Beyond the mirror; unlock the secret of beauty 

Even though BVoc programmes are relatively new in our education system, they are designed to provide students with industry-specific skills and knowledge, making them job-ready upon graduation. Pursuing BVoc courses can help bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements. One such programme is Beauty Culture and Cosmetology.

According to a report by a Euromonitor International Study done in 2022, the Indian beauty and personal care market is the eighth largest in the world with a total value of $15 billion and is growing at 10 per cent. The study also suggested that the market is expected to double by 2030 with skincare and cosmetics driving this growth.

The country has a large and diverse consumer base with increasing disposable income, leading to a surge in demand for beauty and grooming services. This growth creates ample job opportunities and potential for entrepreneurship in the beauty sector. 

Studying Beauty Culture and Cosmetology opens up a wide range of career opportunities. Graduates can work as professional makeup artists, hair stylists, skin care specialists, beauty consultants, salon managers, beauty therapists, and more. They can find employment in beauty salons, spas, wellness centers, the fashion industry, entertainment, and even international beauty brands.

So what does the curriculum entail? According to Meenal Sandhu, Assistant Professor, Department of Fashion Makeover at Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), Jalandhar, the course subjects are based on skin, hair, nails, and makeup. Under Skin, students are taught skin anatomy, facial muscles and massage, and facial electric therapies.

Likewise, under Hair, students are taught about hair anatomy, hair analysis and texturing, hair colouring, spas, and various chemical treatments. Students are appraised about the anatomy of onyx (nails), nails spa, reflexology, nail art, and design. The course also teaches basic to advanced makeup skills.

“Other subjects like salon management, personality development, and health management are also taught to the students,” Sandhu said.

Once the student acquires the know-how, there are plenty of job opportunities for them. Beauty therapists, hair stylists, hairdressers, shampoo technicians, nail technicians, salon managers, product advisors, freelance stylists, and even becoming an entrepreneur are some of them.

Why study at ACFA?

“There are several reasons why students must take up BVoc- Beauty Culture and Cosmetology at ACFA. First, the institute is recognised as the centre of excellence. Second, the institute keeps the students updated with trends through salon visits. During these visits, the students gain knowledge regarding client handling, new skills, latest techniques and trends related to the field. Third, direct interaction with companies of various sectors like hair, skin, nails, and makeup makes it easy for the students to gain knowledge regarding product manufacturing, its usage, ingredients and its importance, market focus, and the requirement of the consumers,” Sandhu said.

The fact that the syllabus is evaluated annually and updated with time and as per the requirement is another reason to study at ACFA. “Also, the learning is best when students are provided hands-on practice on various equipment, tools, and products,” Sandhu stressed.

Eligibility for admission

According to Sandhu, admissions are done based on the aptitude of the candidate. “Interested students are evaluated based on academic skills, co-curricular achievements, and interest in the field. Apart from this, interview and interaction with the faculty form the basis of selection for the programme,” Sandhu explained. 

The best part about studying at ACFA is that the students are offered scholarships based on their percentage. “Scholarships are also offered to the students as per government rules and regulations,” Sandhu said in conclusion.