Not just entertainment, make a serious career of it: Cosmetology
15 November 2017
With the improvisation of technology and the introduction of innovative new methods, cosmetology has become one of the most popular treatments which can cure skin, hair and nails related complications effortlessly. Due to erratic changes in climate, pollution, stress, unbalanced diet, stationary lifestyle, the fleeting pace of life, impact of the latest gadgets and effective drugs, not only aged people and women, but youngsters are also facing problems like bags under eyes, reduced muscle tone, premature wrinkles, deteriorating circulation, smile lines, etc. But through cosmetology these problems can be resolved and you can retain a normal look in all seasons.
Cosmetology is one of the most exciting career options in the beauty industry. It involves a lot of research to understand customer needs and requires specific skills to resolve particular problems. Cosmetology is a unique field where not only women, but men can also learn and be successful.
SKILLS REQUIRED
Professional skills are definitely an important part to be successful in a career in cosmetology. Clients rely on the strengths and skills of their cosmetologists to make them look their best. Thus, a cosmetologist needs to be educated, stylish and authoritative to retain this considerable amount of trust. While training, a Diploma or a Certificate is a must for cosmetologists, but having the right qualities and confidence can make or break a career. A cosmetologist beautifies and gives a new look through hair and makeup design. Being naturally creative is important, because cosmetologists must envision hairstyles on their clients or should be able to customize a style provided to them.
Customer Service
Cosmetologists should maintain excellent relationships with customers as a majority of their business relies on word of mouth and repeat visits of customers. They have to spend a substantial amount of time with their clients to understand their exact needs, so good communication skills are extremely important. Cosmetologists must listen to the exact needs of their clients and deliver those as per their specific request.
Technical Skills
For technical skills, one has to enroll in an institute having specialized courses pertaining to cosmetology. These programs are available through vocational training courses which include makeup, beauty, hair, spa and nails courses.
Stamina
A cosmetologist needs the physical capability to stand for long periods. In addition, cosmetologists have to do things repeatedly like blowing & drying hair, holding arms of customers in a fixed position while styling; so, they must possess strong physical capabilities to do so while maintaining a steady hand.
Dexterity
While styling and cutting customers’ hair, manual and finger dexterity skills help cosmetologists to make calculated and co-ordinated moves. Cosmetologists must be able to grasp, manipulate and assemble items and handle small objects.
PROSPECTS
The career possibilities in the beauty industry are endless. This industry offers various careers for these professionals to excel and grow. It is a career option with the prospect of increased earnings as per experience and reputation. Trained cosmetologists can get jobs in beauty parlors, high-end salons, and luxurious hotels and resorts. Makeup professionals are always in demand in the television and film industries. Also, they are in demand in the world of fashion. Other options include being an image consultant, writing books or articles and teaching. Furthermore, there are some options for those who hold a training and license in cosmetology:
Fashion Stylist
Fashion Stylists are always in demand in the fashion world globally. For editorial features, print or television advertising campaigns, music videos, concert performances and other public appearances, the clothes and accessories for celebrities, models or public figures are selected by Fashion Stylists. They are an integral part of a creative team that comprises fashion designers, photographers, hair stylists and makeup artists during the execution of a specific project.
Editorial & Advertising Stylist
An editorial/advertising stylist prepares models for photo shoots in commercial and editorial projects. One can easily start styling independently after building up a great portfolio while working in an agency. These stylists must be very versatile, organized, and have a creative vision in implementing a variety of styles and looks as per the requirement of the campaign.
Platform Artist
The platform stylists are often called platform artists in the beauty industry. A platform artist is a rock star among hairdressers. Platform artists perform on stage to promote styling techniques, tools or products through entertainment and communication, mostly at industry trade shows.
Celebrity & Personality Stylist
Celebrity or personality stylist is a recognized profession in the beauty and fashion industry. Apart from being a wardrobe stylist, a celebrity stylist also needs to be an accomplished fashion stylist, who selects the clothing for publishing editorial features, print or television advertising campaigns, music videos, concert performances, and other public appearances made by celebrities, salon models or other public figures.
Salon Creative Director
These are the professionals who provide the vision and creative direction to a salon or a beauty company. They need to be innovative in creating new hairstyles, colors and techniques that can be used as “new trends” in the forthcoming season. So, artistic directors need to be visionaries and fashion forward individuals with a creative mind. They need to be trend-conscious, good communicators and be able to manage multi-tasking assignments.
Hairstylist
A hair stylist, sometimes called a hairdresser or beautician, cuts, colors, bleaches and styles hair. A hair stylist may also provide permanent waves or straightening of hair. Before working on a client, hair stylists analyze hair and recommend a style to the customer.
Nail Technician
This is a unique profession wherein the beauty specialist is responsible for grooming and enhancing the appearance of a client’s nails through nail shaping, manicures, pedicures, cuticle grooming, callus removal, synthetic nail treatments, application of nail polish, etc.
Salon or Spa Manager
The owners or managers of a Salon or Spa are usually responsible for daily banking, budgeting, expenditures and other financial duties. These can range from managing petty cash for small maintenance tasks around the shop to managing payroll and overseeing employees’ reports. They also need to conduct personalized communication with the customers for building long-term relationships.
Beautician
A beautician is an individual who works in a salon, and is trained in providing many types of beauty and personal care services, from manicures to brow designing, waxing to makeup applications.
Wedding and Event Stylist
A wedding and event stylist is a professional who conceptualizes and executes the theme, design, plan and management of a client’s wedding. Weddings are significant events in people’s lives and as such, couples are often willing to spend a considerable amount of money to ensure that their weddings are well organized.
Makeup Artist
A makeup artist is a professional who helps to transfigure or escalate the appearance of a client. Professional and well-known makeup artists can also serve as columnists and editors for beauty and style magazines.
Esthetician
Estheticians are often known as skincare specialists. They are experts in scalp massage treatments, light therapy, waxing/threading/hair removal, facials, masks and wraps, makeup application, pore cleansing, body scrubs, moisturizing treatments, acne treatments, etc.
TIPS FOR GETTING HIRED
As a fresher, a candidate should have a basic level of understanding of what the beauty industry does and how it works. Understanding of beauty products, and new trends and techniques is a plus point for those looking for a job. Some of the valuable tips to get hired in this profession are as follows:
- A candidate must have completed a Certificate or Diploma course from a certified cosmetology institute or school.
- If you’re skilled enough to work as a professional under different circumstances, you are eligible to get a job. Prior experience is helpful, but not necessary. A candidate should rather be passionate and flexible towards his / her profession.
- Attitude goes a long way too. A candidate who demonstrates “confidence” always has an advantage in getting a job in any stream of the beauty industry.
- There are multiple choices of beauty institutes and schools, but aspirants should check the quality and facilities provided for practical training, certifications offered, training modules, faculty and post training employment opportunities, before enrollment of a course in an institute.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
There is no formal qualification mandatory to become a cosmetologist, but the industry requires candidates to complete education from a recognized school or institute of cosmetology, and be over 16 years of age. There are various Diplomas and other courses with specializations that may result in earning an Associate degree. Many polytechnics and vocational institutes offer courses in beauty care/cosmetology. Most people in this field continue to take courses that help them stay in line with the latest trends. Cosmetologists are required to complete training at a certified cosmetology institute or school to get licensed. Most cosmetology schools are based on their unique curriculum and course schedule.
REMUNERATION
The pay package majorly depends on the specific stream of profession chosen by a candidate. In India, a fresher can start at Rs. 1.5 to 2 lakhs per annum as a starting salary. With a professional degree, they can expect a starting salary of Rs. 50,000 per month.
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