Beauty School Secrets: The Generation Gap

by Victoria Stanell
Published Oct 07, 2011

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Beauty School Secrets

"The Generation Gap" by Beauty Apprentice

From recent high school grads to career-changing mothers, I’m working with a lot of different characters in beauty school. Older, younger, Asian, French, Russian—my classroom is a diverse bunch. We’re coming to school from different points in our lives, and we all get along for the most part. As we work more closely, however, I’m noticing certain behaviors—older women disrespected by the fresh-out-of-high-school 17- to 19-year-olds, and younger students alienated by their older, seemingly wiser peers.

Because we’re experiencing beauty school from such varied backgrounds, I think the students should seize the opportunity to learn from one another in this unique environment. Being older or younger has distinct advantages and disadvantages. The older ones have life and work experience under their belt, but the younger set have time, eagerness, and optimism on their side. Age and experience aren’t the only factors for success, though—your attitude counts, too.

Looking around the classroom, I see my peers coming to class every day with different values and character traits, but who are we to discriminate based on age? I had the chance to develop a little more life and work experience at a university first, but that’s not the right choice for everyone. And if you enter beauty school at a younger age, it doesn’t mean you can get away with slacking. It’s time to step out of adolescence and hone your skills. Begin to network effectively with friends and family, keep educating yourself, and continue to improve your people skills. And as much fun as you think our industry is, professionalism is still an absolute must. You want to sustain clientele who are willing to spend the money for your services, regardless of your age. If you defy age discrimination and display yourself in a positive, professional light, clients will have no reason to question your maturity.

Beauty Apprentice is getting an expert beauty education from inside the academic lines and reporting her experiences exclusively for Beautylish. She's not afraid to dish on the beautiful, the ugly, and the just plain weird parts of beauty school. "Don't think that beauty school is all girlie fun and games—it's hard work and long hours, and I'm ready to divulge everything they don't tell you in the brochure."

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Oct 24, 2011

Brenda R.

well, i'm going to start beauty school once i get out of high school, which is this year, and i really do hope everything goes well

Oct 09, 2011

Tiffany V.

I'm 25 in school and age doesn't play too much of a role. However, those that are married or have kids that are in class feel that because of that they always have an excuse to not study, skip out on homework, and come to class with no qualms about it. I don't have kids, I'm not married, but I know what I signed myself up for. It's very frustrating to sit around for 4 hours so those with excuses can catch up. I don't know what they expected when they signed up, but the work is minimal and there's plenty of time to do it in class. I'm there to learn and get out. I'm looked down on as a goody goody because I do my work on time.

Oct 09, 2011

Lisa V.

I know what you mean, I'm 19 not married and no kids. It is very frustrating sitting in class doing nothing when the teacher is tending to those who don't show up. We go there to learn and serious about learning, and some of the people in my class don't show up and they don't even have their books

Oct 09, 2011

Tiffany V.

I've missed classes and have never interfered with the people who were there. I realized that that is my problem and I copy notes and do practical if I can or wait until we have a catch up day. Since I read and do my written work ahead of time I can makeup anything missed with ease. Sometimes I wish there was an advanced class I could go longer and finish earlier at my own pace.

Oct 08, 2011

Mallory R.

When I was 18 and in beauty school, all of the girls (mostly gals in their early thirties) decided to single me out and bully me. A 29 year old woman made me cry so badly that I wasn't able to take my next client.

Oct 08, 2011

Kaci W.

As far as my age goes, I've always acted and looked older than my actual age. I'm 14, and people treat me like I'm 15 or 16. For the last few years I've seriously considered cosmetology school and a career in the beauty-scene. But people (my mother specifically) don't take me seriously when I tell them. Then they act surprised when they find out how much I already know. I love this website because it is a small way to learn about things I love, and articles like these help me prepare myself for the future, if that makes any sense. (:

Oct 07, 2011

Koda R.

I am wanting to take on Make Up Artistry for my career. A little free lancing and working with models and television. I am going to take Cosmetology at my Comm. Tech. School and then I want to find a really good Make Up Artistry school but the only one close is in Florida and I am in NC. There is this REALLY good school in Canada called Compections that I want to go to but I don't have the money.

Elite

Oct 07, 2011

Ashley G.

I thought I was in love with Complections, but I went on a tour there and I hated it... everyone that works there is so rude and conceded... I couldn't stand it. It's so expensive and you can get a great education anywhere! They literally said to me " if you want it bad enough you'll make $22,000 to get in" and they want $15,000 the day you start.. I was like ARE YOU CRAZY! It's seriously not worth it!