Author: Beata Bratu

Can You Make a Living as a Barber?

29th December 2020

Worried if you’ll be able to make a decent living as a barber? Well, stop worrying! Barbers make an impressive amount of money, and it seems like this is going to be one of the most asked-for occupations in the following time!

How to make a living as a barber?

 Stay persistent

If you’ve just graduated and you are not too sure where to turn, make sure you take it slow. Finding your first job does take time, but staying persistent will get you hired. You should also consider doing an apprenticeship in order to get noticed.

Find your regulars

Once hired, or even if you end up opening your own salon, make sure to stay loyal to your clients. Build bonds with others, and let them see how well you can cut & style hair! The better you transform someone’s image, the higher the chances that they’ll be back!

Invest in yourself & your courses

Every here & there, a true professional will consider stepping up their game & gaining even more knowledge. This means that you should invest in your courses and always build your portfolio. More knowledge + more working hours means higher prices = better salary.

Stay chatty

Lastly, it is important to stay chatty & friendly with others around you! Why? Clients love to talk with their hairdressers. If they end up feeling comfortable they might leave you a tip. This is just one more way of how you can profit at a salon.

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their barbering learners. They also offer free   barbering courses and work placement

What Do You Need to Do Your Own Gel Nails at Home?

24th December 2020

What if we say that you don’t need to empty your pockets on fancy salons and get your gel nail at home? Yes, DIY gel nails are just a few steps away.

#1 Arrange All The Tools

Tools are the main ingredients to start prepping your gel nails. To get those professional DIY gel nails, you will need some essential tools. LED lamps are the first things to arrange. You will also need a manicure kit that comprises all the vital items. Next, you will need gel polish to paint your nails.

#2 Prep Your Nails

For prepping your nails, begin with cleaning your cuticles and get a smooth finish. You also need a cuticle pusher to push and trim your cuticles. Don’t go extra on pushing that can lead to bleeding. Remove all the debris and apply some oil.

#3 Apply the Gel

Now comes the most important step of applying the gel. Ensure the oil is completely absorbed; even a little oil on nails won’t allow the gel to be properly set. You don’t have to make any effort; just let the gel spread across the nail. Let it dry and then file properly to give a shape.

#4 Paint It

Last but not least, paint your nail with beautiful gel polish and put your fingers under the LED lamp. Voila, there you go, professionally done gel nails at home.

That’s all you need to do to get those beguiling gel nails at home. So, get your tools and create those magnificent nails.

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their gel nail learners. We also offer free gel nail and nail art courses and funded level 3 nail courses with work placements.

 

 

How Do You Become a MUA?

19th December 2020

Makeup artist or MUA is a dream job for many. With the thriving fashion industry in the UK, the need for qualified makeup artists has surged. This is the perfect time to step foot in the industry and establish yourself as a knowledgeable professional for any kind of makeup artistry. The role of a makeup artist is quite unique. A makeup artist is a specialist in cosmetics, who has all the knowledge and expertise of different products and tools and uses his/her artistic skills to enhance the overall appearance of an individual—people who want to look at their best avail the services of a makeup artist.

A makeup artist style hair and apply makeup for people appearing in front of a live audience or on camera.

So, how do you become a MUA?

You can get into this job through:

  • An apprenticeship
  • A college course
  • A university course
  • Specialist course offered by beauty schools

An apprenticeship is a good option if you already have your basics cleared. The entry requirements are some GCSEs, usually including maths and English, for an intermediate apprenticeship.

 

You can also pursue a qualification in makeup therapy like VTCT NVQ Level 2 Diploma and VTCT NVQ Level 3 Diploma. The entry requirements are two or more GCSEs at grades A* to D for Level 2 Diploma, and four GCSEs at grades A* to C for Level 3 Diploma.

