Hi,

Firstly, I'm new to this site - so apologies if this message is in the wrong place!!!

I'm in my late twenties and have wanted to make my career move into the beauty industry for - well as long as I can remember (over 10 years!). I've come to the point where I'm totally fed up of my job and am seriously seriously considering taking THAT first step!!!! Has anybody done this before? It's quite scary and i'm good at giving advice but can't take my own advice!!!

Also, if i do take that step - i'm looking to train in a relatively quick way (maybe with london college of beauty or london school of beauty), mainly within 6 months. Does anybody have any reviews of these places? Are there are other good places in london (where i can train quite quickly)?

Would really really appreciate any advice!!!!!!!

Thanks so much
Krayzie

I started my training at 33, had a few probs along the way (not related!) But this year finally working full time as a nail technician at 39 years old. I'd say go for it, I've got no regrets. Ps welcome to the site!
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Hi,
Thanks for replying to my message!

It's nice to hear from other people who have or are in the same boat as me. Are you working full-time as a nail technician? If you're in the London area - where did you train?

Thanks

From being a nurse since 1983, I changed to a career in Beauty therapy 2 years ago at the grand 'young' age of 43! No regrets.

Regarding the amount of time in which you wish to achieve your training, I do know that CIBTAC takes about 8 to 10 months depending on the college, however it is very, very intensive and requires dedication and enormous effort as there is so much to cover in that time and the level of standard expected is high. It is also very expensive.

The Carlton Institute offers fast track courses but these require much of the work to be undertaken on your own which requires self discipline and motivation,

Whatever you decide, do your research for this as thoroughly as you can before spending precious money and committing to something as it can be an expensive mistake if you find it is not what you thought it would be. Good luck.

Hi,
Thanks for your reply Mrs Mosley. Just going on from your qualification - what's the difference between NVQ, BABTAC and CIBTAC?

All these courses makes it hard to know which is the best course for me!!

Thanx

Sorry!!! I meant Mrs Clooney!!!!!!!!!!

Shes not really married to George

Whether its the right move for you only you can know.There is very little money in it unless you work for yourself and even then you will have to work hard.
It can sometimes be horrible you are touching other peoples bodies and if you can't put up with yucky feet,body smells,spots etc then its not ideal.
To really do well and earn a good living aim to be one of the best and take a real pride in what you do.Look into really good training and then expect to carry on learning.
There are lots and lots of therapists out there but few are really excellent.

[QUOTE=gillian w;986861]Shes not really married to George

QUOTE]

yes but she wishes she was

BABTAC is an association which represents people working in the beauty industry and with whom they can take out professional insurance. BABTAC is not a qualification.

NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification which is the recognized standard qualification for the UK. It can be taken in different level 1, 2 and 3.

CIBTAC is the Conferation of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology. beauty qualification. There are no separate levels and for this and on qualifying you are certified eg. as the equivalent of level 3 although this qyalification is internationally recognized.

[quote=collin;986867]Absolutely and more so if he could swing his tail like you Collin .

Hello, have you checked out fast track courses at you local colleges. You can do these in the evening and also they are great for mature students because they realy want to learn. I know alot of people in the industry infact a friend of mine is 22 and she has just become a full time beauty therapy teacher, the job opportunaties are realy varied. I hope that this helps. xxxx

Hi,
Thanks for all of the replies. With regards to CIBTAC and BABTAC, i've found a course from the CIBTAC/BABTAC website which is called: nail technician diploma. You are either certified in CIBTAC or BABTAC at the end - this is what i'm confused about.

Also, when i called the lady, she said that NVQs are not as highly recognised as CIBTAC/BABTAC!! Now, i'm just confused.

I've looked at all my local courses and there's none which are offered as fast track in my area. They've already started and then next ones will commence in September - i don't really want to wait that long.

Thanks from an even more confused krayzie!

BABTAC is the british association of beauty therapy and cosmetology it is a body which insures,acredits courses ect but it is not an examining board.
If you only want to be a nail tech without the beauty then you can do excellent short private courses with many nail supply companies who educate using their products right the way through from manicure and pedicure to nail enhancements.
The London School of Beauty & Make-Up - CIDESCO Beauty Therapy Courses is this where you meant in your initial post.#If it is then i would say that this would definately do good training as it is cibtac and cidesco which are very highly regarded, but it will be a lot more expensive than going to your local fe college and doing nvq.
I know which i would choose though if i had the money

Most salons will accept NVQ3, babtac, or CIDESCO. All those qualifications are held in high esteem by salon owners. Short, fast track or 2 day courses generally are not considered sufficient to train in the core beauty subjects, they are more for training top ups.

Did you mean CIBTAC not BABTAC.

Are you looking to work for your self, in a salon or spa?
If you are looking to work for your self as a nail tech you can train in nails only. There are many options open to you.
I have just become self emplyed as a mobile beauty therapist, after years of working in salons. Its very hard work but so rewarding.
Good luck to you and tell us how you get on x