I'm actually a high school teacher- I just wanted to know what kind of training a person had to have to be an extensionist. I put myself through college as a massage therapist. ------- But the gal that did my extensions , which I LOVE, is a regular cosmetologist who owns a full salon. But when she did my install, she didn't cut or style them. I thought that was just the way it was done. She told me not to let anyone cut them, because it's not like cutting hair that grows out of your head. But I ended up cutting my hair my self just because it was a little too long for me to manage and I wanted layers. It came out good. I'm sure she would have cut them if I asked her to.
Early years are learning years, make them count!
saucyblossom
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Oh and so now I am thinking of learning myself just so I can do maintenence on my self.
Also, I think you run a higher risk of getting in trouble if you work out of home no matter what business you are in . My mom was a licensed manicurist that worked out of our home for a short time and had some problems until she moved to her shop.
Early years are learning years, make them count!
sherrie215
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I know every state has differrent requirements for licenses for hair extensions. I have just sent off an email requesting information to the state cosmetology board here in Ohio. From what I have read for Ohio a cos. license is NOT required. but a natural stylist license is required. But that means NO cutting, coloring, etc....But Im not sure if that means no cutting coloring the natural hair, or if that means the extension hair also?? The legal mumbo jumbo is confusing trying to decifer the codes and rulings so hopefully I will get some good clear concise answers.
Saucy, thanks for that link! That's what I thought the CA law was, but wasn't sure (I'm in Illinois, but am considering moving to CA since I'm from there.)
One option that I think would work is, if you're in a state that says you can do extensions without a license but not out of your home, you could rent a space- like a loft or artist's workspace- do whatever it needs to get it up to health code (ventilation?), and then have the state approve it. Since you're not doing color or cuts, it doesn't have to shampoo bowls or whatever- just a chair, mirror, and whatever you need to do extensions. It might work!
Many times when you are doing extensions, you would need a sink to wash customer's hair. You need to wash with a clarifiying shampoo before you put them in, and that would be especially important before reapplication to wash the hair if you used any kind of oily substance to remove them.
I believe the work environment needs to meet State Board of Cosmetology standards. For example, here in CA, if the salon is in your home, you need to have a separate entrance other than your front door and you need to have a separate bathroom facility, separate from your family's bathroom. It also needs to be handicapped accessable. There are other details, which your State Board can provide you if you ask them.
You would also need a business licence for your city/county.
I have heard of that provision of the CA state law, but I'm telling you guys, my friend still did get in trouble.
I am sure the others' believe you, I know I don't have any reason to think you are lying. The important part in this particular thread though, is whether she got it because she was operating a business without a license, OR because she was performing extensions without a license. It is actually two different things :)
The law says that you can do this without a licence,
So then you know it is legal, at least, in your state...
and in fact that part is true because there is a lady in my area who works in a wig store and does weft bonding. She doen't cut the hair (she tells them she can't) so they leave looking like cousin It from the Munsters.
And you know for a fact it IS legal to do. But I love the way you throw in that slam against those who can't cut. but, whatever.
To me that's totally unprofessional, but then again, she's not a professional!
I have read account after account of people on here who have been f*ed over by so called "professionals" And then, today, I call my salon, and inquire into their new "safe" extensions.....and realize I know more than this "professional" does, and I have only been on these forums for 3 days. Difference is, I have a quest for the actual knowledge and the truth. Dont' give me that professional crap. Many of the people who come into you peoples' salons do fall for that, unfortunately, but not all of us do.
Don't get me wrong.
I know I am better off with a knowledgeable extensionist.
But I know that the two words are not inclusive.
Anyway, what my friend got in trouble for was working out of her home, which is not a licenced establishment. Now if your not licenced, it's hard to get a job in a salon.
I am not sure what you thought of my initial post, but I wasn't anticipating some long term career in a hot salon without a cosmetology license. I was simply wondering if doing extensions was a possiblity for assisting my way for financing school.
Most salons will not hire you without a licence, regardless of that provision of the state law. There are too many stylists out there with licences that they would hire before they'd choose to hire some one without one who has extreme limits on what services they can perform.
