Year of The Artisan & Skills-Based Education: How To Become A Hairdresser

This year has been declared the “Year of the Artisan and Skills-Based Education” by government, to promote the diplomas and courses offered by Further Education and Training (FET) colleges in South Africa. This month we will be looking at how to become a hairdresser and what you will have to study to qualify as one.

Hairdressers render a variety of services to clients that might include washing, cutting and styling hair. They also perform a variety of chemical treatments which could include perming, straightening, colouring and highlighting.

A career in hairdressing can give you an opportunity to work in a salon, a barber shop, perform home-visits or work in an old-age home and even on film, television or theatre sets.

The satisfying objects of becoming a hairdresser: You can enjoy self-employment You get to work with a large variety of people You assist others in improving their appearance Hairdressing allows a variety of creative opportunities

The demanding aspects of becoming a hairdresser: You might have to work long hours and over weekends Hairdressers stand for long periods of time It can get tricky to serve difficult clients There might be periods where you might not have any clients

Here is a short list of five skills that you might require:

1. The ability to handle stress – hairdressers often have to work under extreme pressure.
2. Remain positive – you should be able to provide your clients with the best service, regardless of whether you are having a bad day.
3. Enjoy working with people – You will have to work with a variety of people, and you will often not be able to choose your clients.
4. Good at solving problems – Whether you have to find a style to suit a face-shape or whether a client requests an intricate style for an event that incorporates flowers, you will constantly have to think of inventive ways to solve problems.
5. Enjoy being creative – Whether you have to come up with a stunning ‘do’ or a way to inspire new styles and ways to use colour, creativity is an important skill necessary for this occupation.

Convinced that Hairdressing is for you?

The National Certificate in Hairdressing takes place across level 2, level 3 and level 4. During your studies, you can partake in an apprenticeship at a salon. Here you will work under the eye of a qualified stylist who will also teach you a variety of skills and provide you with real-life experience. After you have completed the necessary curriculum and completed your practical hours, you will be able to complete your trade test. Speak to your college to establish what their requirement are.

There are various FET colleges that offer courses in hairdressing. It is always recommended to cross-reference the college’s accreditation. You can visit the SAQA website to see more detailed information about the qualification as well as a list of some accredited providers.

You can contact Eduloan as soon as you have decided which school or training college you would like to study at and one of our consultants will be able to give you all the information you require to get the financial assistance to realise your dream of becoming a hairdresser. For more information or to speak to one of our Eduloan consultants, visit our website www.eduloan.co.za.

Year Of The Artisan & Skills-Based Education: How To Become A Beauty Therapist

This year has been declared the “Year of the Artisan and Skills-Based Education” by government, to promote the diplomas and courses offered by Further Education and Training (FET) colleges in South Africa. This month we will be looking at what it means to become a beauty therapist and what you will have to study to qualify as one.

Beauty therapists are professional, qualified people who strive to help others feel good about their appearance and help them to enhance their natural beauty.

The world of Beauty Therapy is exciting and fascinating, with strong connections with the fashion and hairdressing industries. The field is varied and diverse, offering many opportunities to learn and develop skills in a range of different areas.

Beauty therapists use various facial and body treatments to help their clients look and feel their best. Beauty therapists offer treatments such as:

• Make-up application
• Eyelash and eyebrow shaping, perming or colouring
• Manicures, pedicures and specialist treatments such as nail extensions
• Unwanted facial or body hair removal
• Body massage and aromatherapy
• Various non-surgical skin therapies

Individual therapies take place in warm, clean and private treatment rooms or cubicles. Beauty therapists usually wear a uniform to protect their own clothes and to look clean and smart.

There are good career opportunities for beauty therapists and they can follow various career paths which include:

·         Practicing in a health spa or skin care clinic

• Practicing on board a cruise liner
• Consulting and practicing within a medical environment (i.e. pre and post-surgery)
• Owning and managing a clinic or health spa
• Lecturing or teaching at a training institute
• Practicing as a representative, product trainer or manager of a professional cosmetic company
• Practicing as a journalist within the health and skin care industry
• Practicing in either the fashion, media or theatre industry
• Aroma therapist
• Reflexology
• Nail technologist

Full-time beauty therapists can work up to 40 hours a week and often work after hours or on weekends. New products and techniques are however introduced all the time, so beauty therapists need to keep their skills up to date. Therapists usually take short courses on using particular products, or study further to get qualifications in specialist techniques.

A beauty therapist should have excellent interpersonal skills, be a good listener with a caring attitude, be good with their hands and be interested in science, and in health and beauty.

Satisfying aspects of being a beauty therapist

·         Helping others

·         Making a difference in people's lives

·         The opportunity to work part-time or flexi hours

Challenging aspects of being a beauty therapist

·         Working with a client with a poor self-esteem or a difficult client means that you will have to approach every client with care, taking control of the situation and advising the best treatment for the client

·         Constant changes in fashion, techniques and technology means that you will have to keep up-to-date with current trends.

Applying for a course in beauty therapy

There are various FET colleges that offer both part-time and full time courses in beauty therapy. Each college will stipulate their minimum application requirements and it is always better to confirm the requirements with the school or college before applying.

There is a complete list of schools and colleges listed on The South African Association of Health and Skincare Professionals (SAAHSP) website. These schools and colleges adhere to the SAAHSP and comply with their principles to ensure the best standards in beauty, health and skin care.

It might also be a good idea to talk to a beauty therapist to find out how they enjoy their day-to-day activities and to gauge whether it is something that you would like to do.