The document discusses the history and role of cosmetology. It begins by tracing cosmetology back to ancient Egyptians and Romans. It then discusses how the field and popular hairstyles have evolved from the 1940s to present day, including the introduction of hair extensions and dyes. The document also profiles a local cosmetologist, Roberta McGill, who stresses the importance of treating clients with respect and creating a welcoming environment. McGill finds the work rewarding and enjoys seeing clients leave with healthy hair and smiles.

1. JOHNSTON COUNTY SCHOOLS
Cosmetology
Tyesha S Thorpe
12/8/2011
How many people do you know that think their appearance means everything? Appearance is
more than hair and make up. It is about the history behind it as well. Appearance plays a major
role in how people look at you and how they treat you. A cosmetologist improves the
appearances of a client. A cosmetologist also helps people feel good about themselves.
“The history of cosmetology, the act of beautifying the skin, nails, and hair, goes all the
way back to the Egyptians” cosmetology was first found around the ancient times. „Cosmetae‟
was used by the Roman slaves, when they bathed themselves in perfume. Starting at the 1940s
through 2011, there was a different way on how clients viewed our cosmetologists. In the 1940s,
cosmetologists were well respected because the clients felt that these workers were the only ones

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that could beautify them. The late 50s was when the cosmetologists started getting paid good
wages for their hard work. This was also the beginning of the “ponytails”. As the years went by
“ponytails” became less popular and French braids were in style. In the 1950s the cosmetologists
wore heavy makeup (history).
This was also known as the rock and roll era. Cosmetologists were styling their clients
hair in the latest of the19 60s. One of the popular hairstyles was called twingly short cuts. Today,
we don‟t know if we have a “certain” way we view our cosmetologists, because it hasn‟t been
found just yet. As far as the latest, popular hairstyles, one is shaving off one side of your head.
When you think of beauty, the word “beautiful” comes to mind. Most people have their personal
definition. “Beauty is a combination of qualities that pleases the intellect or moral sense”.
(History) Beauty is also called, pretty, gorgeous, or simply beautiful.
Some people put on lipstick or eye shadow and feel beautiful. You can identify beauty by
simply looking deep within yourself. If you don‟t have confidence then you probably don‟t feel
as beautiful. Did you know that “the history of cosmetology began with the first human being to
become self-conscious?” Today, self-esteem plays a major role in beauty(history). Some use
make up to abuse their self-esteem, and hide whatever makes them have low self-esteem.
If you have not figured it out yet, having longer hair means more time spent on styling
and maintaining. Some people prefer long haircuts because they can hide their forehead or the
shape of their head. Long haircuts are very useful. Some people prefer shorter hair. Why? Well,
because unlike long hair, short hair requires less time to do (history). If you‟re deciding on
getting a short haircut, “first of all decide the length of hair you want to get, secondly, make sure
if you want layers or simple straight hair” (short hair). Keep in mind that short haircuts doesn‟t

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fit everyone, so if you do insist on getting a short haircut, consider looking at the shape of your
face. Your facial shape plays a decision in whether you should or shouldn‟t have short hair.When
it comes to popular hairstyles there are several. Some popular hairstyles are chin length, jaw
length and super short. Chin length is a short haircut that stops at your chin. Jaw length is a
haircut that is cut at the length of your jaw. Super short is basically having your haircut really,
really short. It looks something like a boy cut. It‟s crazy but most females prefer their hair cut
that way, and shockingly, most look good with their hair cut short. Halle Berry and Toni Braxton
are some celebrities that are known to wear the popular super short haircut (short hair).
Now you‟re probably wondering how cosmetology come in. Cosmetologists are personal
appearance workers who help you look your best. When becoming a cosmetologist, there are
different services and requirements that you have to meet. First off, you must attend either a
cosmetology school, or alicensed barber school by the state. Some states require you to have a
high school diploma. Also, you must have nine months of training. Did you know that in order to
become a cosmetologist, you must be an intimate person? Touching and being intimate is
required. (History) Meaning that Cosmetologists have to be very gentle and loving with their
client‟s hair.
Today, people wear what is called “hair extensions”. What exactly is “hair extensions?”
hair extensions is hair added into your own hair. They can be long, short, and curly. They come
in different colors such as, blue, yellow, pink, and purple and so on. Hair extensions can be either
synthetic, known as “fake”, and real. If you get hair extensions, the best and most used ones are
real extensions. They are used frequently because since they are real, you can wash, straighten,
curl and dry them whenever you please. You can only do this with the real extensions because
it‟s just like having your own hair except it is attached. When it comes to the synthetic, or fake

