Why Do I Need A License? - The Question That Makes Us Want To Smack You

Every true Beauty Professional in the beauty industry (in the United States at least) should be Licensed.

If you are Licensed now, raise your hand.  My hand is up, is yours?  I am Licensed in not one, but two states.

We get a lot of questions here, but the most frustrating one is will our certificate be a substitute for a real License. No. No it will not.  Then we often hear a lot of whining.  But why do I need a License if I only want to perform (brow threading, makeup application, microblading, etc.)?

Basically, not getting your License means you probably are not committed.  Or you are simply lazy.  Yes, this is harsh, but it is also true.  Why should you "waste your time" getting Licensed?  All of us who have a License and took the legal way to practicing our craft want to smack you.  Hard.

The world is full of imitators, pretenders. Those looking for the path of least resistance and the easiest way.  Real Professionals never take the easy way.  They are never looking to cut corners.  They are always ready to learn more, invest more and become the best at what they do.

What is happening in the world of eyebrows right now is that a lot of newer services don't currently fall under most states' laws and regulations, like microblading for example.  But guess what?  When I recently talked to the State Board of Cosmetology Inspector (my studio was being inspected, because it's Licensed) he told me microblading will soon fall under the governing Laws. 

So what does that mean?  That means that all those unlicensed microbladers in Pennsylvania, that spent thousands on trendy training, will need to go to school and actually get Licensed.  Then they will need to work in Licensed Salons.  That is, if they were willing to stick it out and build an actual clientele.  Most people who don't want to bother with a License also don't want to bother with the work needed to build a book filled with loyal clients.  They usually move on to the next quick trend they can "learn".

Then there is the cost.  Yes, I get it.  School costs money.  So what do you do?  Well here are a few ideas:

- Save up and take the shortest program.  Only want to do facials? No need to get the full Cosmetology License.  Start with an Esthetician License.

- Work in a salon that will help you pay for your tuition. Many salon owners will help you get through school if you are willing to commit to working for them once you graduate.  Do your research and ask around.

- Look for scholarships.  Go to your local beauty academy and ask if there are any non-loan financial assistance programs that could help you out.  The beauty store chain Sally Beauty also offers scholarships.  Didn't know that did you?  Google is your friend.

- Go to school part time to have an extended time to pay it off.  I worked while going to school two days a week.  It took me a lot longer to finish, but was able to pay cash as I went.

- Depending on your income level, you may qualify for grants, if the beauty school you choose is accredited.

Having a License also gives you credibility with customers.  

The License tells the world that you are a Professional, and have passed a rigorous exam to earn that License.  It also tells the client that someone is looking out for them.  All salons in the U.S. must be able to present an employee's License if the customer asks to see it, and savvy clients today may ask more than ever before.  Don't have one?  Out the door they go.

Now, just because you have a License does not mean you are done studying.  That is why we developed our eyebrow design course, body waxing class and esthetician marketing training.  These are for Beauty Pros who want to continue to learn at an affordable cost.  Our classes were never meant as an alternative to skip steps, but are here to help you help yourself.

So do you really need a License?  We think so, and can only hope that you do to.

Have questions about Licensing in your State?  Contact your State's Board Of Cosmetology, they will answer every one of your questions.  Just Google them :-)

Waxing Trends: What's New In Body Waxing

Body waxing, like every other beauty service, has trends.

So what are the new trends when it comes to body waxing?

I was recently interviewed by byrdie.com for my thoughts on whether or not Brazilian waxes are still popular.

The article was interesting. The opinions of the experts and the author shed light on what may be happening in the world of Brazilian waxing.

Looks like women in larger cities are still embracing the all together bare look.  Yet women in middle America may be a bit less enthusiastic.

With that said, it does not seem that a completely untamed lady garden is what we are all after.  But the trend to keep it a little less tame seems to be taking hold, especially with the more organic lifestyle ladies.

So here is the next question. Are we suddenly willing to be hairier everywhere?

I have noticed one quite disturbing trend at my salon.  Women who refuse to get rid of their mustache.  Now, I get it, very few people see "down there" but everybody sees your mustache.  And looks at your mustache.  And can't stop looking at your mustache.

I mentioned to one of my clients, whose sister is also my client, that she needs to tell her sister she has a substantial 'stache.  "Oh we've tried to tell her, would you please tell her too?  Maybe she will listen to you."  was her response.  OK, no pressure there.

So what's the deal?  Are people's lips cold?  And even when you ask if they would like a lip wax, and you actually have a conversation about their mustache for 10 minutes, they still walk out with it on their lip!  I always offer all suggestions - waxing, threading or you could bleach it at home.  But I waste my breath, the mustache has won.  The next time they come in, the mustache comes with them.

