Imagine yourself on your last day of cosmetology school. The world is now your oyster! So many decisions to make; and perhaps one of the most important ones to your career is whether or not you’ll specialize in either cutting or coloring, or whether or not you’ll generalize and specialize in both! Other than having a passion for either cutting or coloring, what are the benefits and drawbacks?
Why would someone Specialize versus Generalize?
- Colorists, or Color/Cutting Specialists, kind of get to set their own prices once they’ve established themselves. Can you imagine deciding how much you want to be paid for doing something you love already?
- You’d literally be filling your day always doing things you absolutely love to do—and only the things you love doing. If you really love one thing or the other, imagine only doing the one thing you love. Sounds glorious if we’re being honest.
Why would someone Generalize versus Specialize?
- When beginning your career, it may be more financially beneficial to generalize. You get to do more, and can double book yourself.
- Clientele can easily transfer from one stylist to you if you generalize. For example, if a specific cutting specialist isn’t available to do a haircut, but you are, you’ll be able to take that haircut and add that client to your clientele.
- Plus what if you just love to do everything? Why would you choose to limit yourself to only doing one thing?
- What if you don’t know which you enjoy doing more? What better way to find out, while furthering your education in a salon environment, and sharpening your skills? There isn’t a better way.
Before making serious decisions, it’s always good to reflect on the things you love to do, and the things you don’t really enjoy all that much. There are lots of things to take into consideration, make sure you think about all of them.
Most of all, enjoy your life as a licensed professional. You’ve absolutely earned it!
