Training cosmetologists in skincare Training cosmetologists in skincare can be touchy. First, many believe they know skincare because they had a few days training in cosmetology school and performed a certain number of facials with the “green mask” that was sitting there or followed the directions of a skincare line in performing their services. The reality is, skincare is not only about cleansing, massaging, and applying a mask. The focus of successful skincare room professionals is on serious analysis, then taking that determination forward through a treatment plan. Cosmetologists planning to perform facials in salons need actual skincare training. Training should be more than how to use the product line the salon chooses to carry. These professionals should seek out training on why certain treatments are performed, and the best training in treatment plan decision-making Choosing a product line Choosing a product line is like choosing a spouse—one waits for Mr. or Ms. Right, or goes for the hottie who bowls them over. In the end, the first method may take more time and be more challenging, but down the road, the overall rewards are higher, problems are fewer, and life is better— with fewer expenses. As in finding a spouse, many factors are important when choosing a product line, which is something the salon will be stuck with for quite a while unless it wants to go through the expensive process of “divorcing” the line. Many new owners agonize over and plan the design, décor, and setup of their new salon and then choose their lines on the basis Defining a line focus Salons must know their treatment focus before choosing a product line. Then the packaging, the product, and ingredients should reflect the chosen focus. Clients should be able to relate the products on the shelf to the décor, treatments, and philosophy. Most lines fit in the following categories: ● Aromatherapy : This line is based on essential oils and is the ingredient focus of the relaxation salon niche. It is highly moisturizing and very relaxing, and it feels wonderful on application. The packaging is usually very attractive to the client. It should reflect the calming, inviting ambiance of a relaxation salon, and not be clinical and stark. ● Wellness : This line is holistic and fully supports healthfulness. No toxic chemicals are contained in this line because that is the basis of the philosophy, and the packaging should reflect a natural, clean beauty. “All-natural” lines fit into the wellness or aromatherapy categories. These lines are in basic though pretty jars and bottles, and their contents are aromatic. One line does not fit all Since combination lines are more the norm in skincare salons and spas, most will have to research two, or sometimes three, lines—one for each treatment focus. However, few lines are one-size-fits-all. For example, if a salon does both clinical and relaxation services, two lines must be investigated. Many salons and spas have relaxation Simple, synergistic, safe When choosing a clinical focus line for one room, it needs to have three qualities. It must: ● Be simple . This line should have a few products that meet clients’ needs: A cleanser, a nighttime moisturizer, a treatment product, and an SPF moisturizer—all for various skin types and conditions.
tools is from non-product-related educators. Salon owners adding skincare need to seek out a skincare educator who will come to the salon, or the new skincare staff can attend training at another location. These specialists also need to attend classes at trade shows. This experience is valuable because they will hear and use the language of skincare and become familiar with it. These staffers will need resources and training books, such as the latest edition of Mark Lees’ Skin Care: Beyond the Basics (2011), and the most recent Fundamentals for Estheticians , both published by Milady Publishing. The most recent versions of these books have valuable information for new skincare professionals. After studying, taking courses, and talking to experts, the new person needs to practice on coworkers to gain familiarity. of what other owners, representatives of lines, and future employees say—or they commit to one just because they like it. They make the choice, spend big bucks to fill the shelves, cross their fingers, and hope they’ve committed to the right line. However, a more secure method exists for choosing product lines. It involves integrating all decisions made for the salon, from décor to clientele, into an overall set of criteria, then allowing the obvious to provide answers on what line to choose. If a salon does this, its line of choice (or lines) will be the one (or ones) that is perfect for their clients and salon, and it will support the success of the salon. ● Clinical : This line is technologically developed to target skincare conditions such as acne and antiaging. The packaging for these products is designed to appear “clinical” to market the products’ supposed efficacy. They usually appear direct and scientific. The product names are treatment specific, such as glycolic lotion 10%, or beta hydroxy treatment mask. ● Medical : The packaging of this line is just a step above that of prescription products, although most attempt to add some attractiveness. However, medical-like is what the patient in a medical salon expects for their money. The lines have targeted, physician-level products, and home care products support their medical-level care. These lines will not be in salons. ● Combination : Most salons have two lines, or at least some of two types of lines. The combinations in most salon settings are aromatherapy and clinical, or wellness and clinical. They have more of one than the other but quickly develop a focus as their clientele dictates.
products (one line for the face, one for the body) and clinical products for antiaging and acne. Each line is strong and well received by many clients. Salons with one or two skincare rooms will be more successful if their treatment focus is the one most enjoyed by their clientele.
● Be synergistic . The products must work together, supporting each other’s purpose. This keeps the need for a dozen products of each type at a minimum. ● Be safe . The skincare professional in the room must know the line is safe to use, and how to keep it that way. That means they must be trained in its use by
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Book Code: ENC0825
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