Think you've got your answer!! LOL I started training last year, when I was 49 xx

I cannot believe a colleague said you're too old!! That would make me more inclined to GO FOR IT!! I did my Beauty Therapy training in my early thirties and I'm only now getting back into it as a career. You're only as old as you feel and as for your 'friend' she's probably just jealous of you and your plans for a career change. Good luck hun - I'm sure you'll be just fine

I agree with all that's been said by everyone on this subject. I am 45 and in my salon one of the girls is 19 and the other 24 and the three of us work really well together. Different clients have different needs; some are happy to book in with any of us for any treatment, others specify which therapist they would like their treatment with.
I enjoy carrying out all treatments, I like the variety. The only situation I find can be a little tiring is if I am fully booked eg in the summer months, and have three or more full body massage clients in a row, as massage is quite a physically demanding treatment. Having said that I am off to do an introductory 'No Hands Massage' course in March as I love doing massage anyway, so that should be interesting and helpful.
But that is only one very small drawback I can think of - and actually I'm sure a lot of therapists half my age would feel tired too.
So as for that person who tried to put you off, just ignore them and go for it. And the very best of luck to you x x

Well I'm 38 and I have just qualified in level 2 nails and I wasn't the oldest in the class but I wasn't far off. I'm doing level 3 nails at the moment and I am the oldest in the class, one student is 37 all the rest are early 20's and in their teens. Even the tutor is in her early 30's. Do I care, I could'nt care less.

Age is a state of mind.

In fact I was well flattered cos the younger students asked me to go out with them on the christmas night out, but cos I have mobility issues I couldn't go, shame really.

So you go for it, follow your dreams and you'll be happier for it!

GOOD LUCK

anne xx

just another thought on this, if a mature woman who looks good is at the window of the business she attracts other mature woman into the business because they all want to know the secrets ......

I am 58. I didn't start beauty school until I was 30. I have been a salon professional almost 30 years. My mother retired from the restaurant industry and was bored. She went to beauty school at 62. Became a nail tech and was a successful salon pro until she retired at 72. So do YOU think you are too old? If you like what you are doing you are never too old.

You should print these responses out and show them to your colleague!! Give her an education!!!

When I was at college the oldest lady in my class was around 60, and she was brilliant! She was the life & soul of the class, and really helped us all out if she could, and the clients loved her. As plenty of geeks have already mentioned, she had the life experience & maturity to deal with clients and situations far better than some of the youngsters, and a lot of clients prefer that. A therapist who is out of her teens often does better in attracting loyal clients; you may be seen as a better therapist, more experienced, more trustworthy, and more tactful/discrete. That's not to say all young therapists are inexperienced etc, but that's often the way we are perceived by clients initially. So make the most of it!!

Go for it, all the Geeks are here to back you up and support you 100%, and as one of my clients says, "You're a long time dead!" There's no point living a life you don't enjoy, or doing a job you don't enjoy, if you have the power to make a change to it...so make waves, and sign up to that course!!

A more mature therapist is a comfort for many clients, especially those who have had babies, are a bit overweight or have other body issues.

One of my clients was a bit coy having a high bikini, when I asked her to move her leg she said ' you can't go down there, I've had two babies' - my reply was 'yeah, yeah, haven't we all, lift your leg' - she just burst out laughing!

You have life experience and are used to working in a caring environment - you'll be great - believe in yourself & ignore the doubters.

WOW !!! have only just come back to this post .. what a lot of positive responses .. well, i shant think twice about continuing my studies now
i dont usually let other peoples remarks or comments put me off or upset me, just feeling a little fragile and unsure where to go next after a personal tragedy .. also, must say not looking forward to reaching the big 40 so i guess my colleagues off the cuff comment fuelled my insecurities
do you know what, i think she probably is jealous that i have decided to try and realise my dream .. she is slightly older than me, and one of these people that moans about work every hour of every day, but will probably be there until she retires
right im going to have a good look around at various beauty courses locally, any recs in the cambs / essex borders would be much appreciated - thinking of doing creative natural nail manicure course, has anyone done this ? also can anyone recommend training for spray tanning?
many thanks for all your inspiring and kind replies
blush09

it is never too late to learn!!! never let anyone put you down! Go for it girl!

g.lo

Hi
Im 40 and started in this industry when I was 38, qualified last year in Level 2 beauty therapy and Ive just started level 3 massage. Do not listen to these people. Why are there such nasty peeps around? I have a relative who wanted to know why I was starting something at my age. I couldnt repeat the response on here cos I'd get a good ticking off!

My ex hubby said I was a useless so and so that would amount to nothing. Thanks to that kinda comment I went to weight watchers and lost 5 stones, went to college and did my beauty therapy and Im not looking back.

Age is only a number that puts fear in to us, ignore your age, you are what you feel, or the fella

Hi Blush
All i can say is don't lisen to these people this is all tosh, My partner and i set up a salon some 5 years ago when she was 39 and she came out of the banking industry and since then we have 2 salons and have won quite a few awards to boot. As long as your dedicted and you have a passion you will do well although it's not easy, it is worth it.
We employ all ages and i think clients like alder for waxing etc as this makes them feel less embarassed.
Nail's are always popular with all types of clients but it is a learning curve as you continually learn with this and it takes a lot of set's to get your speed up.
Just remember little step's all the time is the way forward.
Mobile can be hard work as you get older getting everything in and out of the car. I would say a base is best as you get older can carry on untill you wish to stop or can get some help in as the buisness grows and you can pick what and ho you do.
I hope this helps and good luck.

My mum and I did a course together, she was 60 when she qualified as a nail tech and I was 37 so age is no excluder. Follow your dreams and dont let any small minded person tell you otherwise.

Karaxxx

[quote=blush09;871228]WOW !!! have only just come back to this post .. what a lot of positive responses .. well, i shant think twice about continuing my studies now
i dont usually let other peoples remarks or comments put me off or upset me, just feeling a little fragile and unsure where to go next after a personal tragedy .. also, must say not looking forward to reaching the big 40 so i guess my colleagues off the cuff comment fuelled my insecurities
do you know what, i think she probably is jealous that i have decided to try and realise my dream .. she is slightly older than me, and one of these people that moans about work every hour of every day, but will probably be there until she retires
right im going to have a good look around at various beauty courses locally, any recs in the cambs / essex borders would be much appreciated - thinking of doing creative natural nail manicure course, has anyone done this ? also can anyone recommend training for spray tanning?

Hi Blush

Check with your local aston & Fincher to see if there doing a coursre or any other beauty supplier as these tend to use the product that is hot at the moment.
Nothing worse than doing a course with a product and buying the stock and every one has gone of that and onto another product.

Regards
Andrew

Yes - go for Tantrick, we do it at my salon and clients love it. Contact Collin on this site, he will give you more info and is very helpful.