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  • New year, New Career.. considerations for starting a beauty business.

    New year, New Career.. considerations for starting a beauty business.

     

    Know your niche

    What is your unique selling point?

    The Beauty industry is one of the most competitive out there, finding your niche will help you stand out from the crowd and build loyal client base. When you first start out it one of the biggest challenges can be deciding on the treatments you offer within the treatment room. It’s easy to get carried away with the excitement and end up offering too much.

    The easiest way to find your niche is to focus on the treatments that you love to perform, chances are these are the treatments you will succeed in because you’re passionate about them.

    Once you’ve chosen your treatments consider what makes your treatments stand out, is it your nail art? Perhaps you’re a master at lash mapping or it could be the extra little touches in your customer service. Dedicate your time perfecting those treatments and marketing your unique selling points!

     

    Who is your target audience?

    It would be great to say everyone… however, the most successful businesses know that in order to have repeat custom you need to know the customer you are targeting. This will allow you to market your business in the correct way. For example, did you know the largest growing group on Facebook is grandparents? Consider the type of client you want coming through your door and research the best ways to advise to them. Asking those clients directly via surveys and ask what they look for from their treatments will also allow you to customise your treatments to meet those needs.

     

    Premises

    Are you looking to rent a salon or buy a premise, perhaps you want to work from home? Each option will have a variety of considerations. Where your business is based will determine the licences and insurance you will need to acquire. You may also consider mobile work, one consideration for this has its own implications for example setting boundaries on how far you are willing to travel.

     

    Costings

    The initial outlay for starting a business can soon add up. Will you require a loan to get started? Creating a business plan with a lay out of costings and a plan for paying back loans will help you keep on top of the business finances.

    Another consideration for costings is working out your pricelists, the best way to do this is to work out how much it costs you to do the service, from disposables, product usage and what your hourly rate is.  Most professional product brands will give you an approximant usage of a product to make it easier to work costings out.

     

    Laws and regulations

    There are various laws and regulations impacting the beauty industry, it’s important that these laws are adhered to as it may affect your insurance.

    The majority of these laws relate to health and safety practices in the workplace, such as storing products and chemicals we use. Recent GDPR laws focus more on how we process our client’s data.

    There are also new laws relating to covid-19 so it is important to regularly review the latest government policies on implementation of regulations.

    For a full breakdown visit the gov.org website.

  • Should I try coloured lashes?

    Should I try coloured lashes?

    Make those eyes POP this Christmas with coloured lashes!

    If Christmas isn’t the time to try something out there than when is? Coloured lashes are becoming increasing popular for creating dramatic looks around the festive season. Here are some top tips for using colour within your lash treatments…

     

    1. Complement the clients natural eye colour. Complimentary colours:

    Green eyes: Layering purple lashes will intensify green eyes

    Hazel/Brown eyes: Green lashes will enhance brown eyes and make them appear bigger

    Blue eyes: Layer blue lashes with black will create a dramatic affect

     

    1. Allow extra time

    Adding coloured lashes is an art. Chances are you won’t be doing a full set of colour, rather using them with black to create a desired look. It’s vital to create symmetry with colour so allow an extra half an hour of treatment time to ensure you’re creating the perfect set!

     

    1. Choosing your glue

    Black glue can create an eyeliner effect with coloured lashes, creating a more dramatic look. If you’re looking for a more subtle, natural look clear glue would be best.

     

    1. Work with the natural lash layers

    Applying coloured lashes to the bottom layer of lashes will make them stand out the most, giving an instant pop of colour. For more of a layered subtle look apply them to the top layer of lashes or mix them in with black lashes will create more of a day look.

     

  • Adding a touch of Lagom to your treatment room

    Adding a touch of Lagom to your treatment room

     

     

    The over recent years we have fallen in love with Scandinavian design and way of living. Hygge took the world by storm and made us all consider ways of slowing down and embrace a cosier approach to life.

    Flash forward to 2021 and now (fingers and toes crossed) we’re starting to emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic there is a new scandi trend surfacing, step aside Hygge it’s time for Lagom.

    what is Lagom?

    Lagom is a Swedish philosophy which roughly translates to “not too much, not too little.” Any Lagom definition will describe this concept as being all about balance.

