The Great Hair Debate

Not too long ago, I attended Cosmetology school. I graduated first in my class with a cosmetology license. I started school because I had a passion for wanting to do hair. I would watch tv shows and critique everyone on what they needed to do to their hair, eyebrows, make-up, & wardrobe to look better overall. I was giving everyone I met "mind" makeovers. All of my sorority sisters would come to me before a formal to get their hair and makeup done. I took pride in all of my work, I loved making them feel special and beautiful! I wanted to make a difference in other people's lives; to possibly one day write beauty articles for magazines, local newsletters, and be asked to go on live television shows to answer beauty questions!

My passion was lost. It got lost in the long, grueling clocked hours at school. It got lost on the clients who didn't give a shit about me because they preferred an African American student to do their hair instead. It got lost on the anxiety I felt about attending the school I went to every evening for two years. It got lost on giving up on a dream just so I could focus on graduating and getting the hell out of there. I got lazy in the process, searching for short cuts and different avenues just to say I finally accomplished something. I never learned anything about hair at all. I lost my passion. And instead of feeling great about my accomplishments, I felt like I had lost two years of my life with nothing to show for it.


The dream of becoming a stylist dwindled. Even thought I lost my passion for hair, I DID find a passion for doing skincare, so it is not all a loss. But I often wonder how things would have turned out for me had I become a stylist. Would I be known locally for my exquisite bridal updos? (something I wanted to specialize in while in school). Would I have already built a clientele? Would I be able to do everyone's hair b/c I was skilled in doing everything from corn rows, sew ins, quick weaves to foils and pivot point haircuts? I don't know.

Since I told people for two years that I was going to cosmetology school, everyone that doesn't work with me assumes I do hair. Its so aggravating! Its like shoving a dream that I once had into my face saying I couldn't cut it because I lost sight or got anxious, or scared about the dream. Its a constant reminder that I failed to follow through with it.

And while I did lose the passion, it doesn't mean that on occasion I don't like doing hair, because I do! I still do my family & friends haircuts and color. I have also been told I give one of the best scalp massages too!

And I can't regret going to cosmetology school in the first place because I never would have found skincare. I am now focused to be the best skincare therapist I can be! I love to do facials. Waxing is so much fun! I get to teach people how to take care of themselves everyday. People put their trust in me to make them look younger, more beautiful, tan, etc. and I'm proud to say that I truly enjoy helping them!


I guess the lesson learned here is, follow your dreams because even if they don't end up the way you expected (or the way others expected), you may find another dream on the way.