Spanish is the most frequently spoken non-English language in the United States, according to the US Census Bureau. With the increase of Spanish speakers, the need for bilingual workers in a variety of industries, especially cosmetology, will become even more important. Therefore, if you want to ensure that you can have a large pool of potential clients as a cosmetologist, then you should learn to speak Spanish, if you do not already.
Growing Spanish-Speaking Population
The number of Spanish speaking residents of America is not going down; in fact, is the fastest growing population, with an increase of 233 percent since 1980, according to the Pew Research Center. Although these numbers are largely thanks to an increase in Hispanic immigration, there are many non-Hispanic homes that speak it. The number of Spanish speakers is projected to be between 39 and 43 million by 2020. Some experts even believe that in the next 10 years, half the American population will speak Spanish as their preferred language. Because of the growing number of Spanish speakers, it has become an invaluable professional skill.
More Attractive Employee
Speaking English is a necessity to work in most US salons, and now it is becoming equally important to be bilingual. With the growing Spanish speaking population, many salons are looking for bilingual employees, especially if they already have a large Hispanic customer base. Therefore, if you plan to work in areas with a large Hispanic population, such as Texas, California, and Florida, then it is even more important to learn to speak Spanish for your career.
Education and Training in Spanish
Some beauty schools now offer classes in both English and Spanish. This not only helps those who come from a Spanish speaking background, but it also helps those for whom English is their first language but who already know Spanish and wish to be able to offer services to Spanish speakers. These courses help you learn the industry vocabulary in Spanish, which can be helpful when you work with Spanish-speaking clients.
It is becoming easier and easier for cosmetology to become bilingual professionals, especially those for whom Spanish is their native tongue. Some states, including Alabama, California, Connecticut, Florida, Texas, and more, allow students to take all or part of their cosmetology license exams in Spanish, according to Beauty Schools Directory.
Learning Spanish on Your Own
If you do not already speak Spanish, then it is to your benefit to enroll in courses. Many community colleges now offer Spanish language courses to help you begin to learn the basics. You also have many online options for learning a new language. It may take you time to become truly bilingual, but by starting to learn the language, you will already be able to interact with more clients who only speak Spanish or whose English may not be that good.
Although Spanish is the most commonly spoken language outside of English, it is not the only language that can be beneficial for cosmetologists to learn. If you live in an area with a large number of immigrants from a particular area, such as Vietnam, Poland, Russia, China, or Iran, then it might be to your benefit to take language courses and become bilingual or even multi-lingual. This allows you to serve more clients, making you more attractive to potential employers, all of which help you have a better and brighter career.
Languages are not the only skills you can add to your repertoire once you have your cosmetology license. You also have to keep up with continuing education, which you can do through Beauty Academy’s online courses.