Career in Cosmetology

The title of a ‘cosmetologist’ is a comprehensive term. A ‘cosmetologist’ is a person who performs services on the head, face, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, legs or feet of a client. These services may include cutting or styling the hair, manicure, pedicure, massaging or all acts of beautifying.The different job titles that fall under the umbrella of cosmetology are that of a hairstylist, hairdresser, manicurist, pedicurist, and shampooer.The training required for each of the above fields is different.

WORK SKILLS

Many elements go into making a successful career in cosmetology, one of which is to have a good sense of fashion and style.“Aspirants need to have an artistic inclination, an affiliation to colours and a little bit of brand knowledge. He or she also needs to have the zing to keep pace with the latest trends in the industry,” says Nalini Kalra, Head of Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics, India.
“Good communication is a pre- requisite,” states Sunita Motwani- Makhija, Director of Schnell Hans Beauty Schools and Salons.

ELIGIBILITY

“In order to work as a cosmetologist, a certain level of educational qualification is required. Certain courses demand candidates who have completed their matriculation while other courses such as nutrition and dietetics require candidates to possess an HSC certificate,” says Dr Kochar.
“The level of creativity involved in this field is tremendous. Several professionals across different fields have switched over to the beauty industry as a career option,” says Isha Mahmood, Manager of Nalini’s Hair Academy.

REMUNERATION

Mahmood states,“The sky is the limit. One has to remember that, like other fields, you will start at the bottom and have to work your way up. Starting pay is usually Rs 6,000 to 8,000 coupled with incentives and tips. It can increase dramatically depending on how dedicated you are to your clientele.” There are tremendous opportunities for those who want to carve a niche for themselves.
“Persons skilled in body treatments could look at career opportunities as a therapist, product trainer, consultant or manager. Persons skilled in hair can look at career opportunities as a stylist and trend designer.Those skilled in makeup can opt for a career as a makeup artist for media or fashion, wedding look advisor or trainer. And lastly, a person skilled in aesthetics could look at opportunities as an assistant to a dermatologist, aesthetician, skin consultant or product trainer,” informs Kalra.
A qualified beauty professional can opt to work with leading saloons, deluxe hotels, fashion photographers, event managers, big corporate and beauty product companies, cosmetic units, academic institutes, television and film industry, etc.There are also plenty of high-paying opportunities abroad for such professionals.The earning potential can go up to Rs 1,00,000 per month.
Dr Kochar shares,“Today, the industry of personal grooming is undergoing an explosive growth.With a number of Indian and international cosmetic companies stepping into the grooming and salon business, the future market projections state a stupendous increase in demand of trained manpower or trained beauty experts.The beauty industry is witnessing a growth in cosmetic sales and supply of beauty gadgets to an increasing consumer population and to one that is willing to spend.”

BRANCHING OFF

Besides working for a salon, there are many other avenues open to students. A qualified cosmetologist can start his/ her own salon. He/ she can also choose to become a sales representative or image consultant. A trained beautician can also opt to become a fashion journalist or beauty expert for any publication.
“I advise students to work for around six months to a year in any reputed salon before they decide to branch out on their own. As hairstylists and cosmetologists become more experienced and gain a following, they can expect their earnings to increase,” says Mahmood.

TRAINING

The courses vary in duration, from three-month certificate courses to two-year diploma courses. Polytechnics conduct diploma courses in beauty culture and hair dressing for students who have successfully completed their plus two or equivalent examinations.These vary in duration from six months to two years. Besides pursuing a course from an institute, one can also intern with a beauty clinic or salon.

INSTITUTES

An indicative list of institutes is:

VLCC Institute of Beauty Health and Management, New Delhi

Schnell Hans Beauty School, Mumbai

Christine Valmy Institute Pvt Ltd, Mumbai

Akbar Peerbhoy Girl’s Polytechnic, Mumbai

Government Polytechnic for Women, Chennai

Polytechnic for women, New Delhi

Spratt Academy of Hair Design, Bangalore

Emeralde International Institute of Hair and Beauty, Mumbai

Juice Hair Academy, Mumbai

Vandana Luthra Academy of Beauty and Hair, New Delhi