Beauty School Instructors Can Make Cosmetology Theory Fun

One common challenge among beauty college students is the time spent in learning the theory of cosmetology. By most state laws, a certain number of beauty school hours must include theory, which means learning how to do something before you try the skill.

The Importance of Relearning Theory as an Instructor

The old maxim, "If you can't do, teach" does not apply to beauty college. If you can't "do" as an instructor, your students won't "do" well either. If you cannot effectively teach your beauty school students the hows and whys of specific techniques, they may not pass the state board exams to become licensed cosmetologists.

If you were not particularly attentive when learning cosmetology theory as a beauty college student, cosmetology instructor training offers you a fresh start. You get a chance to brush up on anatomy, physiology, chemistry, sanitation, and much more.

Even if you did have a great theoretical education as a beauty college student, as an instructor you need to know about advancements in technology that have impacted the beauty industry. You also learn various lesson plans full of hands-on activities. Beauty college theory is far more than a reading-workbook activity.

Teaching Beauty Theory in Creative, Dynamic Ways

To get the rapt attention of your students, you have to make sure they are able to fully connect with what you are teaching. The challenge when teaching adult learners is that you are not teaching to one type of learner or one type of demographic. You are likely teaching to multiple generations of students, including baby boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y, all of whom are motivated by different approaches and information.

According to Milady, a cosmetology curriculum company considered an industry standard and leader, trying to appeal to just one generation or type of learner does not work. You must learn how to include information for all students into your theory lessons. For example, Milady gives a few ways to engage the growing number of Generation Y cosmetology students:

Use the Most Up-to-date Information. Though some parts of theory have not changed--like why hair is straight or curly--technological developments in permanent waves or styling products or equipment can add an additional dimension of information that appeals to younger students.
Tie Lessons to Economic Gain. Unlike Generation X students, who are motivated by assurances of flexibility or freedom, Generation Y is motivated by earning potential. When teaching perms, you may include information about how combining different techniques can provide a wide variety of creative results to appeal to the Generation X crowd, but breaking down chemical services by an hourly rate of return might do a better job of getting your Generation Y students' attention.

As a well-trained beauty educator, you can make theory the most fun and educational part of your students' day if you have the right knowledge, attitude, and teaching skills.