    To inject some Lagom into your treatment space, there are some key areas to consider.

    1. Create a calm and balanced environment with colourAs colour has been proven to affect mood, it can be one of the most important choices we consider when choosing décor for our treatment rooms. When it comes to Scandinavian design, less is often more with neutral pallets being favoured. Cool greys and off whites make a great backdrop for increasing relaxation. Blue has been shown to increase feelings of calm and bliss.

    2. DeclutterA change in season gives us the perfect time to assess our treatment space and make some changes. Bring it back to that main goal of feeling balanced. Walk into your treatment room with fresh eyes and consider what needs to stay and what can be put away. With clients having less ‘stuff’ to focus on they will have the headspace to relax and unwind into their treatment.
    3. Increase the green

      Plants not only add to the aesthetics of a room but have exceptional health benefits. Increasing oxygen, lowering anxiety and stress are just some of the properties of indoor plants.

    4. LightingWith the autumn night’s drawing in, considering ways to increase natural lighting can help create an airy, calming feel. Using mirrors to reflect light into darker spaces will help to open up a room. Minimalised décor items such as candle holders and candles will add a touch of warmth to the room whilst increasing relaxation.

  • What advice can I give my client about staying safe in the sun?

    What advice can I give my client about staying safe in the sun?

    As Beauty Therapists we are in a privileged position as a trusted source of knowledge for our clients, being able to guide and educate them on the best ways to protect their skin in the sun. With the majority of our treatments taking place on their skin we are also able to draw their attention to changes or suspicious looking growths. Search online ‘Beauty therapist spots cancer’ and you will see multiple news articles of Beauticians saving clients lives!

    It’s vital that we equip ourselves with the most up to date information to share with our clients. Today’s blog covers the ABCD of essential information relating to the impact of UV on skin.

    IMPORTANT NOTE: We are not in the position to diagnose, if you are ever in a position where you spot something concerning on your client skin, always refer them to their GP.

    The ABCD of UV

    A: UVA

    UVA is commonly referred to as the ‘ageing ray’ this is because It has the longest wavelength of the UV rays, meaning it has the ability to penetrate the skins lower dermal layers. Long term over exposure of UVA such as sunbathing and sun beds leads to the degeneration and mutation of cells. This breakdown of collagen and elastin is the cause of lines and wrinkles.

    UVA is the same strength, 365 days a year. To protect against damaging affects wear broad spectrum SPF’s every day, even in winter and swap the tanning beds for a bottle!

    Long term exposure of UV rays can trigger free radicals, creating an oxidative response. This response is seen as skin mottling, hyperpigmentation and age spots. Using products with added vitamins can reduce the risk of this stress on the skin as vitamins help to fight free radical damage.

    B: UVB

    UVB is considered the ‘burning ray’ it is much shorter and more intense than UVA. It’s UVB you can feel warming your skin when you are out in the sun and is at its most intense during summer months (particularly around midday) UVB has an accumulate affect when damaging the skin, the more your skin burns the more cells will mutate. These mutations can start to divide and multiply leading to skin cancer. skincancer.org states that 5 or more sunburns doubles your risk of developing life-threatening melanoma. (The Skin Cancer Foundation Official Website – The Skin Cancer Foundation, 2021)

    Top advice for protecting against burning:

    1. Apply SPF at least half an hour before exposure. This should be reapplied every 1-2 hours. The recommend amount is a teaspoon for the face and a shot glass for the body!
    2. Try UPF clothing. UPF clothing limits the number of rays coming into contact with the skin.
    3. Check the daily UV index and act accordingly. Reduce exposure during the hottest times of the day.

     

    C: Cancer

    According to Cancer research UK 86% of skin cancer is preventable (Melanoma skin cancer statistics, 2021) So what causes skin cancer and how can we prevent it?

    Skin cancer or it’s official name Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK. Although not all types of melanoma are directly linked to sun exposer the majority of cases are, this is because UV rays damage the skin. This skin damage accumulates overtime particularly in cases where the skin has been burned, causing cell and DNA damage. This cell damage mutates into cancer and can grow.

    The fairer the skin the higher the risk for developing skin cancer, this is because melanin (natural skin colour) offers some protection against UV. The darker the skin the naturally more protected it is. Although it may not happen quickly, black and asian skin can still burn so it is still important to protect the skin with SPF.

