Careers in Cosmetology
The moment we get up from our sleep, most of us, if not all take a look in the mirror. From that first after-sleep look till the time we retire at night, the trail goes on and on. Over 95% people in the world spend considerable amount of money, time and effort in grooming themselves and looking perfect. Owning to the kind of work most of us have today, it is indeed a big thing to find exclusive time out for such things. However, we totally can ignore this attribute too because it is clearly evident that how important looking fresh and presentable is in today's time. Be it and actor making his red carpet entry in Cannes or a bride on her D-day, maneuvering and grooming your hairs, nails and overall self is of paramount importance in all our lives although the magnitude may be different.
All this frenzy about looking flawless is kind of an expensive affair, especially in the western countries. At the same time, a good grooming requires professional assistance. Here comes the role of a cosmetologist who is a person with comprehensive knowledge and training in the area of cosmetic beautification.
The meaning the term 'Cosmetology'
By now, it is evident that why or how much is looking upto the mark in today's society important. We also know that when we need any king of grooming, a professional cosmetologist is the person who we can turn up to. So what exactly is this term 'cosmetology'? Although all have us have had a visit to a parlor and seen several stylists at work, the general acceptance of this career profile as a branch of cosmetic sciences is very less. If we go the literal meaning, cosmetology is the science of beautification and the application of specific treatments to cure certain anomalies or improve the overall grandeur of the body. With a little touch of the mascara, they can transform your otherwise plain eyelashes into objects of sheer beauty and appreciation.
What educational qualification do you need to be a certified cosmetologist?
Unlike the other areas of work that require high educational expertise, the job of a cosmetologist is more of practical skills than the theoretical ones. However, to have a stable and high paying career, some level of education in general and specialization in the field is very important. In India and all over the world in general, to be a certified cosmetologist, a person should be atleast sixteen years of age. There is however, no upper age limit specified as such. The first and foremost step towards building a career in cosmetology is finding a good school and getting a degree in cosmetology. The degree can be of varying duration but is never less than a year. After a general degree, it is always advisable to get a vocational training in any one or more than one sub-disciplines in the job. Although in India not much emphasis is given to the cosmetic schools, the scenario in western nations is very different. After getting formal education, to get a certificate and working license, a cosmetologist needs to work in a beauty salon under the guidance of a certified trainer. This step is not only important in building a career with proper credentials but is also important in learning the practical tips and ways to do styling. A good amount of internship paid or otherwise is always beneficial for giving a boost to your career. Last but not the least, working experience with some good and renowned salon or beauty care center always helps to build a strong career base.
Personal skills and traits needed to be a good cosmetologist.
As already mentioned the work of a cosmetologist does not end with lessons in the book. The practical application of this knowledge is what makes this job interesting and at the same time tasking. There are many things other than bookish knowledge and practical application that a cosmetologist has to have. It is very important that you be friendly and interactive. Not only does this help the client to be more relaxed and informal, it also helps you do work better by knowing what exactly does your client need. Since most or rather all of your work revolves around human assets like hairs, face, nails etc. it is mandatory to be careful and precise in whatever you do. A strand of hair cut will not grow back, atleast not as fast as you want it to. Thus, it is very important to maintain quality and stick to what the client wants with of course your personal touch to it. Other attributes include physical activeness and a taste for style. Being well dressed and neat attracts more clients than when in an unkempt state. It is a stressful genre of work and thus you must be able to cope up with work pressure that touches sky in the marriage or festival seasons. Lastly, as in, all other areas of work it is essential that you love what you do and put forth your best foot forward no matter how demanding the client is or how tiring the work is.
What are the prime duties of a cosmetologist?
By now, we know that when you are a cosmetologist you work to make people look pretty. Apart from the obvious work of doing beauty treatments, other duties and responsibilities come to you in this career. First and foremost is customer satisfaction. It is hard-earned money that people spend and hence it requires a lot of attention and importance to make them happy. Taking care of the safety of the clients is again of paramount importance and if neglected can ruin your smooth sailing career in no time. Before using a particular concoction or maybe a cream ask the client if he or she is allergic to the composition or not. Not using expired or sub-standard products is also very important. Next is cleanliness. If your work area, say for example your salon is not clean there are negative chances that customers visit it. Therefore, even if you have talent to show it will be all wasted if proper neatness and hygiene is not there. Similarly, it is important to make your workstation and also your way of work informal and beautiful so that after a client walks in, he or she does not feel like in a clinic.
