3 Fun Beauty and Hair Careers
Are you thinking about a career in the exciting world of beauty and hair? Are you artistic? Do you love to organize and make spaces or things look nice and appealing? Maybe you enjoy working people. Here is an overview of 3 fun careers in beauty and hair that you may not have considered.
1. Hair Care Product Developer
Are you creative, innovative and often think outside of the box? Do you have a great sense of color and an eye for detail? Are you flexible and open to new ideas and constant change? Why not become a hair care product developer?
Hair product developers are the creators of the new hair care products that you see in stores continuously. Some hair product developers specialize in sprays, colors etc. Other hair product developers specialize in conditioners, shampoos, etc. Regardless of your specialty, there are responsibilities that all hair product developers will have. These duties include:
Research
As a hair product developer you will conduct research in order to create products that meet the needs and wants of your customers. Because hair care trends and technologies change so often, developers must be “in the know” when it comes to the latest ingredients and treatments.
Illustration
Hair product developers must also be able to illustrate or hire an illustrator. The illustrator will bring the hair care product developers mental concept to life on paper. This design will become the prototype for the product.
Budget
Hair product developers must be able to create and manage a budget. As a hair care product developer you will be using different ingredients and chemicals. It is your job to make sure that your finished product meets the needs of your customers financially and esthetically.
Formulation
Hair product developers must be able to create formulas or hire someone to create formulas. Formulas are the blueprint for your products.
Samples
Hair product developers must be able to identify a great product. As a hair care product developer you should also have some knowledge of packaging and what your customers may find appealing. Once the samples are created they will shopped around to buyers.
Marketing/Sales
Hair product developers need to know how to promote, market and sell their products or hire someone to market and sell them. The only way for a hair care product developer to get their products recognized and distributed buyers and consumers is via a good sales and marketing plan.
2. Hair Products Merchandising
Are you a visual person? Do you love displays and have an appreciation for how products are presented in a store? Then, you may enjoy hair products merchandising.
Hair products merchandisers are the individuals that create the fantasy for customers that entice them to buy products. As a hair products merchandiser you will present hair care and related products in the most appealing manner for the purpose of generating sales. Some hair products merchandisers create displays and build props. Other hair products merchandisers design the look and feel of a spa/salon, showroom or store display utilizing strategic merchandise placement techniques in order to draw the customers in and ultimately maximize sales. No matter the type of hair products merchandising, there are responsibilities that all hair products merchandisers have. These include:
Follow and Give Directions
As a hair products merchandiser you must know how to follow instructions as well as give instructions. Hair products merchandisers are given specific instructions for store displays and are, in most instances, required to follow and execute merchandising plans that are issued from their corporate offices.
Flexibility
Hair care merchandisers need to be physically flexible. Much of the work requires bending, reaching, twisting, kneeling, and moving around in small spaces.
Design Aesthetic
As a hair products merchandiser, you will need to have some creative ability and knowledge composition.
Budget
Hair products merchandisers work with many different materials when creating merchandise displays i.e. fabrics, display fixtures. As a hair products merchandiser you will need to know how to execute plans within a given budget.
Deadlines
As a hair products merchandiser, you will need to be able to work well under pressure and meet deadlines. Oftentimes, stores perform entire product/case rearrangements for particular events and promotions. Hair products merchandisers need to know how to work effectively to meet time lines.
3. Hair Products Sales Representative
Do you love hair products, but aren’t necessarily a “creative type”? Do you enjoy working with people? Consider becoming a hair products sales representative.
Hair products sales representatives promote products for independent companies or manufacturers in exchange for a percentage of sales. As a hair products sales representative you will be calling on hair care buyers, mail order companies and web retailers to promote and sell your client’s products.
Some hair products sales representatives work in independent company or manufacturer showrooms. Other hair products sales representatives are independent contractors and work out of their homes and “on the road. All hair products sales representatives have primarily the same responsibilities. These responsibilities include:
Communication Skills
As a hair products sales representative you will spend much of your time convincing people to buy your products. Therefore, hair products sales representatives must be personable, enthusiastic, and polished.
Product Knowledge
Hair products sales representatives must be knowledgeable about the product lines they are selling. In order to effectively promote products, hair products sales representatives must know and be able to present detailed information about their products from ingredients to shipping dates. Hair products sales representatives must also be aware of the products and pricing of their competitors.
Attention to Details
As a hair products sales representative you will need the ability to pay close attention to details. Hair products sales representatives not only sell, but complete administrative tasks such as completing purchase order forms and taking inventory.
Organized
Hair products sales representatives need to be very organized and keep good records. As a hair products sales representative you will need to know important dates and times related to sales transactions, delivery dates, meetings and follow up activities.
Tips and Considerations
While a degree is not required for any of these careers, it is recommended that those interested obtain some formal training by taking courses or doing internships/apprenticeships.
The beauty and hair industry is always looking for talented product developers, merchandisers and sales representatives. Work hard, master your craft and be open to learning.
