Does Junk Qualify?

Admirable cosmetologists are everywhere. They work at Great Clips. They style famous peoples' locks. They work at those cheesy 50's salons (that would be my personal dream come true). But what makes a prime stylist? I found this list ( http://www.cosmetologyschools.com/cosmetology-top-10.html):

1.) Adaptability. "A great cosmetologist stays on top of changing techniques and technologies in the industry and can easily incorporate these changes into their work". Now, I love pin curls, pin ups, beehives and fingerwaving (which by the way, my attempt last night did not turn out the way I was hoping in the least). However, I can also work around a modern hair straightener (I say "modern" because the hair iron was actually first patented in 1906). I think as much as I loathe current and trendy fashion, I can suck it up and master the latest prom up dos'.

2.) Color and Style Perception. "A great cosmetologist has a keen sense of what hair styles and colors work for people and will make suggestions to help clients look their best". Actually I have knack for this. I can tell just by observing a ladies face shape, skin tone and their natural hair texture what they would look like with a new hair length, color or style. My best friend, *Avery is a blond (partially natural and partially courtesy of Garnier 59# blond). Her skin is paler but her cheeks have a lot of natural color (and the freckles are a fantastic extra kick) and her eyes are striking blue. She disagrees but I can see black hair as a distinct possibility (I love pale women- to hell with those spray tanned oompa loompas). I say she looks a little like pin up girl Ingrid Bergman (nice hair texture, standout eyes, pale skin, etc.). I can make similur judgements on any girl I meet.

3.) Creativity. "A great cosmetologist has a sense of creativity and can think of new and different ways to style hair, apply makeup, or perform other cosmetology procedures". I am anything but monotone. Style inspirations are pin up girls, drag queens, the movie "True Romance", the 90's, Amy Winehouse, the city of Cleveland, music of all genres, San Francisco, photography, exotic plants, Suicide Girls, etc. My mind never stops expanding.

4.) Skilled at Customer Service. "A great cosmetologist has fantastic customer service skills. They are friendly and helpful to all clients and help create a welcoming atmosphere". This one will be tricky. I can't lie. A lot of people trouble me a great deal. The thought of having to smile at these imbilsoles purchasing their spirit apparel (I sell school spirit attire at a college) is bewildering. When I hung my apron at Panera Bread, being warm and sweet was worse than the Chinese Water Torture. Matters worsen when customers shrill, shriek, gripe, cry and demand refunds. My nicely made Panera shake would be thrown at the ground in fury (it's really happened). What got me quitting my job at Panera Bread in blind outrage was when a customer began snapping their fingers at me. Yes, my lack of patience could hold me back.

5.) Good Grooming Habits. "A great cosmetologist is always impeccably groomed. Their hair is styled in a current fashion and make-up is neat and attractive". I already knew this rule held a great importance. I'm not sure about current hairstyling (this is why I want to work at a 50's salon), but being cleanly is crucial. It's not like high school. You can't roll out of bed fifteen minutes before first period, brush your teeth and bike there in record time (my usual routine). I will have to begin prepping for this routine change.

6.) Knowledgeable of Standards. "A great cosmetologist keeps abreast of and follows industry standards for safety and health concerns. They keep their equipment clean and sanitary at all times". This is merely common sense. It's against the law to not be consistent with the strict sanitation rules and regulations specfically written for each state.

7.) Good Manual Dexerity. "A great cosmetologist is good with his or her hands. Whether cutting hair, performing a facial, or giving a manicure, a cosmetologist must be able to perform intricate maneuvers for extended periods of time". My hands puzzle me. The foreign language I took in high school for two years was American Sign Language, so my hands can bend in awkard forms (except when I'm trying to flash any gang sign of the sort- don't cross examine that statement;). I believe I have a pretty well-defined natrual touch. Unprofessional massaging is one of my side jobs. I hope my hands can work endlessly. Something I have a desire to train in is braiding hair. When I say braiding hair, I mean pixie braiding, creating dreadlocks, box braiding, weaves, etc. Those women make bank for working on the same head of hair for hours. Mass amounts of concentration is involved and I would have to find a mentor (braiding in detail isn't apart of the Brown Aveda cirriculum).

8.) Pleasent Personality. "A great cosmetologist has an engaging personality. They can make people feel comfortable and welcome and are easy to talk to". This is why I will have to choose my salon carefully and with much thought. I'm not boring. I'm not 'normal'. I'm not neccessarily mean. My personality is rather odd and difficult for some folks to comprehend and be compatible with. What is going for me in this situation however is that I love to learn and listen to people. Baby Mama drama, bands of all genres from all corners of the world, if peach or off-white roses would be a better centerpiece at some wedding, Brad Pitt (or whatever guy is considered 'hot' these days)....I can hear it all and find a connection.

9.) Adapt with Several Techniques. "A great cosmetologist is skilled at the various techniques used in the industry. They are adept at using scissors, brushes, files, and other equipment". Not only do I have to, but I want to master every technqiue for every piece of equipment I will recieve in my tradeschool kit.

10.) Ability to Visualize Ideas. "A great cosmetologist is able to share a vision with his or her client for an end result. They are able to clearly visualize the goal and skillfully perform the work required to reach that goal". I know I am able to create a clear picture for someone. I am a writer, it's a requirment. Also by nature, I compare women in my life to pin up models. This brainstorms ideas of what I should do with her hair, etc. As I mentioned earlier, my best friend, *Avery reminds me of Ingrid Bergman. *Daisy alludes to Jane Greer. Almost every girl I know reminds me of some pin up.

So it's obvious that I have some goals to aim for (besides fingerwaving hair of course). I should dig deeper into this.

"Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody else expects of you"-Henry Ward Beecher

-M. Junk