Author: Team Play Academy

  • 9 Commandments of a Successful Hairdresser

    9 Commandments of a Successful Hairdresser

    Hairdressing is a fiercely competitive and most definitely a growing industry. In fact, the potential is huge if one is prepared to work hard, learn the skills of the trade from a reputable salon or beauty academy, and not be afraid of undertaking very menial tasks! Here is a set of invaluable rules on how to succeed as a high quality, entrepreneurial hairdresser.

    1. You need to have a true passion for hair – if you go into this industry looking for fame it will never happen.

    2. Make a list of potential salons you could see yourself working for and look into their training programmes, then apply to do a trial.

    3. Go see as many hair shows and trade shows as you can. Join a forum of hair artists.

    4. Immerse yourself in the craft, don’t just learn what is fashionable today but fully arm yourself with every hairdressing skill. What’s dated now will be the fashion of the future as everything goes in circles.

    5. There are no shortcuts to the top! Whatever job in hairdressing you have, always do it to the best of your ability. Always be creative and always think out of the box and at all times make an effort with your attire and the way you look.

    6. Take advantage of apprenticeship and always be hands-on. Those who dream of becoming a top hairdresser should be open to learning as much as they possibly can and then some; you can never have too much knowledge or experience, especially in the service industry.

    7. Practice as much as possible and take every opportunity that is offered to you. If you are hungry and prepared to work hard, your peers will recognise this and will help you achieve your goals.

    8. If you are in any situation with pressure, do it because that’s when you learn the most. Say yes even if something doesn’t appeal to you or even if it’s above your skill level as a hairdresser – challenge yourself and raise your skill.

    9. You will learn from the best so make sure to be in the best environments.

  • How to use Social Media as your Marketing Tool

    How to use Social Media as your Marketing Tool

    Today’s ever-growing field of technology that can make or break your makeup business. Starting out on social media can be tedious—but you’ll be reaping the benefits in no time!

    By creating a social media presence online, your job as a freelance makeup artist will become a lot easier. It’s easier for both old and new clients to contact you and you can market your skills instantly. There’s a lot more that social media can do for your freelance makeup business — read on to take advantage of this dynamic marketing tool!

    Use Image-Based Platforms

    For the most exposure, you’ll need to get on Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter). These platforms are where your work can be showcased to hundreds—if not thousands—of people. Just a few shares or retweets from your followers can expand your brand’s reach and give your business tons of new clients! As you grow your social media presence, it’s easy to start up on new platforms. You already have a following—just let them know where else to find you!

    Encourage reviews

    Encourage your clients to leave reviews on your Facebook page. Facebook is one of the top places potential customers will go to check out a new business. This means you want to optimize your profile to be professional, reputable, and in-demand.Keep in mind that not every review will be raving about your amazing makeup artistry skills. If you happen to get a customer who was unsatisfied, try to settle it offline in a professional manner!

    Engage your visitors

    Want more business? Here’s a simple trick: create engaging content! No one wants to be bombarded with the same old updates and pictures. By constantly creating different posts, your followers will have more to say each time. Switch between photos, text posts, videos, and more to keep your followers on their toes!

    Handle criticism positively

    As a professional, you know how to take criticism. But there’s a difference between absorbing criticism and using it. Every comment you receive from your clients should push your skills as a professional makeup artist forward. Think of every comment about your business as constructive criticism—even though some may not be worded that way…

    Share Ideas

    By sharing interesting content, you’re showing customers how passionate you are about your career and the makeup industry. It also shows that you want the best for your customers. You’re giving them all the information they need to make an informed decision about what they want.

    Plus, if your followers even have a mild interest in the content you’re posting, they are much more likely to be engaged with your page!

  • How to win over clients and keep them coming back to the salon

    How to win over clients and keep them coming back to the salon

    Running your own Salon Business can be stressful, but actually getting clients to keep your business afloat is even worse! That can be one of the most difficult and anxiety-inducing struggles for a business owner. Here, we are sharing with you insights into what it takes to get the clients you need to sustain growth and how to keep them coming back to your Salon.

    1. Be on time

    In fact, be early. It’s a sign of respect for clients’ time and their loyalty to your business. If you get a late start early in your day, it can impact your schedule the rest of the day.

    2. Dress Professionally

    At the same time, have fun and be unique in your wardrobe expression. Make sure you feel good in what you’re wearing and be comfortable. When you select wardrobe, test it at home to make sure you’re comfortable. Bend, twist, lean and move as you would throughout the day and make sure the outfit works.

    3. Be prepared

    Don’t just show up. Take the time to review the appointment book and make mental notes on who is coming in and the services requested. Get your tools and products ready for use and make sure your station is clean and inviting.

