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In an industry like ours, presentation is quite important. This isn’t to say a beauty therapist or spa therapist or nail technician needs to look like a supermodel, because that isn’t true either, and, to be honest, I believe we’d all have some big shoes to fill if that was expected of us. No, I’m talking about presentation as a whole, both in our work and in our overall manner and appearance.
We hear about how first impressions always last, and it’s very important to realise how true this statement actually is. So it remains important to be not only well-groomed on the outside but also well-spoken and well-mannered on the inside. Remember, you are trying to sell a service to clients.
So little things like hair well-maintained and pulled back away from the face (if you have long hair) and keeping nails short and well-groomed are good. Wearing appropriate (but not over-done) make-up and being dressed appropriately are two big areas as well. You need to look like a professional person, not like you’re heading out for a Friday night on the town or spending a few hours at the gym or meeting up with old friends at a cafe for a coffee, because professionals dressed well command respect.
Manner is important as well. Think of this as presenting your personality to others. Being pleasant, well-spoken and thinking about how best to phrase your questions and answers are vital areas. I’m not saying to re-invent yourself or act totally outside your comfort zone (like adding a plum to your speech or something like that). What I am saying is be nice to everyone — you never know who that person you are talking to is, or who that person is connected to, or how your attitude might reflect on later dealings with that person or his or her associates — and think about what you are saying and how you say it. When you ask questions, form them in your mind first to ensure you get what you want to ask across well, listen to the answer, and form dialogue from there. This is quite important to ensure you gain and communicate the information you want to.
In your standard of work, both here and in the industry, needs to be presented well, neat and communicative. This is particularly important for case studies / client consultation cards, as you need to have well-documented information available for others to follow in case you are sick (and they need to take your appointments), you have an accident while treating the client or the client has a negative reaction. Also, things like treatment menus, business cards, and so on should be something that represents your industry and your professionalism as best as possible.
Overall, this blog is to help you think about how others see you in the context of being a beauty therapist, spa therapist and/or nail technician and in your professional life. We have seen, at other providers both here and overseas, examples of wonderfully presented students and therapists, and also examples of not-so-professionally presented students and therapists, and to get ahead in the industry, you need to have as many things working in your favour as possible. Presentation is one of these. A solid, high quality education (which we obviously can offer you) is another.
Scott Fack is the Director of Operations for The National School of Aesthetics, the South Island’s leading beauty therapy, nail technology and spa therapies training provider.