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Beauty Day Courses in Aberdeen

Beauty therapy training is something that most of us think we have to learn at college, for 2 years or more.

In the real world, while that’s ideal for youngsters straight from school, or for those who have the time to devote to college full-time, it’s not right for everyone.  Beauty day courses in Aberdeen are growing.  While you do the online theory at home, you can go to a training school like ours, the Sanctuary Training Academy, and do the practical session with us, which then means you can start your own business with your new day qualification.

The Guild of Beauty Therapists accredits their own courses, which we provide here at Sanctuary.  When we have assessed you as competent, you can then gain insurance, and begin to earn money by selling your skills.  These truly are fast track beauty courses, designed to get your earning in a short time.

Not all courses are equal.  While some courses at other schools do not have practical sessions, you would be unlikely to get accreditation from any of the beauty associations or good insurance without some practical training.  Always make sure you choose accredited training that is recognised by a beauty association, and allows you to gain your insurance to practice.  While it might be tempting to work without insurance, we’re not all perfect, and mistakes can happen to anyone, at any time.

The beauty day courses in Aberdeen that we provide are:

  • Facials
  • Indian Head Massage
  • Ear Candling
  • Beginner Waxing

Our online courses are:

You can choose to:

  • Buy online, and pay by Paypal or BACS, with your order number attached to your BACS payment.
  • Message us, and we’ll send you an invoice for you to make a direct bank transfer.

When we have verified payment, we will send you a link to activate your course.  If you are new to the Guild of Beauty Therapy, you will be required to pay a joining fee of £10 + VAT, which also includes the Professional Standards for Therapists online course, if you do not already have it.

Upon completion of your course, we can provide you with a discount code to buy your insurance from the Guild of Beauty Therapists.   Beauty day courses are also fabulous for existing therapists who’d like to add new skills to their portfolio.  Give us a call today, or send us a message.

 

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What do I NEED, to start a spray tanning business?

It’s a question we all ask ourselves in the beginning.  Just what do we really NEED, to start-up a spray tanning business?

If you search on the internet, you could be forgiven for thinking there are all sorts of things you need, that will rack up the price of your start-up kit.

In reality, although the spray tan kit is the first thing you need when you add spray tanning to your business, or whether you are starting with spray tanning as your first ever venture, make sure you do your research before buying, and only buy what you need to start-up with.

If you haven’t yet had your training, that’s where you should start.  Perhaps go and receive a few spray tans locally to you, and see how you find the wear off, guide colour, and application.  That might help you decide who to train with.  You can always do a generic training course, and pick your own solutions.  Be careful, as some trainers will require you to only use a branded product after successfully completing your training.

Ok, down to the basics of your spray tan kit.

  • Spray Tan Machine, with Hose and Gun.
  • Spare Spray Tan Machine Gun Cup.
  • Pop Up Tent or a Room, Booth, or Wet Room.
  • Tanning Solutions.
  • Extractor Fan Unit.
  • Accessories.

Spray Tan Machine, with Hose and Gun

Here in the UK, Maximist seems to be a popular choice.  Shop around, as there are a lot of machines that just won’t cope with tans back to back.  Lite versions tend to be for home or light mobile use, but are unlikely to cope with several back to back tans at a tanning party.

Work out how many tans you will need to have your machine carry out, and look for a machine that will allow you to grow, but stay within your budget.  Also think about the weight if you are going mobile, and how much you can carry.  All spray guns are noisy…  Some more than others, but you’ll just have to get used to it.

Keep your equipment clean as a whistle.  You’ll regret it if you don’t.  Make sure you clean the gun through regularly.  I’d recommend flushing out your gun after each session.  DHA is from sugar beet, and you all know what heated sugar beet ends up like.  Gloop and tar spring to mind.  Imagine your machine trying to get your next tan mist through a gloopy bottleneck……

Spare solution cups mean you can just change the cup, rather than empty solution back into bottles when you are moving on quickly from one client to another.   An ideal tan should use from 30-50ml, depending on how much of the body is being sprayed, but when starting off, new therapists tend to use more.

Pop Up Tent or a Room, Booth, or Wet Room

For all of you who hope to go mobile or work from home, a pop up tent is likely to be your most sensible option.  It allows you to keep most of the spray tan inside the tend, and not flying around the room you tan in.