    4. Greet the client with enthusiasm

    Welcome your clients by using their first name in your greeting. It makes them feel known, good and important.

    5. Ask Questions

    These questions will guide you on how to proceed with the service and demonstrate that you are listening to what they want out of the service. Do you prefer your hair long, mid-length or short? Do you wear your hair on your face or off your face? Do you use a blow dryer, curling iron or a flat iron? How much time do you spend on your hair every day? Are there any specific products you like to use? What kind of work do you do; what are your lifestyle preferences?

    6. Keep learning

    Not only will continuing education keep you current on the latest cuts, trends, hair color and product advancements, but ongoing education keeps you inspired and fresh.

    7. Manage your time

    You want to be fully booked, but you also need to be able to keep pace with the schedule, not allow yourself to get burned out and make leisure time for family, friends, other interests and most importantly, for yourself.

    8. Use your resources

    Turn to those around you professionally and ask questions, seek feedback and listen. Whether a mentor, teacher or colleague, we learn from each other. Resources also come in the form of style magazines, books, beauty blogs like this one, conferences and trade shows. They all can provide information and inspiration.

    9. Surround yourself with great people

    With hairdressing and with life, I encourage you to surround yourself with positive people who make you feel good, support you and want you to grow.

    10. Love what you do!

    Get inspired and keep a great attitude. Your clients will love to be around you, and they’ll tell all of their friends about how much they love having you as their stylist. When you’re positive and joyful, when you take pride in your work, then you will find yourself booked solid. You’ll create raving fans, not just satisfied customers.

    These tips should put your salon on the road to long-term success!

  • 5 Tips to become a Successful Cosmetologist

    5 Tips to become a Successful Cosmetologist

    The cosmetologist profession will be growing at a rate of 20% through 2020. The profession is dynamic and requires great social skills and an eye for beauty. Though a cosmetologist’s primary focus is often cutting, coloring, and styling hair, many cosmetologists also give manicures and pedicures, do makeup, and give skin treatments to their clients and can even offer massage services.Today, we are sharing with you 5 essential career tips that will make your career soar!

    A Loyal Client Base

    Cosmetologists rely on return clients for steady business. Client relationships can last for years and the most satisfied clients will recommend you to clients and family. The most loyal clients will follow you from location to location.

    A well-rounded portfolio

    Take before and after photographs of clients who agree to model. Include pictures of salon services provided during training if you would like. Showcase a variety of styles that demonstrate your best work. Use pictures of your work featured in hair shows or anywhere in the media.

    Up-To-Date Knowledge

    Fashions and trends come and go in this industry. Attend seminars and workshops to further hone your specialties. Stay on top of the latest trends with continuing education. Advertise your unique skills to attract new clients.

    A Professional Setting

    Professionalism is essential for working in someone else’s salon or starting your own. The atmosphere should be clean, relaxing and friendly. Try joining together with other providers for a one-stop spa experience. Clients should feel welcomed as soon as they enter.

    Self-Promotion Tools

    A business card is the bare minimum you should always have with you. Harness the power of social media to create an online presence. Offer clients incentives for interacting with your social media profiles. Showcase your latest work easily to create interest in your services.

    Explore Cosmetology career options at Play Academy and learn what you need to grow your career.

  • 10 Reasons you should go to Cosmetology School

    10 Reasons you should go to Cosmetology School

    The Indian Beauty Industry with its several segments such as Skin Care, Hair Care, Colour Cosmetics Body Fragrances and so forth has witnessed major growth in recent years. Beauty And Wellness Segment in India is more promising than US and European Market. The industry is growing rapidly at 15%-20% growth rate which is almost twice as that of US or European market. With this growing trend, cosmetology is fast becoming an interesting career choice and here are some of the top reasons why you should make the leap into this exciting career field!

    1. Cosmetology is a growing field

    The beauty and grooming industry in the country is booming, thanks to the growing desire among both men and women to look stylish and feel good.

    2. You start working quickly

    Compared to man professions, cosmetology training is short. This gets you working and doing what you love soon.

    3. You learn best practices

    Cosmetology school teaches you the right way to make you and your clients look beautiful – no need to experiment or guess.

    4. You have flexibility

    When you decide to go to cosmetology school, you have all sorts of options if traditional school during the day does not fit your lifestyle: part-time, evenings even online.

    5. Plenty of networking opportunities

    You meet others who are just as passionate about their profession as you are – both, students and teachers.

    6. Improve your understanding of your own hair and skin

    No matter how much you think you know already there is more to learn.