Well, I would hope they would hire who was best for each particular job. When and If I have my own salon, I guess I can be that judgemental...till then :)
Perhaps some day that will change, but I as a professional who has spent good time and a lot of money on my education hopes that the State Board continues to 'crack down'.
AHHH I get it now (lol) are you bitter when you think that people would get more business than you because they don't have the "proper licensing" I am not being a *****, or being sarcastic, I am seriously asking.
You seem bitter.
Really.
I do understand, REALLY, if someone with the proper licensiing, and dedication is brushed under the rug by someone who isnt' as good as them, but in this situation.....The so called "professionals" aren't that. And many of them are very pricey and a long drive. If someone is a reasonable alternative, the customer has a right to choose them.
Now if someone wants to do her girlfriend's hair extensions for no charge and doesn't pass herself off as a professional, that's fine with me.
Well, what if someone said, "you know what chickie, my hobby has given me more experience in this than that "professional" up the street who doesn't have a clue how to do anything that what she was "trained" to do. And, since I have already had enough practice, I charge a small amount of compensation.
OH, and, BTW, I don't have contracts that say A)you can't sue me or
B)I won't refund you beyond the cost of supplies.
Is that wrong? No, I didn't think so.
I am SO not bashing *every* extensionist. I am just really kinda annoyed at the ones who abuse others' pocketbooks. And someone like you who thinks that everyone with a license is automatically "entitled" to the career, but god forbid someone like Jenny RR who seems to know more than and dozen extensionists randomly picked from any state wouldn't.
Hope I am not misunderstanding your attitude, and if so, I do apologize.
I'm not going to comment on this drama, except to say that personally, I have no interest in doing anyone's extensions (maybe I'll write a book on it--LOL!--but I truly have no interest in doing them for a living).
That said, this thread is making me wonder whether there are any grants available to those who want to go to beauty school, especially for women who have children. I do think standard Pell Grants and such do apply to beauty school; I think I read it somewhere.
Perhaps I'm just wishful thinking, but it seems like there are state-sponsored programs for other kinds of continuing education. So why not for beauty school? It's a good profession, and something I think the government should encourage more people to look into. I, for one, heard plenty of rhetoric during the campaigns about careers for the 21st century and all that. Perhaps it's time to write to the Governator!
By the way, there was a girl on the GoingBlonde board who was posting for months and months and became very knowlegable about color (after having some disasters and successes with her own hair in the process). And now she's enrolled in beauty school.
Anyway, this is just a thought, but if anyone knows about any grants or loans or anything, that would be great information to have here. There have been several people posting who would jump at the opportunity, I think. :)
I'm not going to comment on this drama, except to say that personally, I have no interest in doing anyone's extensions (maybe I'll write a book on it--LOL!--but I truly have no interest in doing them for a living).
That said, this thread is making me wonder whether there are any grants available to those who want to go to beauty school, especially for women who have children. I do think standard Pell Grants and such do apply to beauty school; I think I read it somewhere.
Perhaps I'm just wishful thinking, but it seems like there are state-sponsored programs for other kinds of continuing education. So why not for beauty school? It's a good profession, and something I think the government should encourage more people to look into. I, for one, heard plenty of rhetoric during the campaigns about careers for the 21st century and all that. Perhaps it's time to write to the Governator!
By the way, there was a girl on the GoingBlonde board who was posting for months and months and became very knowlegable about color (after having some disasters and successes with her own hair in the process). And now she's enrolled in beauty school.
Anyway, this is just a thought, but if anyone knows about any grants or loans or anything, that would be great information to have here. There have been several people posting who would jump at the opportunity, I think. :)
Not speaking from experience, but only second hand information....single mothers' have it made when it comes to opportunities for school assistance. Again, don't quote me on that, just know what I have seen with family and friends in that position.
sherrie215
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I think you are totally off base SqueezetheShaman. I reread the thread and didnt think anything metalgirl said was intended to be offense. She has been very helpful and contibuted lots of information to this site for the rest of us DIYers. I think that was totally wrong to categorize her into the "group" that you did. I could say more but I wont just because........
I think you are totally off base SqueezetheShaman. I reread the thread and didnt think anything metalgirl said was intended to be offense. She has been very helpful and contibuted lots of information to this site for the rest of us DIYers. I think that was totally wrong to categorize her into the "group" that you did. I could say more but I wont just because........
