Anyone who has been in the cosmetology industry for any amount of time understands how hectic it can be. From packed schedules and clients who demand priority to stringent continuing education (CE) rules and guidelines, it can be a lot to handle at the same time. But online courses seem to be easing the pressure a bit.
Not only do they offer convenience and flexibility, but the best of them are packed with a wealth of easy-to-understand, expert knowledge. Still, this knowledge will mean nothing if you aren’t making the most of your courses. Here, then, are some tips to help you out.
1. Take Online Learning Seriously!
One of the biggest mistakes students make is treating online courses as if they were casual. The simple fact is they are not, and even the best cosmetology online courses will be less effective if not taken seriously.
While it is easy to understand that you are in a demanding field and thus you may have to make some compromises, let these not be related to your education. Successful learners use clever ways to schedule time, minimise distractions, and treat every module like a real classroom session.
The first thing you should do is set dedicated study hours. Even 1 or 2 focused hours every day will always beat cramming before the licensing exam or continuing education (CE) deadline. In addition to studying more intentionally, you should also create a distraction-free zone and follow a consistent schedule.
2. Engage With the Material Actively
Many online cosmetology courses often incorporate video demos, quizzes, and readings to make the content more comprehensible. Passive watching usually isn’t enough. You will need to engage with the content more, and here’s how:
- Pause videos, where necessary and applicable, to practise techniques on mannequins
- Take detailed notes as if you were in a live lecture
- Rewatch any sections that you find complex
One thing we know about online courses is that active engagement ensures the content sticks better, so that you can apply it in your daily work.
3. Combine Online Learning With Real-World Experience
Online learning is powerful, but even the best courses won’t mean much if you don’t put the knowledge to use. This is why you must practise with real clients, since nothing beats such experience. So, take externships so that you can get opportunities to apply the techniques you are learning from your online course. In this approach, however, you must experiment cautiously.
So, always start with the less complex treatments before moving to advanced techniques. Also, seek honest feedback from your clients so that you can adjust your practice both in your learning style and how you practise what you have learned.
4. Participate in Online Communities
You’ve got to trust us when we tell you that even the best online massage therapy courses will feel isolating if you are learning alone. Luckily, many online cosmetology programs offer live webinars, discussion boards, and social media groups to help you interact with your peers and instructors. So, get into these spaces and be as active as you can be.
Ask questions, share results, and seek feedback from your fellow learners and instructors. You must also engage in group challenges or assignments where possible, since these mimic salon collaboration. Keep in mind that networking early provides great opportunities that can lead to mentorship, referrals, and professional contacts.
Now, Go Into Action With RocketCert’s Courses
Maximising online cosmetology courses has nothing to do with rushing modules or binge learning. Instead, it requires you to approach this type of learning from a point of seriousness and necessity. This way, you will see why the tips we have mentioned in this post are a game-changer.
And with what you know now, we would advise you to strike while the iron is still hot by taking RocketCert’s prelicensing or CE courses. Since these courses are written and fully narrated by experts, you can be sure they will be easy and fun to study. So, get to work!
Photo by George Milton: