Choose the Right Program for You – Cosmetology vs Esthetics

As the beauty industry grows, many people are becoming interested in pursuing a career in the beauty field. However, with so many different specialties and programs available, it can be difficult to determine which path to take. One of the most common questions asked is what is the difference between a cosmetology program and an esthetics program. Both programs offer valuable skills and training, but they are not the same. In this blog post, we will compare and contrast cosmetology and esthetics programs to help you decide which one might be the best fit for you.

Cosmetology Program:

A cosmetology program is a comprehensive program that covers a wide range of beauty services and treatments. Students will learn how to cut and style hair, apply makeup, perform manicures and pedicures, and much more. This program typically takes around 12-18 months to complete and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training.

One of the biggest advantages of a cosmetology program is the variety of skills and services that you will learn. This means that you will be able to offer a wide range of services to your clients, which can be beneficial if you plan on working in a salon or opening your own business. Additionally, cosmetology programs often have higher earning potential than esthetics programs, as cosmetologists are able to offer a wider range of services.

However, one of the disadvantages of a cosmetology program is that it is not as specialized as an esthetics program. If you are primarily interested in skincare and facials, a cosmetology program may not be the best fit for you. Additionally, cosmetology programs can be more expensive than esthetics programs, as they cover a wider range of topics.

Esthetics Program:

On the other hand, an esthetics program is a more specialized program that focuses specifically on skincare and beauty treatments for the face and body. Students will learn how to perform facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and other skincare treatments. This program typically takes 6-12 months to complete and includes classroom instruction and hands-on training.

One of the biggest advantages of an esthetics program is that it is highly specialized. This means you can offer your clients a wide range of skin care treatments, which can be beneficial if you work in a spa or medical office. Additionally, estheticians often have a more flexible schedule than cosmetologists, as they can work in various settings.

A disadvantage of an esthetics program is that it is not as comprehensive as a cosmetology program. If you are interested in offering a wider range of beauty services, such as haircuts and makeup, an esthetics program may not be the best fit for you. Additionally, estheticians often have lower earning potential than cosmetologists, as their services are more specialized.

In conclusion, both cosmetology and esthetics programs offer valuable skills and training for those interested in pursuing a career in the beauty industry. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your interests and career goals. If you are interested in offering a wide range of beauty services, a cosmetology program may be the best fit for you. If you are primarily interested in skincare and facial treatments, an esthetics program may be the best fit for you. Regardless of which program you choose, both can provide a rewarding and fulfilling career in the beauty industry.

At TSPA Buffalo, we offer both cosmetology and esthetics programs to help you achieve your career goals. Our experienced instructors are here to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the beauty industry. Contact us today for more information about our cosmetology and esthetics programs!

Qualifications to Become a Platform Artist

Are you considering a career as a platform artist in the beauty industry? Platform artists must have extensive knowledge of current trends and excellent communication skills. Here are some of the qualifications required to become a successful platform artist.

Creativity

Platform artists need to be able to think outside the box and create unique looks that showcase their creative techniques and products. They also need to be able to quickly adapt to changing trends in order to keep their looks fresh and relevant. They are open-minded and curious about new styles, methods, and products and are excited to experiment with them.

Teamwork & Problem-solving Skills

Platform artists work in teams to create visuals for fashion shows or photoshoots, so they need great teamwork skills as well as problem-solving abilities. Collaboration is key, which means being able to listen carefully, take direction well, and express ideas firmly yet respectfully.

Teamwork & Problem-solving Skills

Platform artists must often provide tips and tricks to stylists who observe their demonstrations. Meaningful dialogue is essential in order for viewers to understand new techniques and feel inspired by them. Platform artists should be confident public speakers who can explain complex concepts clearly without becoming flustered or unclear while speaking. And enjoy being a mentor to the team.

If you’re looking to break into the beauty industry and make a career out of it as a platform artist, attending The Salon Professional Academy in Evansville can be the right step for you. The best way to find out more information is by contacting the Admissions Department directly at (812-437-8772) or emailing admissions@tspaevansville.com!

With these qualifications in mind, you’ll have all the necessary tools needed to pursue a career as a platform artist! With dedication, hard work, and passion for creativity, aspiring platform artists can take on this exciting role with confidence!

Find Your Future in Cosmetology

Have you ever wanted to enter the beauty industry? Are you intrigued by the idea of working as a licensed cosmetologist? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the many career options available to licensed cosmetologists. We’ll also discuss why now is an ideal time to get into this field and what steps you should take to start your cosmetology career. At The Salon Professional Academy, we’re honored to be endorsed by Redken for excellence in education and are here to help you succeed. 

What Is a Licensed Cosmetologist?

A licensed cosmetologist has formal training in hair care, makeup application, skincare, nail care, and other beauty services. In addition, they must pass a state-approved licensing exam before becoming certified and practicing professionally. 

Career Opportunities for Licensed Cosmetologists

Licensed cosmetologists have numerous career opportunities available to them. Depending on their skills and interests, they may work in salons or spas, teach at beauty schools, or even open their own business. 

Here are just a few of the many possibilities that await licensed cosmetologists:

  • Hair Stylist/Colorist: A hair stylist/colorist provides haircuts, colors, and styles for clients in salons or spas. They may offer additional services such as perms and keratin treatments as well.
  • Makeup Artist: Makeup artists use their knowledge of makeup techniques and products to create looks for special events such as weddings or photoshoots. Some may even specialize in creating looks for television shows or films.
  • Platform Artist:  Platform artists travel to different locations nationwide to showcase their expertise. At TSPA, you have the opportunity to meet with these amazing Redken Platform Artists and learn from the best in their craft.
  • Film or theater stylist:  This creative role allows cosmetologists to style a television or movie character’s hair, makeup, and nails in accordance with the director’s vision. Those who are successful in this field need to know the basics of cosmetology and have exceptional coordination between themselves, the actor/actress, and the director. 
  • Salon Owner/Manager: Salon owners/managers are responsible for running a salon successfully by providing excellent customer service while ensuring all staff members meet their goals. They may also be responsible for hiring new employees and providing them with training on proper procedures and safety protocols within the salon environment.   
  • Educator: Educators are responsible for teaching students at beauty schools about various aspects of cosmetology, such as hair care, skincare, makeup application, etc., as well as preparing students for state boards license exams.  See firsthand how our educators empower our students to reach their goals.

Why Now Is an Ideal Time To Become a Licensed Cosmetologist? 

Now is an ideal time to become a licensed cosmetologist because of the growth that this industry has seen over recent years due to an increase in demand from both men and women alike wanting professional services done at salons/spas.

With more people interested in enhancing their appearance through these services, more job opportunities will be available, which means greater potential earnings! So check out our Cosmetology program and get started on your future! 

Becoming a licensed cosmetologist is not only rewarding but can also be incredibly lucrative too! There are so many different career paths that you can take with this profession – from working in salons/spas to owning your own business – so it’s important that you do your research and start exploring the many possibilities to determine which best suit your skillset and interests! 

Now is definitely an ideal time to get into this field, so don’t miss out on this amazing career in high demand with nearly unlimited opportunities just waiting for you to take the first step! So schedule a Tour and start exploring your future today!

Finding A Beauty Program That’s Right For You – Admissions is Your Friend

Few industries are more exciting than the beauty business.

That’s because there’s no shortage of new things to learn, you get to work in an energetic environment, help make people look amazing, and earn an impressive income.

The key to getting started as a cosmetologist is to find a beauty program that will help you reach your full potential. That’s why the information contained in this article is so important. Here we take a look at how beauty programs are the essential element to a successful beauty career. Keep reading to discover insights that will help you answer the question, “Is a beauty career right for me?”

Define Your Career Goals

Once you’ve made the decision to pursue a career in the beauty industry, it’s important to clarify your career goals. This will make it much easier to choose the right program to get you where you’re going.

Keep in mind that there are tons of different career paths available within the beauty business, including salon owners, cosmologists, and estheticians, just to name a few. So the more specific you can be about your goals, the easier it will be to find the perfect training program to meet your needs.

