“It's beauty that captures your attention; personality which captures your heart.” – Anonymous
The adage couldn't be any truer. Beauty has always been endearing, and cashing in on this a number of beauty clinics have sprung in almost every nook and corner of the country. With it, the demand for qualified personal care professionals, trained in various aspects of beauty care, has risen too.
According to one estimate, the size of the beauty industry in the country currently hovers around Rs.2,000 crore, set to grow at 15 to 20 per cent annually.
On the other hand, says Ch. Anuradha, director, Anoo's International Beauty School, the number of qualified trained technicians available in the country is barely enough to meet the requirement.
“If there is a requirement for 10 female beauticians, only five are available. In the case of males it is much worse. For a requirement of ten qualified beauty care technicians, not even one is available. We have to train them for three to four months and put them on job,” she says.
With multinationals keen on tapping the rapidly growing segment in the country, and good looks becoming an integral part of some sectors such as aviation and hospitality, several avenues have opened up for professionals.
Today, there are employment opportunities as make-up artists in salons, modelling agencies and entertainment industry, skin care specialists in clinics, cosmetic chemists, sales executives/product educators for skin care product companies, beauty consultants, freelance writers for magazines or public relation executives. There are other job portfolios like manicurists, hairstylists, cosmetologists, acupressure therapists, holistic therapists, aroma therapists, dermatology assistants, and day spa stylists, among others. One can also freelance or don the entrepreneur glove and set up beauty salons or clinics.
Salaries in the industry range from Rs.3,000 to Rs.1.5 lakh, depending on the expertise, experience and the portfolio. “Although the pay package is on the lower end in the beginning, hikes are pretty good and experienced professionals can earn very well,” says Ms. Anuradha.
The career will suit those passionate about styling, and body and skin care and who possess good creative skills, patience and listening skills.
Recognising a lacunae in the sector, Anoo's, one of the oldest names in clinical and salon services, set up Anoo's International Beauty School in 2007. The institute, apart from offering different basic courses in nail, skin and hair care, offers a General Cosmetology course and International Diploma in Cosmetology.
The feather in its cap, however, is its Master's of Science in Cosmetology offered in collaboration with Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University. Spread over four semesters, the two-year course will focus on basic and advanced levels of skin care, hair care, electrolysis, weight management, make-up, laser course, spa course, aroma therapy, salon services, salon management skills, mehandi course, nail course and advanced clinical procedures.
Students desirous of pursuing the course will have to pay Rs.1 lakh per semester. “We will facilitate bank loans and even provide scholarships for needy students,” Ms. Anuradha says.