    7. Learn about more than just hair and make up

    You will learn about beauty, but you will also learn about running a business and marketing your services.

    8. There’s more to it than you think

    You learn about how the body’s muscles work, how your skin works, and how products affect both skin and hair.

    9. Express your artistic leanings

    Admit it. Part of you want to go into cosmetology is because you are bit of an artist.

    10. Make people feel good about themselves

    Enjoy that warm fuzzy feeling that you get when you make others feel happy and beautiful and get paid for it too!

  • 4 Qualities a Makeup Artist should possess

    4 Qualities a Makeup Artist should possess

    Makeup artists need several abilities to excel at their jobs, whether it’s perfecting a celebrity’s appearance before he goes on the air or providing a visual sample to a customer interested in purchasing products. Some makeup artists are certified skincare specialists working in spas, in salons or at cosmetic counters in department stores. Others are employed by news stations or celebrities. Regardless of prerequisites, successful makeup artists possess certain main skills.

    Creativity

    Any profession with “art” in the title requires a creative imagination and a strong visual sense. Makeup artists should understand the different shapes and features of a face and recognize how to highlight them. Perception and visualization is important, as cosmetic application relies on the ability to mentally rearrange details of an image to create an attractive look without mistakes.

    Customer Service

    Most of a makeup artist’s day involves working closely with other people, like models, actors, photographers and clients or customers. Makeup artists should be able to communicate with a variety of people to understand client goals and provide necessary feedback. Artists need to be confident and tactful when suggesting changes that may benefit a customer’s appearance.

    Detail Orientation

    Makeup artists must be able to complete their work under pressure without letting the details slip. Some jobs require extended periods of concentration to complete meticulous cosmetic requests. Artists must be able to reason and solve problems, weigh costs against benefits, and design new ideas with a creative way to implement them.

    Management

    A makeup artist has to manage her time and the time of others. As the person in charge of analyzing each client’s desire, he/she should beobtaining the equipment and products necessary to complete the job. When first starting out, makeup artists must market themselves and manage their online and physical presence to gain clientele and build a strong client base.

    Makeup artistry is a job where practical skills are more important than theoretical knowledge. To learn these skills join Play Academy for the best beauty courses.

  • Social Media Networking for Cosmetologists

    Social Media Networking for Cosmetologists

    For cosmetologists, social media platforms can serve as an invaluable tool for connecting with other beauty professionals, showcasing their work, and reaching out to customers. As a Cosmetologist, here are are 5 tips you need to know for social media success and how to use your time wisely. This will help you give your client list a makeover while marketing yourself like never before — and send you rocketing up the ladder of the most beautiful industry in the world.

    Decide How to Present Yourself

    • Ask yourself how you wish to appear to your social media network.
    • Choose a particular style or aesthetic you identify with
    • Create your own image by incorporating that style into your bio, updates, social interaction.
    • Adding individual touches to set yourself apart from the crowd.Always remain professional

    Cultivate your online portfolio

    • Upload photos to attract clients
    • Show your skills to employers and colleagues
    • Display your customers satisfaction with your work
    • Practice your photography skills
    • Take photos of all your best work
    • Gradually build your photos into an online gallery of your skills

    Associate yourself with the best

    • On your profile be sure to include, the school from which you graduated, your current and any past employers.
    • Make yourself as accessible as possible
    • Reach out to fellow beauty professionals
    • Consider collaborating with your colleagues

    Don’t forget to mingle

    • Encourage conversation with your customers
    • Stay upbeat and energetic
    • Reach out to more people by offering discounts, coupons, promotions
    • Always respond to comments and questions with grace and respect

    Let your hardwork shine

    • Positive reviews from past customers will drive business
    • Create a page for yourself on Yelp or similar sites
    • Openly encourage current customers to write reviews online
    • If you receive a negative review, personally respond to the reviewer, listen to their criticism, learn from your mistakes and demonstrate maturity and dignity
  • What Does a Beautician Do?

    What Does a Beautician Do?

    If you’d like a career where you get to make others look and feel good, then you might consider becoming a beautician. In this position, you would provide beauty treatments to clients, both male and female. In general, a beautician is an individual who works in a salon, usually as a hair stylist. Sometimes, though, beauticians are trained in providing many types of beauty and personal care services, from manicures to brow waxes to makeup applications.

    Some of the services offered by a Beautician are:

    Hair Treatments

    Hair treatment specialists, usually referred to as cosmetologists, provide more than just haircuts. As a cosmetologist, you’d offer many services to your clients, including permanents, conditioning treatments, hair styling, coloring, and trims. You might also perform some of these services on wigs or hairpieces. If you worked with male clients only, you’d be considered a barber, and you’d likely trim or shave facial hair as well.