    There are various types of skin cancers and although we are not in a position to diagnose cancer on our clients, it is good to have an awareness. This awareness can help us to draw their attention to changes in their skin or growths we may think they need to get checked. Always refer clients to their doctor for a diagnosis.

     A reference for skin changes:

    Asymmetry: is it asymmetrical or does it have a jagged edge?

    Border: does it have a border?

    Colour: is it one solid colour or does it vary?

    Diameter: has it grown in the last few months?

    Evolving: has it changed shape or evolved in the last few months?

     

    Visit www.cancerresearchuk.org for more statistics and information relating to skin cancer.

     

    D: Vitamin D

     Although we have looked at the negative impact of UV on our skin it’s important to note that it does play a role in a positive contribution and that is in the production of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for healthy bones, teeth and muscles.

    The rate in which you produce Vitamin D depends on the amount of melanin your skin natural produces, the fairer the skin the faster it will produce the Vitamin. Most people in the UK do not produce enough Vitamin D during the winter months.

    Vitamin D can be supplemented through diet by taking supplements or eating foods such as oily fish, red meats, eggs and fortified breakfast cereals.

    For more references visit: 

    www.cancerresearchuk.org

    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d/

    https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/sunburn/

     

  • Ways to elevate manicure and pedicure services

    Ways to elevate manicure and pedicure services

     

    With manicure and pedicure services being staple treatments within our salons and spas, it can be easy to fall into robot mode. Going through the motions, client after client, file paint repeat! Are you looking for ways to change it up? Here are our top 3 ways to increase the client experience, increase bookings and client retention.

    Luxury additions to the treatment

    Luxury additions can be added to your standard manicure or pedicure treatments for an additional fee. These additions can help the health of the skin and nails as well as increase client relaxation and stress relief.

    Paraffin wax– a natural moisturiser, paraffin wax leaves the skin smooth and supple. It can be used in conjunction with other hand/food masks to increase skin hydration. When applied the warming wax increases circulation, making it an ideal addition for client that suffer with cold hands and feet!

     Heated mitts/booties- increase penetration of skin nourishing masks leading to softer smoother skin and nails.

    Additional massage- an additional massage can escalation the clients experience and their desire to want to return. The time it takes for the paraffin wax or heated mitts/booties provides the ideal time to offer a neck and shoulder or scalp massage. Reflexology can elevate your pedicure services to a new level. If you’re trained in reflexology, why not start integrating elements of your practice into your pedicure treatments for an extra treat!

     

    Elevating the client experience

    In addition to the previous tools, it’s also important to reflect on the overall client experience can elevate their treatment to new luxury heights! These experiences can start the moment the client walks through the door, consider the smells they are experience. Essential oil diffusers are a great way to set the tone of a treatment and can be changed regularly. Also consider drinks on offer, is it time to change up the menu?

    Adding essential oils, crystals or petals to your manicure/pedicure bowl can increase the luxurious feel to the treatment.

    Lighting is also an important consideration, although needed for certain stages of the treatment there maybe times where dimming the lights can increase their relaxation.

    ‘freebies’ creating packages between retail and services can increase client retention and retail sales. Examples may include a free nail oil or polish mini with a luxury manicure service.

     

    Themed treatments

    Themed treatments work well when linked to special events or holidays, running them for a shorter period of time makes them more exclusive and desirable for clients, leading to increased treatment bookings and sales. When creating a theme consistency is key, layering links to the theme throughout.

    Example of a themed manicure/pedicure treatment:

    Indulgent chocolate manicure/pedicure

    A chocolate related arrival treat of chocolates, biscuits or sweets.

    Swap out usual products (scrubs, mask and moisturisers) for chocolate scented products.

    Adding a couple of drops of orange essential oil to products, diffusers and water can add to their sensory experience. Orange compliments chocolate scents.

    An addition of chocolate paraffin wax will increase the luxury of the service.

    Finish with a hot chocolate with all the trimmings while their nails are drying.

     

     

     

  • Facials, how to stand out against the competition.

    Facials, how to stand out against the competition.

     

    With a current market value worth £560 million, the skincare industry is as popular now as it has ever been. Gone are the days of the monthly facial and on your way. In recent years clients are demanding more from their skin treatments and their skin therapists. With so much available on the market, here’s our top tips to stay relevant and stand out against the competition.

