The beauty industry is varied, thriving, and fast-developing, all of which make it an incredibly appealing option for anyone looking to kick start their career and access unparalleled job opportunities.
However, since the start of the pandemic, the beauty sector has been changing rapidly, and the competition has never been fiercer.
So, how can you take the first step up the career ladder in the beauty industry and increase your chances of success? Of course, a lot depends on your passion, commitment, and willingness to learn – but the tips below can help…
1. Set Your Expectations Correctly
Managing your own expectations – both in terms of salary and career projection – before investing time, energy, and money into becoming a beautician can set you up for success. And, even more importantly, it can help you understand what the best career path for your needs and goal is.
To set your expectation, start by looking at the average salary for professionals in the sector you wish to enter. For example, according to Salary.com, in the US, the average base salary of a cosmetologist is $28,101, while beauticians earn $25,346 and hair specialists can perceive an average annual income of $28,080.
Besides the salary, you should also look into what career development options each niche offers and what your current interests and skills are.
2. Find the Right Niche for Your Career Goals
As we have seen above, one of the most attractive characteristics of the beauty industry is that this sector is extraordinarily varied and diverse.
This allows you to choose your preferred profession among many and specialize in a certain niche. Alternatively, you could focus on gaining general knowledge of several techniques and beauty treatments which, coupled with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, can help you launch your own business in the beauty industry.
Read: How to Set Goals and Achieve Them
Make sure to choose your career path before investing in training and certifications to avoid misusing precious resources.
3. Invest in Recognized Courses and Certifications
Once you have identified the career path you wish to pursue, it is time to choose and invest in the courses and certifications.
Investing in yourself is one of the main keys to success. No matter what industry or niche you’re in, you want to constantly learn and improve yourself so that you can excel in your career.
Read: How To Improve Yourself Everyday By Setting Benchmark Goals
Remember, the competition within the beauty industry has never been as competitive as it is today, and holding a well-renowned or internationally-recognized qualification can help you seize premium job opportunities.
If in doubt, consider looking into the courses offered by major players in the industry or certifications that will offer you specialized knowledge in emerging niches. For example, top-notch cosmetology and esthiology training courses can help you gain a unique competitive edge and make you a more appealing candidate in the eyes of your future employer.
4. Get Professional On-the-Job Training
Some of the best training courses out there are designed to deliver the well-rounded education you need to succeed in the beauty industry. And, usually, this means that you will be dividing your studying time between academic work and on-the-job training.
Nonetheless, once you have achieved your certifications, you should consider the benefits of seeking internships and job experience at some of the best salons in your city or region.
While this choice might mean putting off higher salaries for a few months or years, it can truly enrich your CV as a graduate cosmetologist, esthiologist, or hair specialist.
5. Have a Clear Understanding of the State of the Beauty Industry
According to recent statistics, the beauty services industry is growing much faster than average, employs over 600,000 people just in the US, and remains one of the most accessible sectors for young professionals. In particular, the hair care, skincare, and cosmetics niches cumulatively hold over 63% of the market share.
While this data might offer a comprehensive overview of the sector, the beauty industry is in continuous evolution.
Because of this, it is important for professionals looking to approach this sector to understand the challenges it brings, as well as the job growth opportunities and bright outlook.
6. Understand Your Financial and Lifestyle Needs
Not all jobs in the beauty sector offer the same outlook, in terms of salary, job growth options, and working hours.
For example, as a hair specialist, you might be required to assist during weddings and other celebrations, which commonly happen during weekends. Alternatively, as a make-up artist, you could find yourself traveling often to meet your customers.
Another important consideration to make is whether job security is important for you. If it is, starting your own business without the necessary experience, or working as a freelancer might not offer you the stability you are looking for.
Pro tip – If you are unsure about what to expect, getting in touch with professionals in the industry and asking them to share their experience might help.
7. Find a Mentor in the Beauty Industry
Starting a career in the beauty industry might not be as easy or straightforward as you imagine it to be. And, it is common for young graduates or inexperienced professionals to keep up with new products and techniques, fend off the competition, and pinpoint emerging trends to invest in.
Luckily, you don’t have to navigate this environment alone. Thanks to the abundance of experienced professionals out there, you can find a mentor to guide you through the process of fulfilling your career goals.
What you need to do is to keep looking for those who have made it in the industry. You can search through the magazine, ask people about it, or the easiest way of all, just Google for the experts in your field.
8. Keep Up With the Latest Trends and Industry News
The events of the past two years have radically changed most industries – and the beauty sector isn’t an exception. According to insights by McKinsey & Company, emerging global trends include personalization of services, digital experimentation, social selling, data-driven customer relationship management, and a growing interest in sustainability and inclusivity.
While these trends are bound to change over time, it has never been more important for professionals approaching the industry to keep an eye on how beauty services are evolving.
9. Continue Learning and Expanding Your Skillset
No matter the qualifications, experience, and skills you have already gained, it is essential to keep your competitive edge honed through upskilling courses, higher education, and niche qualifications.
Not keeping your skills up to date or lacking current certifications can cause you to fall behind other better-trained candidates.
Don’t forget that overcrowding and a growing difficulty to find high-quality beauty services education are two of the main problems plaguing today’s beauty sector.
10. Level Up and Launch Your Own Salon
If you are ready to take things a step further and open your own salon, be sure to understand the unique challenges of this career path! Launching your own business can give you access to unlimited profit and growth potential, but it can also drain your resources.
However, if you already have business management experience, entrepreneurial spirit, and plenty of experience in the beauty industry, this might just be the best career option for your goals.
Launching your own business is not a walk in the park. You will need a roadmap to get leads and clients. So, here’s a book you should read that will help you generate leads online no matter what business or industry you’re in – Dotcom Secrets: The Underground Playbook for Growing Your Company Online with Sales Funnels…