    Nail Treatments

    Nail technicians are beauticians who provide manicures and pedicures. As a manicurist, you might give natural manicures in which you’d shape, buff and polish nails, or you might apply artificial nails with adhesives. Pedicures focus on the feet and often involve massage along with treatment of the toenails.

    Skin Care

    Beauticians who work in skin care are called estheticians. In this position, you would focus on keeping a client’s skin looking young and healthy, often by providing facials, peels and moisturizing treatments. You would perform hair removal services, such as waxing, and with extra training, you might also offer laser hair removal. Many estheticians provide makeup consultations and applications, as well.

  • Important Makeup Artist Skills

    Important Makeup Artist Skills

    Makeup artistry is a job where practical skills are more important than theoretical knowledge. There are different types of makeup jobs, including fashion makeup, bridal makeup, theatrical makeup, FX makeup, etc. Each makeup job needs some common skills and some specific skills. If you want to become a makeup artist, you must be cool under pressure and must deliver before a deadline. You must be creative and deliver original work to maintain your credibility. Communication with clients, understanding their expectations, and delivering as per their budget is a vital part of this job.

    When writing your makeup artist resume, you should add some skills to better your chance of being selected. These skills are not essential for all jobs and varies as per the job requirement.

    Important Makeup Artist Skills

    1. Creativity is the most important skill to become a makeup artist. You must deliver original results.
    2. Understanding bone structure, eye size, and face shape is very important, as the makeup will vary from client to client according to their body structure and shape.
    3. You’ll need to apply cosmetics and color according to the clients’ skin tone. You must master this skill to bring out the natural beauty of the client.
    4. Styling hair is an essential skill and will give you advantage. You’ll need to apply wigs and colors to match the personality of the character. Facial hair management is another essential skill.
    5. Communication skills are also very important. You’ll need to communicate with clients, artists, directors, etc. to understand the makeup needs.
    6. Time management and pressure handling are two important skills, as you’ll need to stick with the schedule and redo the makeup if not satisfied.
    7. If you want to work in theater or film production, then you must know special effects makeup, as you may need to change the look of an artist to suit the character.
    8. You’ll need to remove the makeup after the event/performance.
    9. The fashion and makeup industry is changing continuously and to remain updated you must follow the trends.
    10. If you’re not a freelancer, you must be a good team man.
    11. Having communication skills in multiple languages will be a plus point.
    12. Having some photography skills is beneficial.
  • Beauty School Basics taught at Play Academy

    Beauty School Basics taught at Play Academy

    Working in the cosmetology field involves helping people feel good about their appearances or helping clients achieve a new look. Beauty schools offer several different programs that you might explore, depending on your goals. If you’d like to style hair and offer other salon services, you might enroll in a general cosmetology program. If you’d rather become a nail technician or esthetician, you might choose either a nail technology or skin care program, or locate a program that combines the two areas of study.

    Beauty School Basics

    Some schools also offer separate massage and make-up programs. Regardless of their specific focus, most beauty school programs teach students about sanitation practices. Many also include salon management and business topics

    Hair Care

    As a cosmetology student, you may have a range of hair care courses in your curriculum. You might start off with the basics of hair cutting, which involves learning to use scissors, razors, clippers and other hair care tools to properly maintain hair. Once you’re comfortable with these tools, you could move on to develop more advanced skills such as styling and coloring. You could learn to straighten and wave hair, and you might gain proficiency in applying thermal and chemical treatments.

    Nail Technology

    Nail technology courses first familiarize you with the supplies and products you need to perform nail treatments. These include nail files, polish, clippers and other enhancements. Here, proper sanitation techniques are also discussed. If work areas are not cleaned and disinfected regularly, infections might spread to customers.

    After developing a foundation in techniques, tools and safe practices, you would be able to begin building your skills in manicures and pedicures. Using real clients, you might perform a range of nail services under instructor supervision. These services might include applying artificial nails such as gels and wraps, or polishing and shaping the nails of the hands and feet. You could also learn how to give hand, arm and foot massages. In addition, many schools teach you about nail diseases and irregularities.

    Skin Care

    Skin care is another topic that is covered in beauty school programs, whether it is a general cosmetology program or a specific esthetician program. So that you may meet your customers’ needs, you might learn about different skin types and conditions. Once you have a basic understanding of skin care and analysis, you could move on to skin care treatments. You might learn how to perform chemical, manual and electronic facial treatments as well as how to apply make-up for clients. Some programs also provide instruction on hair removal techniques.