What Do You Hope to Get Out of Your Beauty Program?

Every beauty program offers a different set of advantages and disadvantages over other beauty programs when it comes to starting a career in beauty. That’s why you need to prioritize the aspects of a beauty program that are most important to you.

For example, studying for a career in beauty at The Salon Professional Academy provides access to some of the best instructors in the industry. This is obviously a major benefit over a school that you might consider more affordable.

The key is to find a beauty school that checks as many boxes as possible on your list of priorities.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

You will likely have a lot of questions about each beauty program you’re considering. Don’t be afraid to inquire about every aspect of the program including tuition, acceptance rate, and other factors that will help you make your final decision.

Talk to the Instructors

Take the time to meet the instructors. This will help ensure a good match of personalities and give you a chance to ask questions about their teaching styles and what to expect once you’ve enrolled in classes. Always keep in mind that you are interviewing them, not the other way around.

Choosing the Right Program for Your Beauty Career

People spend a lot of time, energy, and money in an effort to look their very best. And with a beauty career in cosmetology, you get to help them. That’s why this guide to finding the right beauty program is such a valuable resource for achieving your goals.

Contact us today to learn how the team at The Salon Professional Academy can help you launch a successful career in the beauty industry.

Everything I Wanted to Know About Becoming A Beauty Boss, I Learned In Beauty School

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the job outlook for barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists for 2020 to 2030 is 19 percent. This rate is much faster than average job outlooks in other industries.

In other words, the beauty industry is thriving! So, if you’ve ever thought about getting started in the beauty industry, the time is now. 

After all, you don’t have to get hired at a salon or work with clientele to have a successful career in beauty. You can work outside of the salon or as a self-employed beauty influencer. 

But, if you’re considering a career as a beauty influencer, then you may be confused about where to start. Do you just need an internet connection, or do you need a beauty education? Even more, with many beauty influencers getting their start with just their phones, you may ask yourself: “Is beauty school worth it?” 

The answer is yes, so keep reading to learn why beauty school may be the next best step for you!

Getting Started in The Beauty Industry: First Steps

Anyone can teach themselves to do their own makeup. But real beauty pros have an in-depth knowledge of color theory and proper application techniques that you can only learn in beauty school.

In fact, the most common complaint professional makeup artists have against unlicensed beauty influencers is that they don’t have the knowledge and experience to know how to give proper makeup advice to their followers.

Of course, if you don’t meet the legal requirements set by your state, you can’t work at a salon or with clientele. Yet, there are no education requirements to be a beauty influencer.

Nonetheless, beauty pioneers like Nikkie de Jager and Huda Kattan have been able to gain such an immense following not just because of their online presence, but also because they are professionally trained.  

As an influencer with a professional beauty education, you’ll be able to give makeup advice that your followers can trust. Moreover, as a graduate of beauty school, you’re more likely to be taken as a serious professional by your followers and other artists in the beauty industry. 

After Beauty School: Other Career Options

There are plenty of career options outside of becoming a beauty influencer available when you get your cosmetology license. If being a beauty influencer ends up not being a good fit, there’s no cause for panic. You have the freedom to switch gears and become anything from a makeup artist to a personal stylist and more without having to go through more schooling! 

Enter the Beauty Industry on the Right Path 

When getting started in the beauty industry, don’t just rely on your phone and good lighting. To get your start in the beauty industry, get your TSPA beauty education. And if being a beauty influencer doesn’t work out, then there are plenty of other career outcomes available to you as a graduate of TSPA. 

 Contact us for more details about TSPA classes!

 

Becoming Your Best You: Your Guide

BEAUTY: The Best Industry For Artists to Be In.

If you’ve made the brilliant decision to immerse yourself in the world of beauty, then you’ve elected to become an artist whose work is always on display.

What a thrilling thought! 

Those that understand this concept also appreciate the value of being the very best version of themselves in a fast-paced and fluid industry. What do you need to know to ensure that you not only follow your dreams but enjoy the journey?

The best career in the beauty industry starts with you. Here’s an overview of what you need to know, be, and do in order to enjoy lasting success. 

