Beauty care covers the overall condition of looking good. But now the demand is gradually shifting from basic lipstick and nail polish, to skin care, hair care and anti-ageing products. No longer is it a ladies' field, men too are into the business, advising other men on grooming and hairstyling.

Beauticians perform personal grooming services like facials, massages, manicures, pedicures and scalp treatments, depending upon the personal features of the customer, to make their customers look healthy and attractive. They may also advise clients on grooming, on the right choice of hairstyles, care and maintenance of their hair and on overall make-up.

Work in the field of beauty and hair care encompasses several areas. Beauty therapists cover treatments for face, skin, nails and body, and extend from make-up, facials to massage and diet. They also advise clients on grooming, make-up and deal with skin complaints that do not require medical treatment. Cosmetologists cover the overall condition of looking good.

Hair dressing is another specialisation. Hair care involves not only styling and cutting of hair but also providing treatment for the hair and scalp. Consultancy on personal care is also undertaken by many beauticians for tackling skin, hair and make-up problems through specific beauty products. A lot of research is undertaken in this area and there are new products flooding the market every now and then. Customers who want to try out these products generally go in for this type of consultancy before trying out new products.

Further specialization in this area would involve catering to one particular type of need. This need could be make-up wherein the beautician could specialise in just one type of make-up like bridal make-up, theatre make-up, make-up for movie stars and so on. In the case of theatre make-up and movie star make-up, a beautician will need to have an extensive knowledge of the type of make-up and styling products to be used, which will sustain under glaring spotlights. They have to be careful to use just enough to highlight a person and not make them look artificial.

Getting in

There is no specific eligibility criteria required for entering the beauty field, but a good course in Beauty/Hair Care teaches you the basic essentials of this field. The duration of the course varies from institution to institution, and also depends on the specialisation. Longer duration courses are generally more comprehensive.

Many private beauty schools, vocational training institutes, women's polytechnics conduct training programmes. Students after completing 10+2 or at least class 10 are preferred. Some well-known cosmetic manufacturing companies also run training schools for beauty and hair care.

To gain proficiency, one must have hands-on practice. You also need to have your finger on the pulse of make-up and fashion and keep track of what people want. Observing emerging international trends can keep you upgraded. Knowledge of foreign languages can also be an asset, for those working in big salons and hotels. Besides, knowledge of the local language and/or a foreign language would also come in handy.

Institutes

Akbar Peerbhoy Girls' Polytechnic, Fort, Mumbai 400 001

Key skills

Business skills

Remuneration

Earning in this field varies widely depending upon a number of factors like the size and location of the beauty parlour, the number of hours worked, and customers' tipping habits. In the beginning, beauticians work with senior beauticians to gain some experience and get some fixed amount as salary. This could vary from Rs 5,000 to 7,000 per month. Those trained with an international brand, can even start with Rs 15,000 per month. Specialized professionals like make-up artists, charges anywhere from Rs 500 to Rs 4,000 to execute a bridal or photographic make-up. Professionals with three to five years of experience can even make Rs 50,000 plus.

Hot locations

They are usually employed by established salons. Most big hotels, health clubs, schools for Grooming and Modelling employ beauticians for their clients' hairstyling and overall beauty care. A beautician or make-up artist may also work for film, television and theatre productions and may write specialist columns in print or the web, anchor health and beauty shows on television. Beauty product manufacturing companies are involved in a lot of research and want qualified persons to work for them. Most of them go for self-employment, after gaining some experience. Some provide services to clients in the privacy of their homes.

What's the catch?