If you are fascinated by the “Body Beautiful” and are interested in helping out people look their best, a beautician is a very good choice of career for you. The beauty industry is a multi-billion dollar industry and employment opportunities are diverse and plenty. You can foray into the fields of entertainment , fashion, product endorsements and sales, advertisement, and numerous others. Once established as a beautician, or cosmetologist, if you will, the opportunities are limitless. But how do you go about becoming a beautician? A step-by-step guide is given below to help you realise your dream career and set up your own business as a beautician.
1. Know Your Job Description
The first step is to know what your job as a beautician involves. You must fully understand that you will be entering the physical personal space of your client, and you must be comfortable with it. Your daily tasks could involve the following:
- Hair care – cutting, shampooing, coloring, styling
- Skin care – hair removal, bleaching, facials, massages
- Pedicure, manicure, nail art
- Electrolysis and laser treatment
- Advise on personal grooming
- Endorsing and selling cosmetics
- Running your business – including book-keeping, cleaning up, repairs/ maintenance of instruments and equipment
2. Education And Training
The beauty industry is a highly specialised field and covers areas of hygiene, chemistry, biology, soft skills, marketing, and technology. Training in the use of special techniques is also important to avoid mistakes in treatment – horror stories of treatments by inexperienced and untrained persons are not uncommon.
Check for courses offered by public or private schools which have a program of classroom lectures and practical training. These courses generally lead to certification and are of durations ranging from 6 to 9 months. You may need to get additional certification if you want to specialise in a particular field.
3. Become An Apprentice
After you complete the courses, it is necessary to become an apprentice to an experienced and practicing beautician to get that invaluable hands-on experience. Typically, your apprenticeship could be for 1 to 3 years before you become a professional beautician. You will however have to continue to update yourself on the latest developments and advances in your field throughout your career.
4. Learn About Entrepreneurship
Running a businesses requires special skills and an in-depth knowledge about marketing, procurement, accounting, finance, taxation, and many other things that are taught in a business school. There are also courses specifically designed for the cosmetology business. Join up for a course in business management and entrepreneurship. This will not only boost your confidence, but help you to make your business a roaring success.
5. Licensing
You are required to obtain a license for starting your business. Decide where you want to work and obtain the license for that state. Every state has its own licensing requirements. Licensing requires you to clear written and practical exams, so be prepared for another stint of study.
Now that you are armed with the required knowledge and experience, and have got the license to start your business as a professional, you are all set for an exciting and rewarding career as a beautician. We wish you all the best!
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