Well, like I said, sorry if I was wrong. Don't get offended, I do agree, she seems to be a big help on these forums, and I didn't categorize her in that group, I pointed out that I noticed that group existed in the short time I have tried to get a grip on this topic.
If you want to say more, feel free. It is an open forum after all. I don't know you. I won't cry, I promise
About single mothers and assistance, although there are definitely certain opportunities available, I think that what tends to happen is that the goverment offers rather generic courses such as "computer skills," "typing," or whatever at some training center, but the assistance doesn't necessarily apply to other pursuits that would be better vocations for many people.
I'm getting way off-topic here, but a few years ago, I was on unemployment for the first and only time, and it was a real learning experience. The people at the unemployment office tried to be helpful, and they do make certain resources available to you (like their computer center, fax machine, etc.), but because the system is so bureaucratic, they just don't have the resources to help you with your individual situation. And if you ever get an actual person on the phone, it's a miracle! In my case, I didn't need their computer or fax or their job-hunting help, but if I could've taken a course in, let's say, HTML or Photoshop or something, I totally would've taken advantage of it. To make a long story very long, I think the same thing often happens with institutionalized education.
in my experience as a single mom at the time, there was not any help for me from the gov . but that was a while ago. did not have a family to help either. i am not trying to preach here but just sharing. i fell into (or lead) a great church and they just so happened to have a love for single mothers. they helped me a lot babysitting and putting together money for career. i never did graduate HS but i did graduate beauty school and now 19 years later am working on some very famous heads of this country and others.sooooooo,maybe this could be another avenue to try....... just a thought. having your licence does help getting more business. qualified or not.
Yes, you did certainly misunderstand my previous post. I was simply describing what happened to a friend of mine regarding the licensing.
I am not bitter at all, and frankly I'm surprised that is what you surmised from my post.
I have a great extension business, and no I don't ever have anyone sign contracts, I would consider a refund to a client if the situation warranted it.
I have in fact spent my own money several times to repurchase hair for clients because the hair we ordered for them was a 'bad batch'.
If a client calls me and tells me some extensions fell out, I have her come in right away and I reapply them, for no charge. I always have my client's best interest in mind. I don't mark up hair at all and I don't charge really high prices for my service.
The state has to be able to regulate businesses in some way, that is the only sure way to protect the consumer.
I think I will not participate in this forum any longer. I have only tried to be helpful to licensed extensionists and DIYers alike.
I have no agenda beyond helping and learning from other people's experience.
I feel badly for people who are so hostile and critical, because all that negative energy is not healthy.
Thanks and good bye to all the positive contributors to this forum.
I'll be on the Yahoo hair extension specialist board if anyone would actually like some reputable advice and insight from my years of experience wearing and doing extensions.
I'm sorry this misunderstanding got so out of hand. I realize that you are offended, but I don't think you should go. You've been a tremendous help to everyone here, and I, for one, would really like it if you stayed.
Like Sherrie, I don't think you meant to insult or belittle anyone with your post. It is certainly better that people know the risks of operating illegal businesses before the state comes to shut them down! And I think that's all you were trying to illustrate here.
If you would prefer not to post here anymore, we'd all obviously understand and wish you the best, but for the record, I really think you should stay.
Metalgirl, I for one appreciate your insight and knowledge and you willingness to share and contribute to this board. Please stay, this board has became a great resource over the past few months and you have been a part of that. I second Jenny and would like it if you'd stay and continue to be a valuable contibutor to this board.
As far as financial assistance with schooling, etc., you might want to check with your local employment office. A few years back I was enrolled in a program through them that paid for my tuition and books for any degree that the 2-year college was offering, plus I got a small paycheck for the hours I spent in class. On top of this, I still qualified for and was able to keep any grants I received; it did not affect the amount paid by the unemployment office at all. The only downfall was that they required being in school full time, even during the summer, which might make things difficult if you are a single mom.
metal girl, you have given valuable information to me as well. i agree with your thoughts on state regulation as well. please stay on and contribute.you are an important part of this forum and we need several experienced opinions on all topics.thats why i enjoy this forum.yes, there are some negative posts here, but that is life, we can not hide from that, just ignore the negative and know you are valued.
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