ALL THAT ZAZZ

By Mary N. DiZazzo

"Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you."
    --R. W. Emerson

Ciao bella,

Beauty school dropouts, where are you?

Beauty culture is the art and science of the external embellishment and beautification of healthy skin, hair, and nails.

My Standard Textbook of Cosmetology has always played as a reference book throughout my career.

Chapter One taught you Professional Ethics. The last chapter went on to teach chemistry with liquid solutions.

I learned many unmentionable business tactics not in my text from my nana and mom who seemed to be in the business of beautifying everyone forever. I will never be able to thank them enough.

Interestingly, the Good Ethics chapter has always fascinated me because, through the years, I've seen every rule broken numerously and sinfully.

When was the last time you read a list of good ethics of cosmetology? Put the rules in today's standards of any career.

1. Give courteous and friendly service to all patrons.

2. Treat all patrons honestly and fairly; do not show favoritism.

3. Be fair, courteous, and show respect for the feelings and rights of others.

4. Keep your word and fulfill your obligations.

5. Cherish a good reputation; set an example of good conduct and behavior.

6. Be loyal to your employer, manager, school, and associates.

7. Cooperate with the school personnel and fellow students.

8. Comply with school and salon rules and regulations.

9. Practice sanitation and sterilization at all times.

10. Obey all provisions of the state cosmetology law.

11. Believe in the cosmetology profession; practice it faithfully and sincerely.

All I ever needed to know about life I learned in beauty school!

Buona giornata.

--Mary


This column originally ran in the Post-Gazette of May 14, 2004. In response to request from readers Mary is repeating it now. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and owner of Mary for Nails, etc. natural nailcare salon in Andover, and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products from Australia. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183. She also sees select clients by appointment in Boston at (617) 742-6881.