    Bespoke treatments

    Personalisation is the key to building a loyal clientele. Clients have their own individual skin concerns, lifestyles and their own preferences when it comes to their treatment. By completing a comprehensive consultation, you will be equipped with all the information you need to design their experience for them.

    Don’t feel pressured to sticking to a concrete routine, your facial routine can be flexible. By focussing on the treatment steps that will benefit the client the most, you will get more of a targeted result. For example, a client that complains of dull, rough skin would benefit most from the exfoliation and masking stages, whereas for a highly sensitised skin you may choose to omit exfoliation altogether.

    Combining stages can speed up steps, have a more targeted results and allow you more time elsewhere in the treatment. Talk to your skin care provider on how you can mix up your products! Common combos include power cleansing and masking by adding an exfoliant to a cleanser or mask, massaging over a mask or combining retail serums into moisturisers in the treatment room.

     

    Tools 

    The world is becoming more technological, your treatments can be too! Using machines within your treatments can increase the results you can achieve. Microcurrent, Microdermabrasion, LED and more are favoured with professional therapists worldwide for their easy use and quick results.

    Manual tools are also becoming more popular, whether it’s a Guava stone for cleansing or a Derma roller for increasing product efficiency they offer you further ways to customise the clients treatment.

    Multisensory experiences

    Elevate your treatments by customising your client’s full sensory experiences. By customising these experiences, the client will not only leave with great skin but an overall sense of relaxation and well-being specifically designed for them.  Ask your client how they would like to feel after their treatment: relaxed or uplifted there are various ways to target this form them.

    Taste: consider what you serve your client prior to their treatment. Herbal teas and fruit waters can be a great place to start. Certain blends such as lavender and chamomiles would suit the client looking for relaxation, whereas citrus fruits are the go-to for invigoration

    Smell: Smell and taste go hand in hand, complement the drinks you offer with diffuser smells in the treatment room. Beginning and ending your treatments with some inhalations using essential oils can help transition your client in and out of their treatment.

     Sight: lighting can be a great way to set the mood for the treatment, some therapists will use changeable mood lamps. Also consider the colour of your treatment space, it’s been proven that colours affect moods. For example blues, purples and greens can stimulate feelings of calm, yellow can increase anxiety and reds can be very stimulating.

    Sound: not everyone relaxes to the same music, try asking your client what they prefer to listen to during their treatments, they might just surprise you! Some clients may prefer not to listen to any music at all, they may find it distracts them from completely switching off. Ensure background noises, sounds that we become accustom too such as the squeaky chair, phone ringing or dripping tap are all new for our clients!

    Touch: don’t save the relaxation for the massage, increase touch throughout the treatment to relax your client. Begin with some pressure points or shoulder rocks to introduce your touch this can increase the clients comfort in their surroundings.

     

  • An interview with a Nail Technician…

    An interview with a Nail Technician…

     

    Imagining a career change? Or perhaps you’re a well-established Beauty Therapist wanting to specialise? Becoming a Nail technician can be a fulfilling career, both in job satisfaction and income. We’ve interviewed Sarah, a professional Nail Technician, to share the highs and lows of running a successful nail business.

     

    Sarah, how did you decide on a career as a Nail Technician?

    After having my second child I decided I wanted to have a change of direction in my career. I worked as a horse-riding instructor for 8 years and wanted something more flexible for my family, and more creative for myself.

     

    What do you love most about your job?

    I’ve always enjoyed art and I love that I get to use my creativity every day. My favourite thing to do is paint portraits or themed nail art – I love the challenge and the accomplishment of a finished set. Chatting to my clients is also a big bonus!

     

    Have you come across any challenges whilst setting up your business?

    Starting out and setting up a business is probably the hardest part. Building up a client base is slow and can be disheartening, especially when you’re putting all your finances and efforts into building your career. However, it’s important to always believe in yourself and focus on perfecting your technique, the client base will follow.

     

    What are your top ‘go-to’ products and tools in your treatment room?

    My top 3 are:

    The Gel Bottle – the colours are out of this world! I always get compliments on the huge range, and their builder gel (BIAB) is incredible

    Young Nails – I tried several brands for my acrylic and these are my favourite by far. The liquid and powder is so workable and makes a difficult task easy.

