“All of your dreams can come true, if you have the power to pursue themโโ โ Walt Disney.
Never has this quote been truer than in Abbie Strettonโs career journey. Abbie had the courage to overcome her challenges and make the jump into the beauty sector and hasnโt looked back. In the last two years Abbie has grown a successful business and received award nominations for her work.
We first met Abbie back in 2019 when she attended her very first eyelash training course with us. Back then she was on a different path. Having graduated from University, Abbie found herself in a job that she hated and feeling depressed. She knew she wanted a change but was unsure of the path to take. Beauty had always been a passion of hers, she decided to take the leap and hasnโt looked back since.
Now busy with regular clientele, her own website and looking into creating her own lash brand.
A huge well done to you Abbie from all of us at the Beauty Academy. Follow Abbie’s success on Instagram @abbeauty_xo
โโThis course changed my perspective of myself, I had this burst of confidence. I was so intrigued by The Beauty Academy, it looked so professional from the website. I thought this is the training place for me. I’m so glad I made that decision!โโ โ Abbie
If you’d like to share a success story please email us at [email protected]
We get so many calls from prospective students excited at the idea of jumping into a new career in beauty but totally unsure where to start – which treatments should they learn and which to offer first? Our wonderful team of Course Advisors are all fully qualified, experienced beauty professionals and have experienced the beauty sector first hand whether that was previously through working in salons, running their own beauty businesses or as beauty training professionals so they certainly know a thing or two about what sells to clients, what is in demand right now and how best to get started. Our blog this week focuses on how to decide which beauty treatments to learn, based on what is most in-demand with beauty clients right now…
The beauty market as it stands todayโฆ
Online demand for beauty products has surged in 2020 and Mintel predicts that value sales of beauty/grooming products through online sales will rise 24% to ยฃ1.9 billion in 2020. The beauty sector in general, has been predicted to grow by up to 21.1% up to 2022, thatโs a huge number of beauty products being bought and treatments being delivered every single day and a huge amount of money being earnt by therapists all over the UK. With unprecented times seen in 2020 through the COVID pandemic and sadly some industries failing to bounce back, it is not surprising many people are looking for other career options and perhaps to follow long-held dreams of working in beauty.
Technology has evolved massively within the last 5 years with aesthetics being one of the largest growing sectors and with money being tighter for many, clients are also keen on treatments that give long lasting or multi tasking results allowing them to save time or money in other areas of their beauty regimes such as tinting, lash lifting (in place of extensions), spray tanning and facials like microdermabrasion giving flawless results that help reduce the need for daily make up application.
Lockdown also saw a huge number of clients getting into DIY beauty at home (and seeing some disasters unfortunately) that made them both appreciate the benefits of a professional but the perks of mobile treatments, with many clients still not feeling fully comfortable returning to salons as yet despite Covid-secure measures. This is great news for those starting out, helping to keep overheads down on premises or renting a room, mobile working also allows you to have flexible working hours or maximise your earnings working just part time around other employment.
The sectors of beautyโฆ
Beauty can be broken down into reasonably separate treatment sectors:
Massage & holistic therapy
Skincare & aesthetics
Make up artistry
Nail technician services
Lash & brow services
Other general beauty (hair removal, spray tanning etc.)
Most beauty therapists will specialise in one or two of these areas of beauty, possibly offering the odd add-on treatment as demanded by their unique client base so picking the sector which most sparks your passion is the best starting point. Think about treatments you regularly receive already or beauty products that you canโt live without โ bring this passion into your work and share it with others, all while earning a living.
Consider the optionsโฆ
Think about how you want to train โ do you prefer the idea of face to face courses, is that practical for you in terms of travel, childcare, work shifts etc.? We offer courses 6 days a week across 10 centres so there is likely to be training dates that work for you. These courses are fast track, typically delivered in 1 day so ideal for those who work long hours where longer term study may be tricky. Prefer to take more time over your learning, studying online at your own pace? It might be that our accredited online courses or Virtual Academy training is better suited to your needs โ no attendance of the centre is required for these so they are great for those with caring commitments or who live too far from a centre. Our online courses are also budget friendly and accessible, starting at just ยฃ99 each. Classroom courses start from only ยฃ129.