There are two types of pop up tents.  There is the traditional pop up type that is spring-loaded and folds down easily, or an air blown tent, similar to a traditional bouncy castle that kids play on.  Pop up tents aren’t all the same.  Some versions are very flimsy and not easy to manage, and others are more robust.  Some pop up tents have loops to allow for an inner tent, which can help save on the washing.

To clean out my pop up tent, I have to take it into my garden, and hose it down.  I am seeing the benefit of a change to a looped pop up tent on the horizon.

Understand, that you WILL have overspray.  It might not be a lot, but you will have it.  It’s impossible to keep all overspray away.  We are working with a fine mist, and fine mists have a tendency to migrate away from the sprayed area.

If you have a room, and the budget, a booth, or a wet room are ideal options, to help contain more of the overspray, and be easily cleaned.

Tanning Solutions

The world is your oyster.  From Nouvatan, Sienna x, St Tropez, Fake Bake, and many many more, we really are spoilt for choice.  Get samples and try them out for yourself, or go have some spray tans, and decide which brand is right for you and your clients.

Extractor

We don’t need extractors, but see above – it’s impossible to remove all overspray, no matter how good our technique is.

In small spaces, or just to protect your room, an extractor is often a good idea.  It is an option and most tents will have a space at the back to insert your extractor unit.

Accessories  

Ahh, those fabulous accessories, from sticky feet, to exfoliation wipes, paper underwear and much more.

What I consider to be the essentials are:

  • Face masks.  To protect your nose and throat from the overspray which can fog up a room very quickly.
  • Couch roll.  To mop up any mess, and possibly put under clients feet.
  • Barrier cream.  To protect the palms of hands, elbows and knees etc.

Non-Essentials

Buy these if you like.  There are times where having a couple of sets at hand can make you look very professional, especially if the client expects them.  Ask at the booking stage, and you won’t disappoint your client.

  • Paper underwear isn’t a great option, but some clients do like it.  Clients tend to be more comfortable with old dark underwear that fits securely, rather than paper underwear that blows about with the mist, and quite frankly, hides pretty much nothing.
  • Sticky feet is a difficult one.  Personally, I like them, but clients are hit and miss.  Some love them and others hate picking off the glue.  Those with sweaty feet find they don’t stick and then they have to do the foot shuffle in the same way as just using couch roll or a towel underfoot requires.
  • Exfoliators & gloves.  Your client should have exfoliated before coming to you.  There might be an additional revenue potential to exfoliate your client or give them wipes to clean off perfume etc before having a tan.
  • Tan removers.  Possibly a great retail option.

 

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Accredited Facials Training in Aberdeen

The GTi Facial Treatment Course provided by Sanctuary Training Academy, is accredited by the Guild of Beauty Therapy, and consists of two elements.

Theory

Upon receiving your activation e-mail from us, you first proceed to completing the theory online, and you will have the opportunity to watch videos, giving you a chance to practice at home.

Practical

When you have completed your modules online, we arrange your training day.  We are flexible for practical days, and don’t always have set days.  We understand that your need is sometimes not compatible with set days.  Even if you are the only student, the course will still run.

All students are provided with a PDF manual by the Guild of Beauty Therapy, to use as a reference.

In the unlikely event you do not reach the required standard, then an additional practical training session will be available at no extra charge, although you may be required to fit in with another training day.

If you do not have Professional Standards for Therapists from the Guild of Beauty Therapy, you would be required to complete this before beginning your Facial Treatment modules.  Please ask for more details.

As part of your practical training day, you may receive a treatment, as well as giving one, if you are completing the course as part of a group.  If you have sensitive skin, an infection or allergies, please notify us as soon as possible.

Expectations on the day

We have a dedicated training therapy room, which is used for most of our practical sessions.  Please wear dark clothing.  Comfortable clothes are a necessity.  Clothes with tight waistbands can be uncomfortable when you perform lengthy treatments while sitting down.  If you don’t own salon wear, dark clothes are more likely to hide any potential stains you may pick up while performing a treatment.

