Cosmetologists take care of our beauty professionally. They may be Medical
professionals and Non-medical cosmetologists. Even though both of them in
the broad sense do the same job basically, they possess completely different
qualifications and methods of application. To be a Medical Cosmetologist or
Cosmetic Dermatologist one needs to have a Post graduate degree in Dermatology
(MD or diploma/DNB) after MBBS, but a Non-Medical Cosmetologist doesn’t need
any professional qualifications as such, besides good hands on experience.
Those who have a keen interest and inclination in beauty care can enter the
field after completing schooling at a minimum age of sixteen years. Rather
than high academic inputs, a beautician requires practical skills, which can
be gained not only by professional training, but also with a great deal of
hands-on practice. This can be acquired either by working at a good saloon
or by enrolling for a course at a reputed beauty school.
There are short-term diploma and certificate courses in beauty and hair care
available which if taken will be an advantage for budding beauticians in their
career growth. The duration of the courses depends upon the specialisation
and varies according to the institution. In USA and Europe, Cosmetologists
need to be licensed to practice in their field.
Personal skills: The main attribute needed for a beauty professional
is a good sense of aesthetics, creative bent of mind and a liking for people
of all ages. They should possess good business sense and the ability to express
oneself easily. Knowledge of different languages is an asset in this field.
Another important factor needed for a beautician is the attitude to keep abreast
of all the latest trends introduced into the beauty circuit and the willingness
to learn everything. The creativity is a needed skill for this profession.
They must be friendly, polite, attractive and confident. Hygiene is a very
important thing and the cosmetologists should be in Good health, should not
be allergic.