Grooming for a future

More and more people are growing conscious of the way they are turned out. This interest in grooming has styled a wide range of career avenues. By Pallavee Dhaundiyal

This 100-crore industry has thrown up new openings for interested students. Many are taking to this self-image profession. One can look good even if one's nose is too long, forehead too broad, or eyes wide apart. Grooming includes everything from fashion and social etiquette, to health clubs and fitness centres. "One has to learn by seeing demonstrations and audio-visual presentations, hearing lectures on a wide range of subjects --from theory to application, practising the techniques learnt,'' says Blossom Kochhar of Pivot Point, Delhi. "Either one can have general training, or specialise in certain areas of grooming. Grooming is vital for the corporate world too,'' she adds.

Grooming involves gracious deportment and posture; etiquette and table manners; skin care and aroma therapy; conversation and communication skills; make-up; hair care and styling; and health.

Skin care & aroma therapy
Students pursuing this field are taught aroma therapy, an ancient therapeutic treatment through fragrance, which enhances a person's well-being and relieves stress. Training with a beauty school that specialises in facial treatments, is required for skin care.

Etiquette & table manners
Aspirants must know how to conduct themselves with grace and dignity in a variety of social, cultural and corporate settings. Issues related to conflict handling, assertiveness skills, staff handling and how to make one's presence felt, are covered in this aspect of grooming. Sessions on table manners give an understanding of Western and Indian menus, as well as the correct use of cutlery and crockery.

Deportment & Dress
"Your posture at all times comes under deportment, translating into confidence,'' says Kupul of Vandana Luthra's Curls and Curves, Delhi, adding, "dress sense involves lessons on the clothes you should wear, according to your physique and the occasion.''

Make-up
The first consideration in make-up, is naturally the skin. "Make-up is to look good and feel confident,'' says Ambika Pillai, a make-up and hair care specialist. Make-up is different for the day and the evening. Heavier make-up with special effects is the third form. "A make-up specialist has a great career in the glamour world. Initially difficult to start with, but once established with proper training, could give immense opportunities to prove oneself,'' remarks Pillai.

Hair and styling
Hairstylist Javed A Habib, says, "Your confidence and walk gets an immense boost, if you have good hair and a good cut. You don't need a BA degree for this. Being a hair doctor, one must know what's the right shampoo for his client, and then do the right cut.''

This aspect includes treatment of the hair and scalp, as well as styling and cutting. One is required to know about the care and application of hair pieces, and other accessories. "For a hair specialist it is important to learn all you can about trichology and hair conditions, so you can immediately recognise porosity, over-bleaching, thermal damage or other hair and scalp problems,'' adds Habib.

Health
"Improper health can lead to hair loss, brittle bones, chipped nails and bad skin. Diet is important as great looks come from within. Also, body care, figure analysis, calories, and exercises, pertain to the same area,'' explains Kochhar. One can get trained at a beauty and health care centre handling health, fitness, and exercises. It also includes yoga, aerobics and gym workouts.

Eligibility
A 10+2 or at least a class 10-level qualification is preferred. The training ranges from one to six months. The courses cost between Rs 1,500 and Rs 70,000. The schools provide both theoretical and practical knowledge. Besides professional expertise and practical training, a basic liking for people of all ages, a friendly and confident personality, attractive appearance, good health, cleanliness and hygiene, and a business temperament are required.

Avenues
One can work in a saloon or beauty parlour. There is a vast scope in the sales and marketing of beauty products. Working at a health club or fitness centre is also an option. Self-employment is practical after gaining some experience. The expertise of grooming is in great demand. They require either a general training in all aspects of grooming, or specialisations in certain areas of grooming techniques. Also, one can work for a cosmetic manufacturer, or become a consultant.

You could run your own saloon, training establishment, or teach in vocational training schools. One can also enter the publishing world by writing articles, books, brochures, columns, educational manuals, or even produce videos. Careers in corporate organisations, five-star hotels, airlines are also feasible.

An internship in a prominent and well-recognised saloon, would be the ideal move during the course. A starting stipend of Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 per month could range between Rs 10,000 and Rs 12,000 per month after gaining good practical knowledge, one could earn between. Your own parlour could yield profits between Rs 20,000 and Rs 50,000 per month.