 

Once you have completed the necessary certifications:

  • You can start out as a trainee to a makeup team
  • Find casual work
  • Volunteer behind the scenes in amateur dramatic societies or theatres
  • Opt for specialist makeup and beauty courses

 

The more practical knowledge you gain, the better your portfolio will become.

 

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their beauty therapy learners. We also offer free make up courses and funded level 3 make up courses with work placements.

 

 

Can I Be a Hairdresser Without Qualifications?

14th December 2020

To become a specialist in any area, you need a variety of skills, knowledge and practise. Hair is incredibly important to people. When you scroll through social media, it’s fascinating to check out all the styles different celebrities have. As a society, we care about our appearance. People want to look amazing!

You wouldn’t let anybody cut your hair. Some people can’t even plait neatly!

I can plait, what’s so hard about hairdressing?

Not many people understand what it takes to create an even cut, how hair dye works, which hair shades match which skin tones, how to perm hair, how to condition frazzled hair. To be able to learn these skills, you will have to love hair, or the idea of working with hair, and will need to be ready to put the time into study and practise.

Can I be a hairdresser without qualifications?

People train in hairdressing through:

  1. Completing hairdressing courses at college.
  2. Completing in-house salon apprenticeships where you learn on the job.

You will need to evidence that you are able to work towards a level 2 in hairdressing. This is why entry requirements usually include at least two GCSEs at grades 9-3 (A*-D).

To apply for the CPBA Level 2 in Hairdressing, you will need a previous level 1 qualification in hairdressing or a successful skills test and interview. Please call us for a chat about your individual situation on 020 8004 8835.

If you have called CPBA for a chat and don’t have the entry requirements to join our level 2 Women’s Hairdressing course, it is worth contacting local salons about apprenticeships.

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their women’s hairdressing learners. We also offer free women’s hairdressing courses and work placements.

Do I Need Insurance to Do Nails?

8th December 2020

A self-employed nail tech should have their insurance policy. A policy will have your back if you face a compensation claim, and it can cover other things such as your equipment, tools, and inventory

These insurance are not too expensive and you can pay around £5-15 per month. The price can vary because of the size of your salon, income, as well as the policy that you end up choosing.

Nail technicians and manicurists who don’t have any employees are not legally obliged to have business insurance. However, you could use it if you face an expensive hurdle.

There are also some insurances for mobile freelancers.

There is public liability insurance, as well as a tailored policy that you can tailor per your needs and preferences.

These are the top three most important insurances:

Employer’s liability insurance that covers compensation claims that were made against you by other employees from the salon. This is perfect if you wish to protect yourself.

Public liability insurance covers compensation claims made against you by people who are not your employees. These can be members of the public or even your clients.

Product liability insurance will cover your tools as well as products. If you stumble upon any defects, this insurance will cover your loss and its irregularities.

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their nail technician learners. They also offer free  nail courses and work placement

How Can I Start a Salon With No Money

3rd December 2020

Thinking about opening up your own salon in the UK? Wondering if a beauty salon or a barbershop is the right call for you? Here’s what you should know:

  1. Get a license – you should register your new business with the environmental health section of your local authority. You will need to have at least the level 2 NVQ license to become a salon owner.
  2. Write a business plan – this will help you focus on your main objectives and your pricing, as well as the likely costs of all the tools.
  3. Ask your government for help – if you can’t save up the needed money for your barbershop, you should look into some government grants since these are available each year for the right business. Gov.UK business finance is the right place to start and see if you’re eligible for free funding!
  4. Go to the bank – if you are not eligible for a grant you can ask your bank for help. This funding option is the best if nothing else works out for you. You should consider a bank loan, but talk the details through with your business manager or with someone who has paid off their debt before you begin this journey.

PS: In the UK, it’s possible to apply for a government-backed Start Up Loan of between £500 and £25,000, which includes free guidance to help write your business plan and free mentoring.

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their barbering learners. They also offer free   barbering courses and work placement

How Can I Go to Barber School for Free?