Your Quiver of Soft Skills

Expanding on the critical topic of getting to know your client includes unpacking a fascinating list of soft skills that you can develop to grow within your chosen field. Soft skills are patterns of behavior that dictate how you deal with people and pressure. Many of these highlighted below can propel your beauty career to new heights if you diligently pursue them.

Superior Communication

Active listening means being engaged and present with your client. It involves hearing what they are saying, but also what they’re not saying. Pay attention to body language, voice tone, eye contact, and word choice. These cues come together to give you a thorough understanding of who they are and what they want. 

In the same way, communication from your side during an appointment, such as telling your client what you’re doing and why, tends to build trust and rapport. It also positions you as an authority in your field and a consummate professional.

This makes a beauty consultation meaningful and helps you to deliver exactly what your client wants.

Constant Learning

The beauty industry moves quickly and trends shift swiftly. With new products and techniques becoming available almost daily, it pays to embrace a mission of lifetime learning. Advanced training to upskill, thoroughly understand and prescribe products, and expand your beauty portfolio makes you valuable to your clients and your team.

Being the best you is to focus on continual growth and learning. Take time to join and participate in courses that challenge you, meet like-minded people, and share your knowledge and insights. 

Personal Management

Here are soft skills that are not industry-specific but that make you an invaluable team member and the best in your field:

  • Excellent time management 
  • Honesty and transparency
  • Adaptability
  • Organization
  • Collaboration
  • Problem-solving

Marketing Your Business

You may offer the finest beauty services in your area, but if nobody knows about you, then you’re winking in the dark, so to speak.

Successful marketing entails knowing your audience and creating regular, engaging content to pique their interest. Today’s host of social platforms offer an excellent way to build your brand and display your personality in a fun, appealing, and professional way. 

The Best Career Starts Here

Beauty is simply the best career for artists who are keenly focused on changing their clients’ lives for the better, and who want to make a tangible difference to people.

Whether you’re new to the beauty industry or you’re considering upskilling yourself, you’ll agree that it all starts with a proper training foundation with a reputable academy. TSPA programs prepare students for much more than passing state boards. In addition to the salon training that we offer, we also provide the business and marketing skills that top salons and spas are looking for. 

Take a tour of TSPA to see how different it is from other beauty schools.

How to Interview a Beauty School: 7 Questions You Should Ask

Your Future is Worth A Great Tour!

Interviews are a two-way street! It’s an important fact to remember when you’re looking at potential beauty schools and thinking about taking campus tours.

Pursuing your dream of applying to beauty school is an amazing journey. It’s an exciting time, and you should enjoy the ride. 

However, you mustn’t get caught up in the wave. We know a lot is riding on your beauty school interviews and beauty school tours, but don’t lose sight of the fact that these schools have to be a fit for you, too. It’s not just about whether or not you’re a fit for them.

In this article, we’re going to cover seven questions you should be asking when interviewing a beauty school.

Asking these questions will help you to determine if the school is the right fit for you, and it may even help you increase the acceptance rate of your applications.

Read on to learn an arsenal of tips for applying to beauty school.

1. Can You Tell Me More?

This is the first, and most obvious question. It’s easy to get silent and nervous when you’re sitting in an important beauty school interview.

Don’t just go through the motions, answer their questions, and then leave. Your interview should be a dialogue, not an interrogation.

Asking this question is one of the easiest ways to get your interviewer talking. Ask them to tell you more about the school. Ask how many teachers they have on staff. Ask the size of the total student body. 

What is the average class size? It’s also important to know the ratio of students to teachers, but asking the class size will get you this information.

Also, you’ll want to research if there have been any complaints filed against the school with the State Cosmetology Board or local trade organizations.

You’ll also want to ask about the school’s safety. If you’re attending classes at night, this is especially important. Student parking, housing (if you’re attending school out-of-state), and other logistical questions are important to ask as well.

2. Are You Accredited?

Making sure a school is accredited, and researching when they last updated their accreditation requirements is important for a few reasons.