Think about what is popular in your area โ are there already a huge amount of lash technicians operating in your local area? Maybe you live round the corner from 2 or 3 nail bars. Remember there will always be business for a highly trained technician and other businesses simply signify there is demand but take your competition into consideration when deciding which treatments you start out with learning. Also think about your start-up costs in terms of kit and marketing. Online marketing through social media is free beyond your time and often very effective. A website is also a great investment, even just a free website building platform to get you started with an online presence. Youโll also need to think about where youโll work. Do you have a spare room at home or are you going to work mobile in which case youโll need a reliable car? Factor in any considerations like getting agreement from your landlord to work from home if renting or adding on use for work purposes on your car insurance policy.
Start realistically โ book courses to learn one treatment you will specialise in to begin with or consider a package of suitable linked treatments that will allow you to offer popular treatment packages to clients to boost your earnings. Our Multi Buy Course Packages have all been carefully selected as treatments that work well as a business start-up opportunity and save you money on training in the long run also, versus booking each course individually. Remember we offer payment options to help spread the cost, including 0% credit through PayPal Credit on balances over ยฃ99.
Top treatments for 2020/2021:
Multi tasking treatments that deliver long lasting results that help your client cut down on additional product costs or treatments e.g. lash lift and tinting versus eyelash extensions, microdermabrasion and spray tanning to save on daily make up application, brow lamination and tinting over more expensive long-term treatments like microblading.
At home โspaโ pampering such as holistic massage therapies and luxury pedicures. Lots of people have had a difficult year and might not feel safe returning to salons or spas. Many are also put off the idea of gift vouchers at the moment due to lots of businesses folding in these difficult times taking the go-to spa voucher gift for Christmas off the list so now is a great time to advertise in your local area for your mobile holistic treatments to get the bookings rolling in.
Make up and hair up services โ with wedding numbers capped, many are finding their wedding budget stretches slightly further to include a professional make up artist or to have more pre-wedding pampering. Take advantage of this as wedding bookings increase in 2021 and donโt forget to promote these services to ensure you get advance bookings. If make up is your passion, donโt be put off learning these skills because of the current restrictions on gatherings, now is a great time to train so that you are ready to take advantage of pre-bookings for 2021/2022 as the industry will soon bounce back in abundance.
Nail services that promote natural nail care such as gel polish or fibreglass and quick dip powder overlays to help strengthen natural nails, give long lasting colour and cut out the cost of nail extension maintenance. Typically overlay treatments like gel polish can last up to 3 weeks and usually attract a lower cost per service for clients than ongoing nail extension infills, removals and full sets. More clients are also feeling the rewarding benefits of having long, strong nails of their own rather than plastic tips, having got used to nail self-care during lockdown.
Facial skincare and aesthetics are only going to grow in popularity lead by celebrity trends for clear, flawless and minimal make up perfection. Everyone wants to look fresh and youthful and facial skincare is certainly moving with the times. To pursue training in more advanced aesthetics, a VTCT Level 2 and/or 3 in Facial Skincare or Beauty Therapy are usually the pre-requirements and there has never been a better time to start learning to enable you to progress into these advanced skincare careers.
Still unsure what training option is best for you? Feel free to get in touch with our team to discuss our courses further and get answers to any questions you may have that are stopping you from taking the first step towards your new careerโฆ.
Lash techs in the industry don’t want you to discover the benefits of working with mature clients, who typically have more disposable income and can become some of your most loyal, regular clients. Techs circulate ideas that lashing mature clients is difficult or even near impossible and yet with the right know-how it can be profitable and an enjoyable challenge.