28th November 2020

Hair schools and colleges can get pretty pricey, especially if you are in central London. Luckily, there are some money-saving solutions that you can go for, and those are:

  1. An apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is a program that takes anywhere from 15-18 months for you to master. After done, you will get the Level 2 diploma. An apprentice will meet and greet customers, wash hair, as well as cut beard & do some simpler hairstyles as time goes on.

You won’t have to pay for this experience, but you are obligated to learn alongside some other barbers & hairdressers, and you should come to the salon whenever you’re asked. Also, it is vital to find a hair salon that is accepting new workers/students.

  1. Find government-sponsored courses

You can become a barber even if you have no previous training. All you have to do is invest a couple of months to finish the program and education.

At CPBA, when you graduate, you’ll receive an internationally recognised VTCT Level 2 Diploma certificate, recognised by the UK’s leading barbering association (BBA).

This course can be founded by the government, as long as:

*You are between the age 19-23rd and this is your FIRST Level 2 qualification.

*You are 23 and unemployed or earn less than £15,736.50 per year.

This course takes 4 months to complete, and it is a lot more in-depth and convenient than the apprenticeship.

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their barbering learners. They also offer free   barbering courses and work placement

What Should I Study to Become a Makeup Artist?

23rd November 2020

If you think your brain drenches with creativity and you find happiness in making people look good, then it is worth becoming a makeup artist. But, it is easier said than done. Watching a few YouTube videos and following some of the most popular makeup artists on Instagram will not make you a makeup artist. Yes, they will help you in understanding how they use their creativity to make a client look good.

A makeup artist uses his/her skills in cosmetics, products, and tools to improve someone’s natural features or completely change how they look. There are two different fields in which a makeup artist can work – fashion and editorial and film and theatre.

If you have an artistic flair and love cosmetics, it should not be difficult for you to complete your certification programme and build a portfolio in the UK.

Makeup Artist Courses

Before you start as a makeup artist, a recognised qualification from an accredited institution is good to have in hand. This further improves your credibility and helps you land more gigs.

The most popular courses for a makeup artist include VTCT NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Beauty Therapy Makeup and VTCT NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Makeup Artistry.

First, you will have to complete the NVQ Level 2 Diploma before you can pursue the level 3.

Apart from these, there are other popular courses like an ITEC Level 3 Diploma, BTEC Level 3 Diploma, Makeup Standards Authority diploma, and more.

Choose the right course with proper counselling. This will make things clear for you.

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their beauty therapy learners. We also offer free make up courses and funded level 3 make up courses with work placements.

How Can I Become a Hairdresser Fast?

17th November 2020

Your heart is set on hairdressing, or perhaps you’re keen to begin earning money and you just want to start working as soon as possible!

Hairdressing is a fast-paced industry and trends are constantly changing. Professionals must not only look the part, they have to stay ahead of what’s fashionable and advise clients. Remember, every time a hairdresser styles a customer, they’re creating an “advert” for how good they are at their job. Word of mouth and recommendations is critical in developing a regular client base.

When you’re qualified, you’ll be rushed off your feet!

It’s common knowledge how hard hairdressers work. They’re on their feet all day, there is a constant stream of customers, they need to keep on top of bookings, recommend styles, sell products, remember customers at a personal level and keep abreast of trends – all this as well as making sure the salon is clean and tidy!

Enjoy your training. It’s hugely important and once you’re stood behind your first client with a pair of scissors you need to feel completely confident in your ability to make them look their best.

At CPBA we understand the importance of wanting to qualify quickly. One of our key advantages is that our courses are fast track.

How long does it take to become a qualified hairdresser?

At CPBA a level 2 NVQ in hairdressing can be completed in just 10 weeks. We advise hairdressing students to qualify at level 3 as well, so please check out our combined course, which can be completed in 21 weeks. You will also receive employment support to help find work placements or in setting up your own business.

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their women’s hairdressing learners. We also offer free women’s hairdressing courses and work placements.

