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!