Mature clients can have hooded eyelids which make application of the lashes more difficult. However correct placement of your lash tape to the upper lids to help โliftโ the lid to give better access to the lashes will help with application. Use two thin strips of tape applied vertically from above lash line to brow area, sitting approximately 0.5cm from the inner and outer corners of the eyes to get this lift and improve ease of lash application.
Mature clients may have naturally more sparse or even thinning lashes due to many reasons including hormonal changes brought about by menopause. Using the Russian Volume technique can help to build the appearance of greater lash thickness and disguise any gaps in growth although care should be taken with the size of fan utilised. Stick with 3D lashes, no greater or the effect will not be optimally flattering and will look unnatural. If using pre-made, stick with short root styles or keep the base shorter if creating your own.
Top tip: combining both the classic individual and Russian volume techniques to create a โhybridโ lash look is ideal for mature clients. The individual lashes will give a framework to help give definition and open up the eye area, while fans will help give fullness and youth to the lash line.
Avoid use of D curl lashes which give a very dramatic look, stick with C or CC curls for a flattering look which most mature clients will prefer.
Donโt be tempted to go overboard and apply too many lashes. Select shorter lash lengths to compliment the natural lashes, longer does not mean thicker and using shorter lengths will detract from spareness and avoid over-defining the lash line. Avoid long lash lengths to outer corners too which will make the eyes appear to droop, a few shorter lengths to outer corners will lift the eyes and give a more open-eyed, youthful look. The same goes for lash thickness, using thicker lashes will not create fullness but over-emphasise any gaps.
Top tip: Using a lash that is too thick will be poorly supported by the natural lashes and lead to premature lash loss or even breakage and damage. 0.10mm lashes are usually best for mature clients
Ensure your mature clients, in particular, are rigorous with the lash care. Suggest a lash safe serum to help improve natural lash growth and strength and ensure they return every 2-3 weeks for infills to ensure lashes remain looking their best. Lost lash extensions will only exaggerate any sparsity to lashes so it is key they upkeep their infills.
Expand your skills today with our Fast track, Accredited Courses or benefit from our recognised Online training coursesโฆ
We highly recommend the following courses for those looking to offer lash extension treatments. If you need any advice on the best course for you, give our friendly Advisors a call on 0800 999 2277 or connect through Live Chat now.
As any amazing lash and brow tech knows, youโre only as good as your products and tools will allow you to be. Not storing these correctly, not only shortens the lifespan of these causing wastage and extra costs but also limiting the results you can achieve. Here we discuss how you should be storing your kitโฆ
Wax Pot
It goes without saying that your wax pot should be wiped over after each use to remove any stray wax. There is nothing worse than going for a treatment and seeing a gunky looking wax pot and wondering just where your wax will be dribbled. Where possible use wax pots with an insert to allow you to remove the wax from the heater and reseal with the tub lid, but the wax heater lid should be on when not in use at the very least. If working mobile, ensure the wax heater remains upright if wax is to be left inside the heater to avoid spillage. Allow wax to cool down sufficiently before moving the heater so for mobile therapists, turn off the heater as soon as it is no longer required. Wax is typically good for 6-12 months from date of opening โ check your product for the specific use by.
Tint & Oxidant
Always used and disposed of in line with COSHH, you should only mix your tint once ready for use and never before your client arrives as it will not be effective by the time it is used. Always replace the lids tightly immediately once decant particularly as products will react with the air on contact and overexposure will reduce its efficacy.