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hair you can‟t wash, curl, straighten, or curl this hair because it will get damaged and won‟t last
as long. Also when getting hair extensions you would need to know if you want them glued in ,
locked in , sewed in or individual extensions. Glued in extensions are actually attached to your
scalp and it takes about four hours to apply, depending on the style. This can last up to two
weeks and costs around two hundred dollars. If you want Locked in extensions, they cost three
hundred dollars. They also last up to three months and takes three hours to apply. If you‟re
interested in getting sewn in extensions, they cost one thousand to two thousand dollars. Also it
takes eight hours to apply and lasts up to two months. Lastly, for individual extensions, it takes
ten hours to apply and cost up to two thousand dollars. They are known to be glued in your hair
and last up to three months.(extensions)
In 2011, hair dye has become more useful and popular. Smithfield High School dress code has
been changed this year. The students can now dye their hair any type of color that they want.
“Each color has its own properties for defining looks and each can look inspiring when used
correctly.” It is known to be hard for dark skin women to find the color that suits them best.
That‟s why if you‟re dark skin, you can determine what color dye is best just by your eye color.
How is that possible? Well, if you have light colored eyes, such as hazel, or brown then any hair
color would look nice. Did you know that there are four main shades such as blonde, red,
brunette and black? When it comes to hair dyes, we have permanent, semi-permanent and the
kind that comes out when you wash. There are different requirements for applying hair dyes. If
you are applying permanent dye, then it won‟t come out when you decide to wash your hair. If
you‟re applying semi-permanent, it washes out eventually, but it leaves no visible roots while
your hair is growing. Please be aware that if you don‟t take care of your hair while you have hair
dye in, you will notice a breakage. A breakage is not a good thing. (Hair dye).

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Cosmetologists, Roberta McGill who owns her own shop in Smithfield, NC, says that being a
cosmetologist is something she enjoys. If you‟re considering being a cosmetologists you need a
positive attitude every day, leave whatever your problems at the door, respect your clients, treat
them equally and have integrity. McGill said she loves her job so much that money isn‟t an issue,
even though cosmetologists earns 50,000 yearly. Owning your own shop is a good thing because
if you want to just take a day off, or work around your busy schedule you can. Also, you can
open your shop whenever you like and close whenever you like as well. Basically, you are your
own boss and you have more freedom than others. Roberta was asked what the best part of her
job is. Her answer was, providing her clients with good and healthy hair and seeing a smile on
their faces when they leave. Roberta McGill stated that she has a Christian environment. When
asked what she wears to work every day, she said she prefers her and her workers to wear
friendly clothes and comfortable shoes. Let‟s admit it, nobody wants to come in a shop and see
their hairstylist having too much of their body out. For an example, armpits and body fat are
what we all consider too much body parts showing. It‟s just unsanitary. Since McGill has a
Christian environment, she said her clients know that they are more than obligated to come and
get a prayer, whenever needed. She feels that her clients are more than just clients, they are
family, and she truly loves and cares for them. Her shop is more than just a place where you can
come and get your hair done, it‟s like home. To show how much that she loves her clients and
that money really isn‟t the case; she gives out “freebies”. Freebies are free hairstyles that she
provides for clients that are really in need for a hairstyle, but can‟t afford it at that moment.
Roberta‟s schedule depends on the day. Monday through Thursday, she‟s not as busy and her
schedule is very spaced out. She closes at 6pm. But, Friday and Saturday are very busy. She
admits that even though her shop closes at 6pm, on the weekends her shop tends to stay open

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later than usual. Staying out later than usual may mean, missing out on events that she really
wants to participate in. She admits that while being a cosmetologists, you while need discipline.
So, while in high school, she enrolled herself in ROTC. Enrolling herself in that class really
helped out a lot. It may sound weird, but you have to discipline yourself, especially if you own
your own business. When asked what her biggest fear in this field, McGill answered that people
talk, it could be a good talk or a bad talk but people are going to talk. If they talk badly about her
shop, it could jeopardize her shop, which can cause her to lose clients. If they talk good about her
shop, it could get her noticed and get more clients as well. It‟s like being a celebrity. A
cosmetologist betters your outer and inner appearance and makes you feel beautiful. Even though
it may take longer than others to get that that beauty that you are looking for, just know that
beauty is worthwhile. A cosmetologist helps you feel good about yourself inside and out and
betters your appearance.

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