    Navy Pro Tools – these are absolute game changers for your nail prep. The quality of the tools is second to none and steps up the standard of finished nail treatments. Prep is such an important part of doing nails so if you’re going to spend money anywhere, spend it on these!!

     

    Any insider tips for someone starting out doing treatments?

    Find a good training centre – This gives you a solid foundation to learn the skill and be successful (I 100% recommend The Beauty Academy)

    Invest in quality products – there are so many brands out there so do your research. Your services will only be as good as the products you use

    Find your niche – there is so much competition out there, you need to find a gap in the market that makes you stand out. It could be a treatment that isn’t offered locally or a skill you’re particularly good at; it could even be something as simple as decor! I’ve had clients choose me because my salon is green and its different!

     

    What aftercare advice do you share for clients to maintain their nails at home?

    2 words – cuticle oil! It is so beneficial in keeping skin and nails healthy and helps nail treatments last. I also recommend wearing gloves for DIY and household chores.. your nails are jewels not tools!

     

    What is the future for nail tech treatments?

    I’ve only been in the industry for about 1 year, but I’ve already noticed a bit shift in what it means to get your nails done. There is a focus now on nail care and keeping your natural nails healthy which is fantastic, and clients are becoming more aware of what is being put on their nails and if it’s done correctly.

    Natural nail overlays are super trendy right now, and I think that will definitely continue.

     

     

    A huge thank you to Sarah for sharing her experiences and tips with us here at The Beauty Academy. 

    Check out Sarah’s Instagram! https://instagram.com/sghnaildesign?utm_medium=copy_link

    If you’ve been inspired by Sarah and would like more information on becoming a qualified Nail Technician, give us a call on 0800 999 2277.

  • Are all Online Beauty Courses accredited & insurable?

    Are all Online Beauty Courses accredited & insurable?

    With lockdown restrictions in place, many aspiring beauty therapists are turning to online training courses. And why not? They offer flexible, affordable training that can be completed safely and conveniently from home. But are all beauty courses equal with so many new beauty training companies popping up online? We discuss what you should look out before before you take the leap…

  • Which lash shield size should I use for Lash Lift treatments?

    Which lash shield size should I use for Lash Lift treatments?

    Lash Lift is certainly one of our most popular courses and highly lucrative earning you around £30-£45 per treatment. Many clients are moving away from the continued maintenance cost of lash extensions seeking a more natural option as the minimalism trend comes into make up and skincare this year. Lots of students complete our Accredited Courses to learn Lash Lift Skills but one tricky aspect to master is selecting the correct lash shield size and how to correctly fit the lash shield as it certainly takes time and practise to do this with confidence. Our blog covers best practice on selecting the correct size shield plus top tips for a successful lash shield application…

  • Top Nail Trends for 2021

    Top Nail Trends for 2021

    The catwalks may have been digital this autumn, but the trends for spring 2021 are out including all the latest predictions for top nail trends for next year. Get ahead with practising your nail art skills and updating the polish shades within your kit, ready to promote your nail services as one step ahead of other nail techs and set your work apart from the competition. Eye catching nail polish shades and distinctive nail art can be real conversation starters and get word of mouth out about your work so don’t miss out…

  • How to choose which beauty treatments to learn?

    How to choose which beauty treatments to learn?

    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…

  • Can I achieve a VTCT qualification through distance learning?

    Can I achieve a VTCT qualification through distance learning?

    The Beauty Academy offer a full range of VTCT Qualifications in all aspects of beauty therapy ranging from single units for those looking to specialise in one professional skill such as Facial Skincare to a full diploma at level 2 or 3 suitable for those looking to gain full time employment in the industry. Our VTCT qualifications are delivered on a ‘blended’ learning basis giving you optimum flexibility with your learning, while still providing full support and expert face to face tuition on a fast track basis.

    Much of the study is completed on a distance learning basis, online from home including your theory coursework. Students have access to a wealth of learning resources on our online portal including training videos, manuals and support documents. Attend for 1-5 training days (depending on qualification) to learn your practical skills at one of our 10 conveniently located training centres, across England. Practice your treatments to build a portfolio and then once ready, book your assessments.