Why Cosmetologists Should Learn Styling Textured Hair
The cosmetology industry in Illinois, like in other areas throughout the nation, is always changing. This makes it natural for anyone working or training to join this field to keep up with industry trends. Yet, not all salons in the state are ready to serve clients with curls, coils, or kinks. That’s why mastering how to work with textured hair is a great idea, as it will grow your business, build trust, and show competence.
Let’s explore the key reasons why cosmetologists should train to style textured hair in Illinois.
1. It Goes Beyond Trend
Most cosmetologists believe that the reason for taking top-rated Illinois cosmetology license courses is to make it easy to keep up with the ever-changing trends in the industry. While that is true, some skills go beyond basics, like industry trends. In this case, one of the less mentioned reasons to master working with textured hair is that it’s not legally protected in Illinois, thanks to the Illinois Crown Act.
As such, discrimination based on one’s hair is no longer just insensitive or unskilled: it’s now also illegal. When you learn how to style textured hair, you are, therefore, also keeping up with the state’s legal system.
2. There’s Actual Demand Out There
If you walk into any salon today, you will notice a major difference related to how people interact with natural hair. More people are embracing their textured hair, which creates a need for stylists who can actually handle it. Still, not so many cosmetology schools are teaching textured hair.
By finding a school that does, you can take advantage of the market opportunity that exists. Cosmetologists and stylists who have invested in textured-hair education are discovering just how much it pays, literally. That’s in consideration that textured hair typically requires more time, technique, and specialised care, but that’s not a problem since clients are willing to pay for it.
What’s more, since not all salons offer services for textured hair due to the education gap, it should be much easier for you to build a strong client base. Be sure to offer high-quality, thoughtful, and strategic services to keep it like that even after the competition starts rising.
3. Cultural Competence and Community Impact
Learning how to work with textured hair isn’t all about economics. It’s also about respect, representation, and connection. For many clients with textured hair, a stylist who understands what they are doing is someone who sees them. A textured-friendly salon will, therefore, also be a space of validation to them, not just a place where they get their hair done.
And when you send a message that all hair types matter equally, as a stylist, you can expect this to have a positive impact on your overall prospects.
4. A Creative Side That’s Amazing
Working with textured hair can be challenging at first, let’s be real, but once you get comfortable and have mastered the foundations, you will enjoy the limitless creative possibilities. Your clients may come in for silk presses this time, and super voluminous wash-and-go styles next time. You may also get clients who ask for twist-outs or braid-outs, which means you want to know how to braid African hair.
In short, there are almost endless techniques, each opening up new service opportunities. If, therefore, you’re the creative type and love challenges that inspire you to bring out that side of you at work, mastering textured hair is a lovely idea.
Ready to Start?
With all the changes encouraging people to embrace textured hair, you can expect that salons are paying attention to these trends. And with major trendsetters like Instagram and TikTok having joined the bandwagon, the demand for hairstylists who can work with a diverse range of hair types will keep going up.
Wondering where to start? First, take your online expertly written and fully narrated pre-licensing course from rocketcert.com, and then find a cosmetology school that teaches textured hair to gain and solidify the skills that will help you stand out!