Any beauty therapist knows that education is the only way to stay ahead of the curve, to have an edge over your competitors, and to be desirable at a job interview. With new technologies, techniques and materials constantly evolving, it’s imperative that any salon owner provides suitable training, and that any beauty therapist that is offered the opportunity, grab it with both hands.
Clients are inundated with information from many sources including social media, magazines, commercials, online searches and even friends. While some of the information is accurate and beneficial; a lot of it offers false promises. It’s a beauty expert’s job to be educated, so that your word is the one that a client can trust. Here’s the mistakes to avoid when it comes to education.
Lack of Confidence
It is important to do research for yourself and form your own opinions. Like everything else, there are facts and there are opinions in beauty. Opinions are typically formed from our knowledge and experience. That said, it remains your responsibility to ensure you are properly informed if you’re to pass on your advice.
“One challenge I would say is accessing credible and relevant industry-related education. There are more courses available now than ever before, and these are not always presented by a qualified trainer, with a lot of mis-information being dished up as factual. It is important to do your due diligence,” says Chiza Westcarr, founder of The Nutritional Skincare Academy.
Not Evolving
Always be open to receiving more education. We have an ever-evolving industry and as beauty therapists, it is our job to be up-to-date on the latest and greatest. It doesn’t matter how much you currently know; our industry is forever changing.
Anh Ho, Education Manager at Le Beauty agrees, saying, “My goal is to improve the industry one student at a time by harnessing their passion and teaching them the skills to grow. It is my job to positively impact my students to improve their knowledge, skills and confidence while encouraging their passion. Every student
is different and to tailor a class and see that lightbulb go off is absolutely one of my greatest joys.”
Extending your education isn’t always about taking classes though. There are online programs, books, magazines and forums.
Not being specific
It is important to seek out the best training for your needs. Look for a course, mentor or programme that mirrors the skills you want to achieve. What is your focus; do you want to learn more about lasers, ingredients, makeup, waxing, etc? First, get a list of companies that offer the education you are looking for. Next, you want to do your research on the schools and educators. Is the educator known in the industry? Is the education center reputable? Do you want an educator with experience in the field? Did the school and educators have good reviews? If you’re still unsure, go to the forums mentioned previously and consult your peers or mentors.
Lydia Jordane, founder of Lyon Cosmetics, agrees that teaching relevant skills is of most importance. “It is imperative to be up to date in our field and be realistic in knowing what is essential and to understand what individual needs are, so we can tailor and provide the best for each attendee. We need to be flexible, and not just educate for the sake of educating, but make sure attendees gain knowledge and practical experience they can use to provide better services and information to clients.”
Visit the #BEAUTYSTRONG hub at www.professionalbeauty.com.au/beautystrong/
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