Career in Cosmetic Care

A beautiful career for all

The herbal queen - an expert , says that cosmetic-care industry is not just creative, but lucrative as well

Today, the beauty world is one of the most exciting places to be in.As the demand for cosmetic-care goes up, the field is asking for professionally trained men and women. For young boys and girls looking for a challenge of something new, cosmetic-care extends a great deal of promise. Similarly, those who are looking to enhance their income, or an older woman, who suddenly finds time weighing on her hands, can all find a satisfying career in cosmetic-care.

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

Awareness of beauty treatments, skin/hair care and make-up products, grooming and fashion is at an all time high due to the advent of foreign TV channels, changing lifestyles and higher purchasing power. In 2007, the total beauty business in India was estimated to be over Rs 2,000 crore, growing at the rate of 25%. Despite these growth figures, India is still considered to have tremendous growth potential and is one of the largest markets in the world for beauty products.

GROWTH AREAS

The emphasis during 2007 has also been on the spectacular growth of the herbal/natural beauty business. In fact, natural/Ayurvedic/herbal products have been growing at a phenomenal pace over the last five years.The growth rate of the herbal beauty business is expected to be higher - at 40%. The traditional Ayurvedic treatments of Panchkarma, Dhara and Kerala massage have increased in popularity. It has even resulted in a boom in tourism, as many tourists come exclusively for such treatments. Beauty salon business has also witnessed an unprecedented growth.The size of the beauty salon industry in India is estimated at about Rs 2,000 crore. Branding, specialty skills, specialised services and niche products are the main drivers of growth in the beauty salon business, especially at the high-end salons. Another new trend is that salons are slowly being converted to 'day spas,' where spa treatments are also being offered. Similarly, with the growth of the fashion industry, television, movies require expert hairstylists and make-up artists. A growth in hospitality industry is also expected to push up beauty business as hotels now offer salon and spa services,so we will definitely see an increase in demand for people who are professionally trained in beauty. Beauty product sales counters are also opening in malls and department stores.These require trained personnel too.

CAREER AVENUES

Today, the beauty world offers several career avenues, with tremendous lucrative opportunities for growth and specialisation. A minimum school leaving education is enough to enter vocational beauty training, yet there are opportunities to complete courses right upto an advanced level and also go into related fields. Some major career opportunities in beauty include entrepreneurship - starting one's own beauty clinic, managing salons, health clubs or spas, beauty therapists in salons and day spas,masseurs,beauty consultants/beauty advisors, make-up artists, hairstylists, product consultants in cosmetic companies and even teachers in beauty schools.

SKILL SET

Professionalism is the order of the day. The days of apprenticeship training are over.The criterion today is professional training in beauty. One can do a professional diploma course and then take advanced training in a selected field. After completing a professional diploma course in beauty, one can go ahead and obtain advanced training in make-up, hairstyling, nail art, massage, spa treatments, traditional Ayurvedic treatments, aromatherapy or electrolysis. A professionally qualified beauty therapist can open her own salon and become an entrepreneur, or secure employment in a salon. It is also possible to acquire further training and become a beauty school teacher. The fashion industry, advertising, television and the big screen also require expert make-up artists and hairstylists. It is possible to specialise in different kinds of make-up, like bridal make-up, make-up for television, movies, still photography, ramp modeling etc. One can also freelance after advanced training in make-up, hairstyling, massage etc. A special aptitude is always an advantage. For example, a make-up artist should be creative and have a keen eye. This is not only needed for special effects, but also in simple make-up, because the objective here is to improve the appearance. Therefore, one should have an idea of colours and how to relate them to individual features and skin tones and how to bring different techniques, like shadowing, highlighting and so on, into play.

REMUNERATION

As far as employment is concerned, beauticians who are just starting out, can earn from Rs 5,000 to Rs10,000 per-month. Of course, the salaries depend on the size of the salon business. Beauty therapists with experience and qualifications from a reputed beauty school can expect much higher remuneration,in keeping with remunerations in other fields. Make-up artists and hairstylists, for advertising campaigns, modeling or shooting schedules, charge about Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000 per day, depending on their experience and reputation. Of course, the top make-up artists and hairstylists make much more. Managers of salons or product consultants in cosmetic companies can earn salaries that commensurate with the corporate world.


Sunil Sharma
Moderator
Dil Se Desi Group