First, you don’t want to be attending some second-rate beauty school that ends up being a scam. You’ll end up wasting a lot of money, and be no further along toward your dream career.

Secondly, you want to make sure their accreditation is up-to-date. Most people think schools become accredited once and that’s it.

This isn’t the case at all. A school with a good reputation should be taking the steps to keep its accreditation current. A school should be re-evaluated every six years to keep its standards current. So, ask when the school was last evaluated.

3. What Is Your Placement Rate?

This is probably the most important statistic a school can give you. 

Why does anyone go to college or get a certification? To get the job they want, right?

Well, that’s exactly what the placement rate will tell you. It’s the representation of how many students are getting placed into jobs in their chosen field upon graduation.

We can’t stress this stat enough. It may be the biggest contributing factor in ensuring you a successful future, and yet, so many aspiring beauty school students aren’t asking about it.

Placement rate. Don’t forget about it!

4. Hands-on Experience?

One of the things you don’t learn in high school, that you’ll find out in the real world, is you want to learn from people that have already done what you’d like to do. This is no different in the beauty school world.

If you want to go into a certain niche of cosmetology or esthetics or specialize in a certain treatment, why would you learn from someone who has no idea how to do it?

You wouldn’t. So make sure the school you go to has teachers with hands-on experience in the area you want to specialize in.

There’s no teacher like real-world experience.

5. What Does Your School Cost?

The cost of attending a cosmetology program depends on which school you attend. However, the average cost is anywhere from $8,000 to $18,000. That cost is to complete a full program that can be 10-18 months long.

Don’t be afraid to ask your interviewer to explain the cost of attendance to you. Especially if it is higher or lower than most of the other schools you’re researching.

Also, it’s important to note that cheaper isn’t always better. “You get what you pay for” is a life rule that’s true more often than not. Sure, you may pay more up-front, but your results will be better in the long run.

There are also scholarships and financial aid available for cosmetology programs throughout the country. The amount of aid varies, and the program you attend has to be accredited, but there is help available.

This means your dream cosmetology program may be more accessible than you think.

6. Will I Get to Work With Real Clients?

Just like there’s no substitute for hands-on experience when it comes to your teachers, there’s also no substitute for it when it comes to sharpening your own skills.

Many beauty programs will offer mannequins to practice on when you’re first starting. While they are a great practice ground for learning the basics, eventually you are going to want to hone your skills on real, live, in-the-flesh clients.

7. Can You Tell Me About the Curriculum?

You’re going to be spending the majority of your time, over the next ten to eighteen months, learning the curriculum this school has for you. You have every right to ask the person interviewing you to explain what you are going to be learning, and how it’s going to be taught.

Most cosmetology programs with good reputations do a great job of this. In fact, they will have something available for you to read outlining their curriculum and your path through the program from Day 1 up until graduation.

Even if they do provide you with something like that, it’s still in your best interest to ask deeper questions about what’s going to be covered and how it’s going to be taught.

How Far Do You Go?

One of the first things you’ll want to ask is “how does your curriculum go beyond the State requirements?” Yes, there are minimum requirements needed to practice in every State. But you want a program that is going to prepare you beyond that.

The program you choose should be keeping up with the latest trends and developments in the beauty industry. Our staff at TSPA does a great job of that.

You will not only learn what’s necessary to pass your State exam, but you will learn the newest techniques and trends to put you lightyears ahead of other graduates in your field.

What Is the Structure?

The other important question you’ll want to ask is “how is the curriculum structured?” Cosmetology programs are typically structured one of two ways. The curriculum is either modular or foundational.

With a modular curriculum, there is no exact “starting point” or “beginning”. Whenever you enroll, you start to learn with whatever is being taught that week.

In this type of structure, students are also constantly moving in and out of the classroom. New students are enrolling and older students are moving out of the classroom environment.

The foundational method allows all students to start with the same information and build from there. Instructors teach basic skills until students master them and establish a solid foundation.

At that point, students start to build more complex skills on top of the base of fundamentals that is already there. With a foundational curriculum, students learn the necessary steps of a procedure from start to finish and they also develop a sense of community.