How Do You Get Certified to Do Nails?

12th November 2020

There are several different ways and qualifications that one can get to become a nail tech.

However, in the UK, nail technicians do not need any formal qualifications to get a job. On the other end, you do need a Level 3 diploma to start your own nail tech business.

If you end up taking a nail technician course you will improve your chances of landing a well-paying position in a nail studio.

You can get certified in several ways, such as:

You can begin by taking a nail treatment course at your local college. These are offered in levels 1 and 2.

You can finish different courses in-salons or even online! Due to Covid-19, a lot of beauty schools offer amazing nail courses through Zoom and other streaming platforms.

You can get your nail diploma in:

  • Sculpting nails
  • Doing acrylics
  • Doing gel extensions
  • Manicures and pedicures
  • Doing nail art

As long as you can invest anywhere from one day and up to four months to master a class (or classes) you can become a certified nail tech.

You could also do a nail service technician intermediate apprenticeship. Usually, requirements are some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship.

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their nail technician learners. They also offer free  nail courses and work placement

What Is the Best Nail Qualification to Have?

7th November 2020

The nail industry has been booming in recent years, and this is mostly because of the influence of social media & celebrities. Nowadays everyone is craving a fresh acrylic set, as well as a neat manicure. If you want to become a nail tech, here are the basics that you should know:

The best qualification to have is the VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Nail Technology. This diploma could lead to employment whether it is in a salon or as a freelance nail technician. This is because it is fully insurable and recognised by the UK government. You can work in the beauty industry straight away as a junior nail technician or choose to develop your skills with further training.

If you have the VTCT Level 3 diploma, you will know how to do nail enhancements e.g. gel, acrylic, forms and electric filing. You will also be taught the theory behind each nail enhancement process and practical skills. This course also focuses quite a lot on pedicures, manicures, as well as any skin or nail infections, as well as fungus.

The best part about a Level 3 diploma?

You can open up a salon and run your own business! You can be your own boss!

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their nail technician learners. They also offer free  nail courses and work placement

Is it Illegal to Cut Hair at Home?

2nd November 2020

If you are a hairdresser who is thinking about working at home, make sure you look into it before proceeding further! Here’s all that you should know about freelancing.

  1. You might need permission

If you want to run a business from your home, you may need permission from your landlord where they state that they are fine with you turning your property to a commercial place. Although there is nothing illegal about cutting hair at home, you may want to read some rules & guidelines on how to do it correctly.

  1. Each city is different

Regulations vary from country to country, and they can also vary from city to city. Ask around to get the information that applies specifically to your area. Your town hall is a good place to start.

  1. You might not profit from working from home

Although it may sound intriguing and practical, doing haircuts from your home is not the smartest move. Also, you won’t make a lot of money (at the beginning for sure). Why is that so? Well, you are inviting someone to your personal space and where they’ve never been. Would you feel comfortable walking around in someone else’s home or apartment?

Cutting hair from home may be a good temporary idea (if all else fails) but it isn’t a good solution in the long run.

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their barbering learners. They also offer free   barbering courses and work placement

Is Barbering a Good Career Choice?

27th October 2020

Barbering is a respected profession that allows most barbers to work under their terms and on their flexible schedules. You will enjoy barbering if:

  • You love to socialize
  • Love to create
  • Fast education and dynamic surroundings suit you
  • You love to work with different people daily
  • The typical 9-5 job doesn’t suit you
  • You are against specific dress code rules since you love to express your style in your way
  • You are a people-person

Aside from these key factors, you will enjoy barbering since it allows both men and women to profit quite nicely from this profession. In fact, barbers are becoming quite respected and highly asked-for due to social media, as well as ads that you see on Facebook & Instagram.

Nowadays this profession is considered fast-growing and it seems like we will be needing more barbers in the future.

Becoming a barber is not that time-consuming either since it only takes you 1,200 hours to complete the course and receive your license. This means that you will finish your course in less than 4 months!

