Thinking about cutting people hair, need advice.

[Hello Kitty FTW]

Hi all!

I've been injured (again) and my husband had "the talk" with me about switching careers because he doesn't want to see me keep getting injured. He thinks I'll end up with a more permanent disability than what I already have with my right hand, which is partially paralyzed.

So, I've been looking at doing people hair, and I really like what I've seen so far. The accredited school that I'm looking at has a 76.1% job placement rate, which I think is pretty good, and it's a highly respected school with employers in the area. My biggest concern is job security, or finding a job once I graduate.

Have any of you been a hair stylist? Would you have any suggestions for me? I'm not really sure what to ask honestly, but just would like some reassurance that this is a good field to get into, especially when you consider how great this field is! Thanks!

[k9cosmetologist]

It could ba a hard switch, It's likely when you are done the people haircut that you shake them by the ears to see if it's straight, then give em a good sniff, pat on the bottom and give 'em a cookie.
Just goofin' around, best of luck, but dogs are more fun than people

[Hello Kitty FTW]

Just goofin' around, best of luck, but dogs are more fun than people

People don't bite, tho! At least, I don't think they do!

[sittingpretty]

Just the other day a hair stylist came in and asked about doing an apprenticeship...she was told that it is alot like working on two year olds.

So if you could handle a two yr. old you could probably do people! Just kidding...be prepared to have to listen to all of their problems, tho'.


Best of luck,
sittingpretty

[Plexi]

LOL LOL LOL that was very funny K9....I did train a gal who was a beautian to groom dogs, she was great and easy to train as she already knew how to handle her shears so I don't see why it can't work the other way around.
At least you don't have to muzzle your customers<<>> sorry..just came out....

[padalin]

Opposite way

I kind of did it the opposite way..
I started out doing "People Hair" and now I do dogs. On Many Many Many days.. I ask myself why am I doing this?! Often times I go home and cut hair ( on humans ) and it's quick and easy and no one has ever pee'd on me (IMAGINE THAT)

That said. Cutting hair is quicker, defiantly easier, and I'm good at it.
But I personally don't have the passion for it like I do grooming dogs.
I NEVER EVER looked at forums or went to many shows I just wasn't as in to it as I am grooming.
I also have been injured as I have 3 herniated disks in my back already so it is really nice to have a profession that I can just fall back on.

ALL of that said.

It is completely different. Although you defiantly have the upper hand. You don't need to learn how to hold your scissors.. You already know. And wiggly kids HEY no problem no kid can move as much as a vibrating dog.

But when I went to grooming school I though man this is gonna be cake. And truly it was not they are two completely different things. But being a dog groomer has most defiantly made me a better hair dresser. Barbering is a cinch now a days and I would have never ever free handed anything before I groomed dogs!

Going to hair school is defiantly a commitment. It differers from state to state but in my state I went to school for 1500 hours then you test out of school then you test out with your state. The whole process takes around a year and it is a full time thing.
The pay off is pretty decent though. It's a profession that is always in demand. Everybody has to get their hair cut. Also you don't just learn hair cutting you are a cosmetologist which means facials, manicures, pedicures etc.

I will go back to doing hair some day.. There is no way I will be physically able to groom dogs forever I have come to terms with that. The two jobs are really similar though. I know a lot of people think grooming dogs is easier because they don't like dealing with people. But trust me Pet Parents are MUCH crazier about their dogs hair than their own.

I say go for it. Just make sure you stick with it because it is such a commitment but one that will pay off in the end!
Let me know if you have anymore questions!

[lorie]

I've been cutting hair for 30 years , I went to Tech. school when I was 15.
I did not graduate. When it came to things like mixing hair colors I became very disinterested but have cut hair ever since.
I just do men now.

The biggest physical complaints I'v eheard from hairdressers is, sensitive skin on hands and foot problems. I'm 49 and I sit as much as I can while grooming because I feel I need to, you can't with people.

I've thought of going to school for nails, I think that would be fun..

[Jenneversage64]

If you do decide to change professions

after you finish your client, don't say, "Now thats' a pretty pretty girl. whos' a prettttteeee girl?" LOL And don't ever kiss them on the top of their heads. Seriously, I think you can do whatever you make up your mind and heart to do.

[BengalCatGuy]

At one point, I was thinking of going to Barber school.

One day when I was at my local Barber shop (I know all the Barbers and they know I groomed and was thinking of Barber school) we were all joking about the differences between dogs and people. I said "at least your clients don't pee and poop on you". About 10 minutes later a Father and his little son came in. The Father sat in the chair with the son in his lap. The kid was screaming bloody murder while the Barber cut his hair. After the boy was finished, the barber removed the cape from them and both the father and son were soaked. The kid had peed all over. All the barbers turned and looked right at me and started laughing.

That was gross.

Scott

[pooh13]

I have friends and family that went to cosmetology school I have helped friends with the homework. Not to dis way you from this career path ,But it does contain more science and chemistry than skills.If you like science and chemistry are good at it you have a good chance of completing the course.As a dog groomer you already have some skills and artistic talent

[minimezmom]

I am a hairdresser 18 yrs

And i have been grooming dogs for 6 Hand , back , shoulder, neck issues come with both professions I hate to say that for myself doing human hair sometimes hurts more than grooming dogs but that is me the skills you have learned grooming dogs definatly will help ease you into a career with hair learning to hold and use clippers and scissors is one of the hardest parts and you know how to do that so good luck !!

[Hello Kitty FTW]

Awww, thanks guys!

I will have to learn not to baby talk my clients and check them for fleas and ticks

Back, shoulder, or foot pain doesn't worry me nearly as much some of the potential injuries with grooming.

When I was grooming one of my client's cats in their bathtub, door closed, I didn't know she had her toddler triplets running loose through the house (usually nap time for them when I show up). Two of them just bolted to the bathroom door and body slammed it simultaneously. Both kitty and I freaked, and the cat used my chest and neck to hightail it out of the tub, not before actually biting one of my tata's as she bolted. So now I have an infection and am in so much pain I haven't left the house in 3 days. The client has been gracious enough to basically pay for the days I've been off work, she feels so bad about this, but I don't think it's enough to keep me doing this.

Anyway, thank you all for your advice! It's much appreciated!

[alabamagroomer]

a Tata bite is really bad...

but for the love of God, can you quit grooming cats????? I have 1 cat I groom and he is 30lbs and too freaking fat to move that fast.

But seriously, I have a lot of clients that are hair dressers and we share very similar stories. Hair splinters, cutting your hand with your newly sharpened shears, people telling you to do 1 thing, but expecting another. But good luck in what ever you decide and keep us posted!!!

[rapuzzled]

I will have to learn not to baby talk my clients and check them for fleas and ticks

Both kitty and I freaked, and the cat used my chest and neck to hightail it out of the tub, not before actually biting one of my tata's as she bolted. So now I have an infection and am in so much pain I haven't left the house in 3 days. !

Geez, that sounds painful...I literally choked on my water when I read that...ouch!

[Hello Kitty FTW]

Geez, that sounds painful...I literally choked on my water when I read that...ouch!

Luckily my husband has supplied me with a week long supply of cookies and milk. If any of our pets or him come within 5 feet of me though for any reason, I get pretty grouchy.

However I do completely understand now why people don't want to groom cats. I've never been injured by a nasty cat, just injured by cats who got scared and flipped for some reason or another. It truly is a wild card situation with every cat you groom.