasing in sales fivefold over the same period.

Do you like Anne Hathaway’s new short hair? – Starcasm.net

Anne Hathaway was snapped leaving London nightclub The Box with fiancé Adam Shulman late Saturday night sporting much shorter hair!
Stars like Michelle Williams, Emma Watson, and Ginnifer Goodwin have made a short hair a trend lately, but Anne’s cut isn’t by choice. She had to change her hair to play prostitute Fantine in the upcoming movie adaptation of Les Mis. Fantine’s a single mother who sold her hair to pay the bills before she turned to selling sex. The film also stars Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe.

Top Hair Color Trends & Ideas – BecomeGorgeous.com

Check out the top trends in hair coloring and go for a bolder and brighter ‘do this season. A flash of color adds a unique touch and interest to your tresses. If you’re far from being a ‘low maintenance’ girl, experiment with edgy, statement shades. Rock a brilliantly sculpted hairdo and perk it up with a brand new color which radiates style and confidence. The top hair color trends below allow you to get creative and flaunt your artsy skills to mix/match different hues. Try your hand at the coolest hair coloring techniques until you find the one that best suits your personality.

Celebrities Dig Bold Lips as New Beauty Trend – DailyGlow.com

Several celebrities have been brave when it comes to trying out different bold-colored lips for red carpet events. While some go for the traditional bold red color, others try pink and fuchsia shades. These shades bring attention to some bright pearly white teeth or add some color to a darker outfit, such as Angelina Jolie’s black dress at this year’s Oscars. They can also play on color, like with Katy Perry’s pink choice for her blue dress and hair look earlier this month, according to Hollywood Life.

Looking for information in order to help you begin training for a career in cosmetology, esthetics and skin care, nail technology, massage therapy or hair care? BeautySchool.com has the right beauty school for you.

If there’s one thing we love to hear, it’s actual beauty school students talking about their stories and their experiences during their studies. Which explains why we love this set of videos where kikiV222 covers the whole gambit – from looking at schools to expectations vs. reality to an inside look at her cosmetology school student kit.

*Just a heads up: She dishes it out and drops some cuss words, so if you’re not down with that, you’ve been warned.

What we really adore about Kiki’s videos about cosmetology school is the honesty and comprehensiveness. When we came across them, we couldn’t help but think that it would be doing a disservice to BeautySchool.com‘s readers not to share her wonderfully strong perspective. Our favorite part?

“If anyone tells you, ‘Oh, this isn’t a real college,’ you need to kick them in the face.”

Hell, yes. We definitely agree with that.

What do you think? Has she changed your perspective on beauty school?

For the eighth consecutive year, the nationwide network of Paul Mitchell beauty schools will spend the months of February through April raising money for charitable organizations. In 2010, the schools raised an all-time high of $1.2 million, bringing their seven-year total to over $4.6 million.

This year they plan to raise $1.5 million for seven organizations: Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation, Food 4 Africa, Fran Drescher’s Cancer Schmancer Foundation, and newcomers Morris Animal Foundation, represented by Betty White, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

“We’re so excited to welcome Betty White and Dolly Parton this year, and we’re thrilled to welcome Leeza Gibbons, Donny and Marie Osmond, and Fran Drescher back again,” said Paul Mitchell Schools Dean and Cofounder Winn Claybaugh. “All of these incredible superstar celebrities will play an active role in motivating and encouraging our 12,000 future professionals as they take part in thousands of grassroots ‘FUNraisers,’ from cut-a-thons and car washes to fashion shows and charity balls. They’ve also joined an elite group of wonderful celebrities who’ve supported us in the past, including Larry King and Vidal Sassoon.”

Leeza Gibbons, whose Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation has been a supported charity since the FUNraising campaign began, says, “If I could start all over, I swear I would sign up to be a student at the Paul Mitchell Schools. These future professionals prove over and over again that they are committed to using their talents and passion for the greater good, and they really know how to spread the love!”

Returning to the campaign for the second year, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals founders Donny and Marie Osmond said, “In our family, we were raised to believe we all have a responsibility to give back and help others. We feel like we’ve found an extended family in Paul Mitchell Schools. From last year’s generous donation (twice the amount they originally promised) to the way they’ve reached out locally to the 170-plus Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals with their love, service, and passion, Paul Mitchell Schools have shown that giving back is not just about raising money.”