Sub-disciplines within the Career
Do you visit your dentist when suffering from diarrhea? Certainly not. In a similar way, there are several sub classifications and areas of specialization within the broad spectrum of cosmetology. Although in India it is often seen that not many people go for such studies in a particular field say hair coloring, but in the big cities and in almost all western nations, there is a trend in specialization. Some of the most common and prominent ones are discussed under.
Pedicure: You can specialize in pedicures and manicures and is a very popular treatment in all the parts of the world. It is the art of grooming the feet and hands respectively and includes several steps starting from washing, scrubbing to applying nail paint.
Hair styling: It is almost synonymous with the job itself and it always in demand. If you specialize as a hair stylist, should be open to experiments and very up to date with the new styles and looks in the society.
Hair coloring: It is another area of specialization and deals mainly with the techniques to color hair. You should keep in mind what suits a particular body type and complexion and do suggest the clients accordingly.
Facials: This area of specialization deals with the process of face massage and facials. There are several techniques of doing a facial and it requires a comprehensive knowledge about the skin types and the natural or synthetic materials that can cure problems in the skin.
Top Cosmetology Schools in India:
There are several well renowned schools and vocational training institutes strewn all across the nation that specialize in cosmetology courses. These have professional courses both diploma and certificate. Some of the top schools are:
Butic College of Beauty, Enrich Salon and Academy, LTA school of beauty, Nalini Hair Academy etc. most of these are located in the metro cities and have branches in many small and big towns across the nation. Admission is generally done on the basis of merit after entrance tests.
What is work like as a Cosmetologist?
When we visit a parlor, we see many beauticians or cosmetologists at work. Not only do they tend to our needs but also have to do a lot of other things. In a general way, a cosmetologist starts the day with setting appointments with the clients and later grooming them. Be it hair cutting, coloring or any other type of styling, it requires a lot of patience and skill to meet set standards and satisfy a customer. In the busy season like the marriage season or the time of major Indian festivals, the parlors are stacked with people all wanting to look good on the final day.
Where do you work and other Job Prospects:
The work of a cosmetologist is indeed very interesting and requires a lot of skill. Depending upon the financial input or the level of education and expertise, a certified cosmetologist has several avenues to work in. there is absolutely no dearth of job opportunities because of the ever-increasing beauty consciousness among the people. Initially he or she may work under the supervision of a senior member in a salon and later switch over opening an individual enterprise. This in particular needs monetary assistance as well a comprehensive knowledge about the know-hows of the work and business running skills. The numerous of spas that are coming up today give a very good platform to cosmetologists to work. The pay and working condition is very good. Another option is working from your home and rendering to home services. Although the initial cost of starting the business is quite less, a lot of contacts and experience is needed to have a stable career by this process. A few of the cosmetologists who also have a knowledge about plants or other things that are used in making the treatment creams, can give research in this field a try. Many famous products that we use regularly have names of the beauticians who created them. Therefore, this is a new and good way to earn money and reputation in this field.
Working conditions in this field:
Since most of the cosmetologists work in parlors and salons, the working area is particularly good. Majority of the parlors in today's time have state of the art equipment and A.C rooms, which makes working not only comfortable but also very satisfying and fun. Although there are very few health hazard involved in this job, some might face allergies and eruptions due to prolong exposure to chemicals and other products. The long and tedious working process also takes a toll on the cosmetologists at some point or the other.
Salary and remunerations:
Unlike the other conventional avenues of work, this has no fixed pay and depends largely on the kind of place one works in. A parlor, salon or spa gives a comparatively stable form of work with starting payments ranging from 3000 to 1000 rupees. The amount is much higher if located in metros or a renowned salon. In the peak season the price of the treatments double and so does the payment.
The advantages and disadvantages of having a career in Cosmetology:
There are several pluses in this job like the chance to display ones talent and creativity though the agencies of styling and make-up. Most of the times the working hours are flexible and hence it is very advantageous. The biggest disadvantage, especially in India is that not much development has been done in this area and the payment structure in small cities is very meager.
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