Pursuing passions as a makeup artist, hairstylist, esthetician or any other related field will require you to have a cosmetology license. Additionally, if you wish to run a beauty parlour then you will need a beauty parlour certificate.
The cosmetology license exams, criteria, certification requirements, and syllabus differs from state to state. Beauty parlours require the license of the state and at times even the government to function. In addition to having a certificate for beauty parlour you will also need to know how to get a beautician license.
Let us understand the requirements you need to meet to get a beautician license before you move onto the procedures for applying for a beauty parlour certificate.
The general requirement for getting a beautician license is to complete your training hours. This needs to be followed by you taking an exam according to your state regulations to obtain the beautician license.
How to get a beautician license and become a certified beautician?
1. Training hour
As mentioned earlier there will be training hours that you need to fulfill. These hours include hands-on experience as well as classes. The number of training hours varies from state to state. The longer the training hours the longer your stay at the institution where you enrolled for your beautician course.
2. Exams
You will need to sit for exams before you earn your license. These exams are administered and are divided into two portions. One half is the theory or written bit and the other half is the practical exam which needs you to demonstrate your hands-on experiences. These exams test your knowledge of concepts of skincare, haircare, and nail care services. Additionally, it tests the scientific knowledge that you will require to provide these services to your prospective customers.
3. Apprenticeships
Needless to say that in this industry there are apprenticeship options that allow you to train under an experienced professional. Such professionals are licensed to mentor and provide their expertise and guidance as and when you require it. This allows you to learn what your job role requires you to do. This is much better than the theoretical learning provided in the courses. In case you want to pursue an apprenticeship with your training then this lengthens your training hours.
4. Specialisation
Beautician courses provide a holistic knowledge of the services of nail care, hair care, and skincare. However, you are free to specialise in one or more categories. Some programs allow you the option of choosing specialised courses right from the beginning. Others may require you to gain a holistic knowledge of all spheres and then pursue additional training hours in your area of specialty. Some of the specialties that many wish to pursue are hair color specialists, men’s styling, or blowout specialist.
5. Other things that you need to keep in mind
You will need to pay the fee for exams and the license and once you clear your exams you are qualified to own a license. After you obtain your license your responsibility is to maintain it. You will need to renew your license every few years as and when it expires. Different states have different rules for license renewal. Some states appreciate your training extra hours to update your knowledge and skills. Other states simply require you to pay a certain amount for the renewal of your license.
In countries like India, not everyone beautician pursues a certified course. However, owning a certificate allows you to have an edge over your competitors in the market. Certain skills like permanent makeup require the knowledge and expertise that comes from pursuing a certification course. Additionally, while performing such services some formalities prove fruitful if followed.
Talk to your client to assess their requirements and determine if that would be a safe and right fit for them. Maintain good hygiene standards. Remove existing makeup and start on a clean face. Pick the appropriate tools for your work before you get started.
How to get a beauty parlour certificate?
Now that you know how to apply for your beautician certificate, it is time you learn how to get a beauty parlour certificate. You may require more than one type of license to operate a beauty parlour. Therefore, let us learn what these different types of licenses are.
1. Salon license
This is a specialised business license that lets you open a beauty parlour and run it. Depending upon your state, this is generally issued by a cosmetology board or your business licensing board.
2. Beautician license
To have a beauty parlour certificate you will need to have a beautician license. However, in many states or countries, this is not mandatory. Some states might require you to have a beautician license whereas others do not.
3. License for salon manager
Some states require the salon manager to separately own a license for his position. Some states require you to gain a professional training certificate or hands-on experience at a salon. Other states may require both.
4. Permits
There are certain building permits that you may need to meet. There are health and safety regulations that your beauty parlour needs to meet. If you do not have much idea of what your permits require then contact your local business administrative office for more knowledge. The business counselors there will help you out with what you need to start your business.
5. Other requirements
To hire employees in your beauty parlour you will need an Employee Identification Number (EIN). You can apply for this online, it is free of cost You will need to apply for a resale tax certificate to your state’s revenue department. This makes it easier for you to purchase beauty and grooming essentials at wholesale prices and sell them to your customers at a profit.
Final thoughts
After you have met all the above criteria you can then apply online for your beauty parlour certificate. Most of the procedures can be performed online without any hassle.
Some of the technicalities listed here may seem daunting. However, it gets easier once you start. Once you complete all the procedures you can have the beauty parlour of your dreams.