Often times cosmetologists, who attend cosmetology school for their specific beauty interest whether it’s hair, makeup, or nails) are publicized as not being as smart as women who went to traditional colleges. Personally, this issue is unfair. It’s wrong to judge someone based on the type of education they have decided to obtain. This is coming from a recent conversation between friends as we all huddled around the TV a few nights past to watch the Amazing Race. Being a huge supporter of Jill since she is a successful hairstylist and going strong in the race, one of my non-cosmetologist friends thought it was “okay” to say she was surprised that Jill had been competing so well against the other constants, being that she is just a hairstylist.

Cosmetologists are just as smart as traditional college grads and can be, if not even more successful.

Three famous cosmetologists to help me make my point:

Madam C.J Walker was the first African American to make hair care products and a grooming system, becoming the first black woman million.

Mary Kay Ash was the founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics. It’s a little hard to create cosmetics and beauty products without a cosmetology education.

Which brings us to Coco Chanel, this fashion icon also invented her own perfumes. She’s a legend to us.

Power to the cosmetologists!!

Logging into TweetDeck yesterday, this flashed across my screen: “Soooo… i can’t wear heels higher than 1 1/2 inch to cosmetology school?? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?”

Tweeting her back, I asked. “Really??? Is that a new rule?”

She sure enough confirmed. The cosmetology program at Trezevant Career and Technology has a one and a half inch heel requirement, which is part of the Memphis City School Stands. Should a rule like this really be instated? At first I thought, this could cause morning dress preparation problems. What if your wardrobe has mainly two inch heels, which are only a tiny half inch higher than the cosmetology dress code standards? According to this rule, you would have to put them all into hiding until getting your cosmetology license and graduating from cosmetology school. My second thought was though, if you are standing on your feet all day practicing and training, why would you want to wear super high heels? The soreness could disturb you and get in the way of your focus, preventing your from demonstrating your best work. My third thought was in the salon I go to get my haircut, almost every girl in the shop is wearing heels higher than one and half inches. If salons allow this in the real world, shouldn’t your training prepare you fully for the real world?

Looking further into this, Paul Mitchell has a strict dress code also as commented by fellow students on the web. One student wrote, “I went to a Paul Mitchell partner school, and you have to wear all black, except on certain days they’ll allow you to wear jeans with no rips. You need your name tag on and closed toe black shoes, and your makeup and hair has to be done. No buns. No ponytails. Braids, updos or wear your hair down. Friends have gotten sent home to put on makeup because they didn’t have makeup on.”

No ponytails allowed and sent home from school for not wearing makeup? One could view this as strict. Another could view this as a hardcore training program to make their students strive for their full potential in their clients work and on themselves. For best practices and dress code, I suppose to each its own and that’s what sets the good cosmetologists apart from the best.

If you missed this week’s episode of Real Housewives of New Jersey and the ever-growing dramatic scandals between the housewives and Danielle Staub, then you missed a great episode. The “hold onto your seat ending” where Teresa decides to be cordial toward Danielle after all this time did not go over so well (surprise), prepping us with police cars and the girls fleeing in next week’s episode.

But aside from all the sticks and stones being thrown, Caroline’s daughter, Lauren Manzo, celebrated an accomplishment of graduating from cosmetology school in New York. Make-Up Designory, the professional makeup artisan school, was featured in the week’s episode showing Lauren applying costume-like makeup in Jennifer Suarez’s Beauty Make-Up Artistry course. Cosmetology grad Manzo received an “A” in the class if you were wondering. Watching her put makeup on other students, I have to admit made me sit back and open up the jar of unfilled dreams. Getting a degree in cosmetology school and practicing makeup designs sounded marvelous. Afterall, there’s no place like New York for beginning a career in beauty. Note to self: Look at these makeup artist schools in New York!

So, you got the dead skin nibbled off of your feet by fish, your eyeliner is permanently tattooed to your eyelids and we’re not even going to discuss all of strange face mask concoctions you’ve tried. What’s the next logical step on your quest toward beauty? Eyelash perms, obviously.

Eyelash perms start with rollers imported from Japan – the rollers come in around 5 different sizes depending on how curly you want your eyelashes. Each eyelash is wrapped around the roller using adhesive. Next, a diluted perm solution and a neutralizer are applied. The end result? One less step in your morning beauty regimen.

Although yesterday was the first time I came across this eyelash perm trend online, spas in the U.S. have been doing this treatment, which began in Japan, for at least a couple of years. The perm lasts around 4 to 8 weeks, which is the time it takes for your eyelashes to grow.

It should be noted that eyelash perming is not yet FDA approved, so make sure you are seeing a trained, licensed cosmetologist or esthetician if you decide to get these services. If you’ve had any experiences with eyelash perming or performed eyelash perms, let us know what you think!