Creating A Cosmetology Portfolio

One of the most important things you can have in your possession as a cosmetologist is a portfolio. Like any artists it’s extremely important that you be able to demonstrate your skills and abilities as well as show examples of the various work you've done. By having a professional portfolio made up you’ll be able to show not only clients but potential employers, industry professionals and contacts, and a whole variety of other people, how good your work is and why they should hire you. This is especially important if you ever want to style hair for high profile people like celebrities because you’ll be required to demonstrate your abilities before being brought on. A good portfolio can earn you a famous client that might skyrocket your career to places you never though it could go so you should always have it on hand and be certain to always show it to people who can help you out. You never know who might have a connection or a friend that could get you a job somewhere.

When it comes to creating a portfolio you only want to put your best work in. Better to put in ten really amazing examples then add five that aren’t so hot just to be able to have more in there. Less is more here. A portfolio looker will get bored quickly so make sure that your portfolio is interesting, engaging, and short - two hundred shots of one hairstyle is ridiculous and makes you look like an amateur - don’t make mistakes like these. When it comes to showcasing your work make sure you have a professional photographer take the photos so that they look their absolute best, have them edited and stylized and professionally printed so that you can display your work under the very best circumstances. Make sure you use models that are beautiful and well groomed to style so that nothing will detract or distract from the photos that you’ve taken. Make sure that the lighting is good and that you can clearly see the work that has been done. Label and date the photos tactfully or leave no labels at all and only a date.

It’s important that your portfolio is presented as professionally as it possibly can be. No scrap-booking looks here, no flowery cutesy stuff. Make a point to have it look clean and neat and as experienced as possible. All photos should be in a standard black portfolio either matted or covered under a protective plastic. Your name should be on every page and a copy of your resume should be in the front of it. Make your portfolio stand out and catch peoples attentions. Make it hard to forget and very impressive. Don’t waste money on fancy business cards that could be going to paying a nice photographer to take shots for you. Your portfolio is key to earning top clients so make sure it’s in top shape.

Take the time to put together a really nice portfolio and you’ll be very pleased with the results.