In the past few years, arm waxing seems to have taken hold, especially among the sporty set.  Women who are super buff want hairless arms to show off their muscles.  Seems that a lot of women are embracing arm waxing, especially for the summer.  With the many body lotions that add a "glow" to the skin, hair just gets in the way.  Super sleek skin seems to go arm-in-arm (couldn't help myself:-) with waxing.

As for the legs, I feel that they will always be popular.  They are a big area to shave or laser, so legs should always be trending.

Waxing of the underarms is a simple five minute service, but has so much return.  Underarm waxing stays.

Men seem to like waxing too.  Once again, the buff, muscled man wants to show off those muscles to all who wish to see them.  So getting rid of the hair layer is a no-brainer.

And with the whole manscaping craze of the past decade, men may simply be convinced by their partner to go bare. Arms, chest, back, etc. are still,popular in certain circles.

So what waxing trends are you noticing?  And how can you capitalize on them and make more money in your spa or salon? 

Be sure to check out our spa and salon marketing course for all the ways to market yourself as the expert.  And of course for the gentlest waxing service ever, our body waxing class will make you a very popular wax technician.

Keep on waxing!

What Is Microblading And Should I Learn How To Do It

So the big buzz in brows right now is Microblading.  If you perform brow services, you may be fielding questions about what exactly Microblading is and if your client should get it done. 

Let's start with...
MICROBLADING 101

Microblading, also known as Eyebrow Embroidery, has been around awhile now.  Some parts of the world, like the United States, are just catching on.  But other parts of the world, like Japan for example, have offered Microblading for many years.

So Microblading works like this: a pigment is manually deposited into the skin by use of a pen-like instrument, which contains several fine needles organized in a line, that resembles a scalpel. When the Microblading tool is pressed against the skin, the needles penetrate the skin making fine incisions that leave behind the pigment. In theory, the strokes made by the technician are to be thin and mimic the look of fine hairs.

There are usually two sessions. The first would be the bulk of the work and would last approximately two hours. And then a second session two to fours weeks after the initial session.  This is to see how the brows are healing, how the color is fading and to do any necessary touch ups or corrections.  Between the two sessions, the client's brows will scab over and there will be limitations as to what products can be used around the brows to keep the pigment intact.

But let's not mince words. This is a tattoo, period.


WHO SHOULD GET MICROBLADING?

Your client will eventually ask if they should get this done, especially once it is written about more and more in popular magazines and discussed on TV.  I might suggest this procedure to clients who have sparse brows - brows that have lots of space between the hairs.  I would also recommend this to clients who just can't seem to get their brows to fill-in in certain spots.  Also, some clients with very fair brows may like a touch of deeper color blended in.

But these same issues can easily be solved with pencils and powders. So the real question is does any client really need Microblading?  That will be up to your client.  Do they hate filling in their brows everyday?  Do they want the brows to look fuller, not by creating a softness and shadow with temporary pencils and powders, but with the look of actual hairs?  Would their brows be perfected if tiny gaps and spaces were filled in with the hairlike strokes that Microblafing could offer?

Also, there is a pain issue.  A numbing cream is applied before the procedure, but some sensitive clients may not tolerate the process as well as others.


WHAT ARE THE RESULTS OF MICROBLADING LIKE?

The results vary, to put it politely.  I have seen amazing work - online.  Done by artists that are not in my area.  But my clients that have gone off (against my advice, by the way) and found an artist through a friend-of-a-friend and had it done, have had less than stellar results.

Now, as with any beauty procedure, it is part art and part technique.  The results I have seen have been neither.  It was as if the artist could not even place an arch properly or decide where a brow should begin.  I have also seen brows that look like someone took a magic marker to draw on the hairs.  It is called MICROblading for a reason.  The strokes should be thin look like real hairs.

If you don't know how to properly design a brow, you have no business allowing a client to wear your mistake on their face simply because you want to make more money with a trendy service.

Also, it seems as though the only color artists seem to use is jet black.  Either they are not mixing the pigment properly or not accounting for the color of the clients skin and how the final results will read.  But even ladies that have told me "she said she used blonde" seem to have jet black brows.

Many Microblading artists have taken the EyebrowMBA course to help round out their skill set.  Brow design may not be a priority in most Microblading classes, but it is an absolute must if you want to be successful in the industry.

Microblading is not regulated by the Cosmetology Board in most states.  So can you practice it?  Perhaps not.  Just because the Cosmetology Board does not regulate it does not mean that it is not regulated or does not require Licensing by another board.  Many states require a Tattooing License to legally provide this service if you are not a medical doctor.  So be sure you are not performing this service illegally.


SHOULD YOU LEARN HOW TO PERFORM MICROBLADING?

Are you considering performing this service?  Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

-Do you have stellar brow design skills now?

-Do you mind working around blood?  There will be a little blood during the procedure.

-Are you comfortable doing a more "medical" procedure?

-Do you have a steady hand?

-How are your color theory skills?

-Are you willing to practice, practice, practice before charging for your work?

-There is a great deal of technique to Microblading, are you ready to work hard and learn the proper and precise techniques?

-The work can be difficult on your body, are you willing to have a bit of physical fatigue?

If you answered yes to the above, you might enjoy the work. I think if you are detail oriented, like precision and enjoy truly allowing your client to be freed from a pesky brow problem that has bothered them for years, you would do well.

But remember, this procedure has a medical component.  You need to be comfortable with laying down the law and discussing serious aftercare with your client.  Because you are cutting the skin, there is risk for real infection.

BOTTOM LINE ON MICROBLADING

Microblading is a tattoo procedure that is more medical in nature.  It requires great eyebrow design skills and a serious amount of practice and patience to master.  You may need additional Licensure, so be sure to check with your state board.

Eyebrow Threading Training Online!

Have you wanted to learn how to thread your client's brows but didn't know where to begin?  We we can help!

Step-by-step instructions for basic eyebrow threading plus the ultimate eyebrow design course in one class...and best of all, it is all online!

This class is designed for beauty pros, so if you want to offer your client's the hottest service in the industry, check us out.

www.eyebrowmba.com

Celeb Brow of the Week - Michelle Williams

Thought we would take a look at Golden Globe nominee Michelle Williams Brows.

Michelle's delicate features need an equally delicate brow, and we feel that she achieves this.

Her brows start and end well, are not too thick for her features and have a modern, loose line.

The only thing we would suggest is that she lighten her brow powder by one shade.  But notice how you are drawn immediately to her eyes, exactly what a great pair of brows should do.

Next week, we will look at her brows from the film My Week with Marilyn, where she portrays Marilyn Monroe.

(Photo Credit: AP/Peter Kramer)

Eyebrow Threading Class Online!

Ever wanted to try eyebrow threading but never knew how to begin? Well, now as part of the EyebrowMBA program you can learn eyebrow threading basics.

Our step-by-step threading lessons are perfect for the beginner threader. We'll show you all you need to know to start practicing this ancient technique. And don't forget, our eyebrow design certification course is all online!

Find out more www.eyebrowmba.com

The Art of Brows - Classes for Beauty Pros!

Have you ever wondered why some estheticians can do brows really well? What do they know that you don't?
Well, they know that sculpting perfect brows is an art. Anyone can learn the Art of Brows if they know the secrets to great brow design!

We will teach you what insiders know...all of the tricks of the trade! Our studio was recently featured in the cover story, Eyebrow Couture, of Associated Skin Care Professionals' Magazine.

Don't wait any long to master the Art of Brows!

www.eyebrowmba.com

Eyebrow Design Lessons for Pros! Three Quick Lessons for You!

Want to learn three quick tips to take your eyebrow shaping to the next level? Click here to gain access to three lessons from EyebrowMBA.

Shaping brows will never be a challenge again. Our online brow training course is exactly what you need to design amazing brows on every client, every time.

Whether you tweeze, wax or thread brows, our design class will help you make more money doing what you do!

Eyebrow Training Classes - Learn Eyebrow Design Online!

Have you ever been terrified when a client asks for an "eyebrow arch"? Well, you are not alone. Many professionals shudder at the thought of reshaping a client's brows. And really, there is no need to be afraid.

Once you have the tools to shape the perfect brow for every client, you will welcome eyebrow shaping to your book, which can add to your take home bottom line!

EyebrowMBA will help you get all of the confidence you need to master eyebrow artistry. Best of all, you can learn it all online!

Check it out to be one of the first to enroll and earn your EyebrowMBA!
www.eyebrowmba.com

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Eyebrow Shaping Certification

Looking to get certified in the art of eyebrow shaping and design? How about doing it all online?


You have come to the right place! The first online certification program of its kind. All lessons, lectures and videos are online! Once you pass the test, then you will have earned your EyebrowMBA and bragging rights in your salon.

Completely affordable, the course gives you insider tricks that will have you shaping amazing brows on every client, every time.

Check out www.eyebrowmba.com today and be on your way to becoming the best eyebrow artist you can be.