If you are eager to learn and you love to create – you will manage just fine in the barbering world!

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their barbering learners. They also offer free   barbering courses and work placement

Is Barber School Easy?

22nd October 2020

If you wish to become a barber make sure that you’re ready for all the upcoming challenges! Here are the top 3 facts regarding a barber school and its education system.

  1. It can be time-consuming

Each barber school is different. However, most of them will take around 6+ months to finish. Ask yourself how you’re doing with spare time, and if you can invest a lot of energy & effort into completing these courses. Make sure that you are persistent since otherwise, it could be just a waste of time.

  1. Think about the cost

Some barber schools are pricier than others. People who are on a budget can always get their apprenticeship done. Although it is a time-consuming option, it is the best one money-saving wise!

Lastly, you can always go ahead and finish a fast-paced course. These are quick & easy to follow + you will get your Level 2 certificate afterward.

  1. Ask yourself if you’re willing to learn

Your barber school or your barbering course doesn’t have to be too hard to master. As long as you are persistent and you have a passion for this niche, you will find it quite enjoyable!

On the other hand, if you are not a quick learner and you don’t care about trendy & hot hairdos, you may find this profession boring.

Make sure that you are passionate and eager to learn. If you are, nothing will be too hard for you!

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their barbering learners. They also offer free   barbering courses and work placement

What Qualifications Do I Need to Be a Barber?

17th October 2020

Becoming a barber in the UK is not that hard since there are different ways, classes & routes that you can go for. Here’s all that you should know!

  1. Your earnings can vary

An average salary for a barber is anywhere from £14,000 – £25,000 per year. However, qualified barbers and ones that have a higher form of education may earn even more!

  1. You can choose three different routes

You could get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship

–  working towards this role (some barbering courses) 

  1. What qualifications do you need?
  1. College

If you are off to college you will master it and receive either your Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Barbering. Your entry requirements to get into college are:

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

  1.  Apprenticeship

If you wish to work at a barber salon you can ask one of the owners to take you in. An apprenticeship is a free program, and its requirements are:

some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

  1. Finish a fast-paced course

Lastly, you can finish some at-salon as well as online barbering courses. At CPBA when you graduate, you’ll receive an internationally recognised VTCT Level 2 Diploma certificate, recognised by the UK’s leading barbering association (BBA).

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their barbering learners. They also offer free   barbering courses and work placement

Is Doing Hair at Home Illegal?

12th October 2020

Due to the Coronavirus, nothing is for certain and the outcomes may vary & depend on the current outbreak situation.

At the moment, hairdressers or barbers cannot work from home, and here’s why!

The government’s social distancing instructions prevent beauticians, nail-care & hair-care professionals from working further.

Doing someone’s hair outside of a salon involves having people who aren’t members of your household enter your home, which means the possibility of spreading the virus, which further means not practicing social distancing.

However, you should stay updated through social media and continue obeying the rules.

Everything can change within a week, so it is not safe to give you proper answers. Also, every country & city is different, so it is hard to give just one clear answer.

Five months ago, hairdressers were allowed to work from home, and no law was stopping them from providing their services as freelance artists.

This may, unfortunately, change in the following 5-month period.

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their barbering learners. They also offer free   barbering courses and work placement

What Are the Benefits of Being a Barber?

6th October 2020

 

Wondering if barbers are blessed with some benefits, and how their everyday life looks like? If you wish to become a barber, here are all the perks that may interest you!

  1. You are your own boss

If you end up opening and running your business you will manage to do everything on your own. Both barbers and hairdressers have the privilege to work at their own pace and preferred working hours. If you are someone who needs flexibility, you will love barbering!

  1. You will get a lot of tips

Did you know that almost every customer will leave you a 20% tip? This applies even to customers that aren’t fully in love with the outcome. You should give them what they’ve asked for and you’ll always walk out with a generous tip!