They go from class to class, skill to skill, with the same group of students. This helps students build lasting friendships, and connections within the industry when they graduate.

Bonus Question for Your Campus Tours

We feel like we gave you seven solid questions to get to the bottom of how each beauty school measures up. But, we’re feeling generous so we have a bonus question for you.

What’s the Word on the Street?

Accreditation, outlining the curriculum, and telling you the scope of hands-on experience you can expect are all well and good, but what are people saying?

You want to see what other salons and spas are saying about the performance of school alumni. Can graduates from this school hang in the real world?

Do they have all the necessary skills? Do they know all the necessary treatment procedures? Are there things this school’s graduates are lacking?

You may not be able to get a straight answer to this question directly from your interviewer. That’s fine. Call around to local spas and salons on your own and see what’s what. 

Word of mouth will quickly tell you the full story.

Out-riddle the Riddler

Now you have some real firepower to use during your beauty school interviews or campus tours. Remember, they need to work for you as much as you need to work for them. Don’t get intimidated, and don’t be afraid to ask them to show their worth.

We know what we’ve got at TSPA, and we’re happy to answer any questions you may have. We welcome you to put us to the test!

If you have any more questions about our programs or want help getting started with the enrollment process, give us a call or visit us online today.

Book of Business 101

Get More Clients

As with any business, clients are essential to keeping your business afloat. This rings even more true in the beauty industry.

Whether you’re a hairstylist, esthetician, or barber, your business relies on nurturing client relationships. You chose a line of work that provided the most personal artistic growth for you while serving clients you love.

Your business thrives when your clients return.

That’s why your beauty business should keep a book of business. If you’re wondering what that is or how to be successful in the beauty industry, this article is for you.

Building Your Beauty Brand

The first thing you must do is shift your mindset. Yes, you may be running a successful salon. You might be building a successful spa. 

You are a business, but you are also more than that. You own a beauty brand. This is one of the biggest beauty industry success secrets that will help you go from good to great.

So, what distinguishes a beauty business from a beauty brand?

A beauty brand has a mission statement for why it exists. A brand has certain values that it stands for.

To help you define your mission statement and values, try to answer the following questions:

  • What’s the story behind your business? Why did it start?
  • Why did you get into the beauty industry?
  • What are things that you hope to achieve through your service or your brand?
  • What kind of clients do you want to work with?
  • How do you want every person that sits in your chair or lays on your spa table to feel?
  • What are things that don’t resonate with you, your service, and your brand?

The answers to these questions will help you to elevate your business and better define your beauty brand. Feel free to take a moment to gather your thoughts.

Work With Exclusive Clientele

One of the great things about being a beauty service provider is that you can build a loyal clientele.

As you move from being a business to building a beauty brand, your clients will follow you everywhere you go. When you’re developing beauty lines or products, they’re first to vouch for you.

That’s the impact of branding. You are one of a kind.

To help your brand grow, keep a book of business containing your most important clients.

These are the people whom you wake up in the morning and look forward to serving. They inspire you to be your best—to grow as an artist. You do what you love by serving them the best you can.

Keep them close. They remind you of your why and keep you on the right path.

Tips On How To Be Successful In The Beauty Industry

Running a successful salon and building a successful spa depends a lot on how you nurture client relationships.

You want to relate to your clients and you want to engage with them. But, there are certain topics that don’t fare well on the chair or table.

Avoid talking about personal life conflicts, politics, religion, sex, and other taboo topics.

Instead, opt for topics that excite your clients. Ask about their hobbies or where they would like to travel. Ask about TV shows, music, and concerts they enjoy.

You want your clients leaving your chair or table feeling more positive than before they came to you. Keep that in mind when you engage with your clients.

Chase Your Prosperous Beauty Career

Are you ready to pursue a career that is both financially and artistically rewarding? Does the thought of waking up every day and doing what you love excite you?

Come join us at The Salon Professional Academy to learn the skills needed on how to be successful in the beauty industry.

We offer scholarship opportunities and grants to help jumpstart your beauty career. Come check us out in person!

What are you waiting for?

Your dream career is waiting for you.