Lash Adhesive
Only ever decant as much as you need to avoid wastage. Replace lids tightly once decanted to avoid the adhesive reacting with the air and setting hard. Keep adhesive stored upright at stable room temperature. Some adhesive brands suggest storing in the fridge but this can cause moisture to develop inside the product bottle causing it to be ineffective. You can purchase vacuum storage bags or jars which help to prolong the life of your lash adhesive once opened and also protect them from falling over and spilling in transit for those who work mobile. If products must be stored in a cooler or hotter area than where you are working, allowing up to an hour for the product to return to ambient temperature before using for best results. Working environment temperature will affect the current viscosity (thickness) of your product so consider this when deciding where to offer your treatments, for
Tweezers
Always ensure tweezers are thoroughly wiped after use to remove any stray hair or wax/lash adhesive residue before sterilising. Avoid leaving tools standing in barbicide continuously as this will corrode tools over time. Sterilise for the recommended time then remove. Store in a sealed plastic case or bag taking care to protect the tweezer tips, never store points down in a jar. Then simply place back in sterilising fluid prior to use once setting up for your client. Take care never to drop your tweezers as this could blunt the points. Replace tweezers roughly every 3-6 months depending on how often used. Keep lash tweezers separate from those used for brow treatments to avoid misusing these and always keep a spare pair handy just in case.
best results. Also ambient environmental humidity will affect the drying times of your adhesive. Lash adhesive is usually good for 3-6 months dependent on the brand once opened (usually for up to 12 months prior to opening) but check product packaging to confirm as it does vary depending on the formulation.
Brow Powder Compacts
Always store these where they will be safe from knocks or dropping to avoid gut wrenching moments where your palette crumbles. Ensure you decant powder onto a spatula using a make up scraper or only ever use a clean applicator / brush (never double dipping) or use a special make sanitiser spray for powder compacts between each client to keep products hygienic. Many brands now offer refills for powder palettes to allow you to replace the shade you use up quickest, rather than having to replace the entire palette so it is worth considering this when buying your products to avoid having to have multiple part used palettes or powders at any one time.
By following the above advice, you will ensure you are not only working safely and hygienically but also reducing your costs (boosting your profits) and getting the very best results from your products and tools for the longest time possible.
With so many new brow treatments launching, it is easy to fall behind in knowing the differences and how best to market your brow services to clients. Our blog this week focuses on whether to highly define or laminate brows…
What are Highly Defined Brows?
Highly defined brows is a treatment involving multiple steps to ensure the optimum brow reshaping and redefining. Starting with a thorough consultation and brow measuring, brows are darkened using brow tinting. Brows are then reshaped using a combination of brow trimming, waxing, threading and use of tweezers. Finally brows are finished using mineral brow make up products to give the perfect finish. Typically highly defined brows leaves brows thinner, with a greater arch and more defined shape and also darker to ensure they really frame the eyes.
What are Laminated Brows?
Laminated brows is all about restoring brows which have previously been poorly reshaped, over plucked or simply where the client wants a fuller, more natural brow look. Brows are brushed into shape by encouraging the existing brow hairs to sit upwards to create a fuller look. Products very similar to those used for lash lift, are then applied to the brow hairs to lift and then set the brow hairs into line and shape to help restore a fuller, natural appearance to the brows. Brows can also be tinted as part of the process to give more definition. The treatment encourages clients to make use of brow products such as castor oil following treatment to encourage the brows to naturally begin enhanced regrowth, particularly where overplucked previously to give more improved appearance over time.
Our quick table below outlines which treatment is best for which clients or desired resultsโฆ
Highly Defined Brows
Removes unwanted, stray hairs to give a better shape and greater definition
Involves use of brow waxing, threading, trimming and tweezers
Brows are tinted to give a darker, more defined look
Usually brows appear thinner, reshaped with an improved arch
Clients are encouraged to have regular treatments to maintain defined look
OR
Brow Lamination
Involves working with the existing brow hairs, taking away only minimal stray hairs
Involves use of techniques to brush hairs up then lift and set in place with products similar to those for lash lifting
Brows are tinted to give a darker but more natural look
Usually brows appear fuller, reshaped to give a restored, more youthful natural look
Clients are encouraged to use brow oils beyond treatment to stimulate regrowth of hairs
Not trained to offer both of these incredible, lucrative brow services yet? Take a look at our fast track courses and start earning up to ยฃ45 per treatmentโฆ