  1. You can travel

Barbers are often quite flexible and they can travel whenever or wherever they feel like. If you prefer your freedom and you love to do everything under your own rules, you’ll manage just fine!

  1. You are meeting loads of different people every day

Lastly, if you are a chatty person and you are an extrovert, you will love your job! One of its biggest perks is that you get to meet so many new people each day. You can also meet some new friends through your profession, and not a lot of professions are lucky enough to have this.

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their barbering learners. They also offer free   barbering courses and work placement

How Much Is a Nail Course?

1st October 2020

 

Nail techs nowadays are quite lucky since they get to choose between several different nail course options! There are in-salon educations 1:1, as well as some online & in-school programs that you can go for. Usually, here’s how much they are!

Most beauty schools or educators will offer you several different course options.

There are different educations for acrylics, dip nails, gels, as well as nail services (manicures, pedicures).

It is important to outline that you can’t learn about acrylics or other more complicated manicures and treatments (such as fiberglass & silk nails) until you’ve mastered the basics like gel polishes. The step-by-step approach is the most important, so make sure you do your research before committing to one practice in particular.

What qualifications are there and what are their prices?

Usually, your level 2 NVQ diploma can run anywhere from £500 – 2,000. During this education, you will learn the basics regarding nail art, gel nails, and you will maintain hygienic workspace.

At CPBA, the level 3 diploma in nail technology is £3,345 but you may be eligible for funding if. This course is for people who want to do creative designs, build strong gel nails, use electric nail files, and you will upgrade your pedicures and manicures.

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their nail technician learners. They also offer free   nail courses and work placement

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Barber Chair?

25th September 2020

Did you know that freelancing barbers can rent out barber chairs at someone else’s salon?

On the other hand, you can also rent the chairs (if you are a salon owner) to other barbers, and profit in such a way! Here are all the perks as well as prices when it comes to renting a barber chair:

  1. Two ways to rent it

You can agree to rent your chair in two ways. One is by doing a fixed monthly payment (for an unlimited amount of work and use).

Or you can agree to do a split on all earnings. For example, you could do a 60/40 division.

  1. The price can vary

The price can vary since there are two routes to go for. Do you wish to split the earnings, or do you want to pay a monthly fee? Usually, a weekly rental of a barber chair goes for £250. However, each salon is different, and you will stumble upon different prices in different salons.

  1. Is it the right call for you?

You should do the math and figure out how much money you’re making per week by doing a rental. If you can pay off your chair in 2-3 days of your work, go for it! However, if you don’t have steady customers and you’re struggling to profit, leave this idea aside.

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their barbering learners. They also offer free   barbering courses and work placement

How Much Money Does It Take to Start a Barber Shop?

21st September 2020

Planning on opening your own barbershop? This is one of the best professions in 2020, and it is an amazing job for people who love to do transformations. Here’s all that you should know about starting your business!

  1. The education itself can be pricey

You can expect to pay anywhere from £1,000-5,000 for your education. Every school/course is different, so even the training process can be quite pricey.

However (and luckily) there are some government founded options, as well as apprenticeships that can help you save money, and invest it fully towards your barbershop!

  1. The shop will be pricey

Finding the perfect location, renovating it, as well as buying all the furniture can be pricey. Your place of living also plays a huge role since you will pay a lot more for a barbershop in central London than you’d pay in, let’s say, Birmingham. However & realistically, opening a shop will cost you around £160.000 (roughly).

  1. You have to think about everything

Before you invest a lot of money & thought into your shop, make sure that you are well-aware of all the responsibilities that it carries. You will have to think about the following details:

  • Shop rental or purchase price
  • Cost of refurbishment of premises
  • Insurance policy
  • Barber tools and equipment
  • A permit and license
  • Shop inventory
  • Furniture
  • Marketing materials & cost of advertising
  • Cleaning supplies

CPBA offers free employment advice and guidance to their nail technician learners. They also offer free   nail courses and work placement