Tea, Coffee and water is provided.  Please take along a packed lunch.  Don’t worry if you forget, as there are shops close by.  We also have a microwave and a kettle, and you are welcome to use the staff room to eat your lunch.

All equipment and products needed to complete the course are provided.

  • Long hair should be tied back.
  • Comfortable shoes must be worn.
  • Minimal jewellery should be worn.
  • Socks or tights should be worn.

Venue

Sanctuary
53a Bon Accord Street
Aberdeen
AB11 6EB

E-mail:  lesley@sanctuaryaberdeen.co.uk

Timings

Your practical is one day.  Please arrive for 10am.

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Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Any treatment that falls outside what we know as the NHS type system of mainstream healthcare, falls under the banner of complementary or alternative medicines.

There are many different treatments and medicines that count as alternative, such as:

  • ear candling
  • massage
  • accupuncture
  • bach flower remedies
  • aromatherapy
  • reiki
  • reflexology

and many many more….

There is a difference though.  As an example, complementary therapies usually go hand in hand with traditional medicine, hence the term, complementary.  The doctor might treat a patient for anxiety and stress, and the therapist helps with well-being by giving a relaxing massage.

When the treatment is used instead of traditional medicine, it tends to be known as alternative.

At Sanctuary Training Academy, we focus on complementary therapies rather than solely alternative, however, the two are not mutually exclusive and do overlap significantly.

Aromatherapy can be both complementary and alternative, depending on the use by an individual person, who makes their own choices for treatments.  Other examples might be using a chiropractor and herbal medicines from the chemist.

Which to Choose

This is simple.  Ask your doctor, do the research on individual treatments, and make an informed choice.  If you are trying to treat a health condition, see your doctor first.  Always.  Also check with your doctor to make sure any complementary or alternative treatment you are considering is safe, as some medicines may mean a particular therapy is unsuitable for you.

Find Complementary/Alternative Therapists

Choose your practitioner wisely.  By law, there is no regulatory body for complementary and alternative therapies, apart from osteopaths and chiropractors.

If you decide to use a CAM, it’s up to you to find a practitioner who will carry out the treatment in a way that is acceptable to you.

Check Professional Registers, some of which are:

Consultation

As part of a consultation, or before your appointment, you should expect to know, or be able to find the following:

  • treatment price and duration
  • whether you are suitable for treatment
  • pre-appointment advice
  • proof of their professional status
  • the aftercare advice
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Learn New Skills in Aberdeen

Here at Sanctuary Training in Aberdeen, there is the opportunity to learn new skills, and join the working population as a fully trained professional in the Beauty or Holistic Therapy industry.

We can provide courses in Aberdeen, where Holistic skills like Indian Head Massage, Facials and Hopi Ear Candling courses let you earn your own money legally and cover you for insurance to practice your new skill.

There are advantages to learning a new skill in a modular fashion:

  • For those who do not have the time or ability to attend a full time course at college.
  • Older entrants to the holistic and beauty therapy, who don’t want to do courses with lots of 16 year olds.
  • People who are looking for fast track entry to the beauty and therapy industry.
  • People who want to learn their new skills in small classes, where they have the maximum amount of personal attention needed to be able to practice.
  • Younger girls who may not be able to attend for two whole years at college and are only interested in one skill, such as massage or facials.
  • People who want to dip their toes in the industry and find out if it’s for them long term.
  • Do your theory in the comfort of your own home, at a time that suits you.
  • Choose when to do your practical, and have your training in a local salon, knowing your training is accredited by the Beauty Guild and qualifies you for insurance to practice.

 

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Facial Course in Aberdeen

You don’t have to look any further to find an accredited facial treatments course in Aberdeen.

Here at the Sanctuary Training Academy, for this course, you complete your modules online, which means you’ve done all the theory work before you come to me.

It means that our practical time, is spend doing what we need to do, which is the hands on experience.  We’ll still talk about techniques and client expectations, as well as safety as part of the course.

Book your course with us, then we’ll send you details to begin your online training.  When you have your practical code, then we’ll book you in for your practical training.

On successful completion of your practical day, we’ll amend your details to passed for the practical, which will allow you to get insurance to carry out facials on members of the public.

This is a beginners course, as you do not need to have any previous training to embark on a whole new career in facials.

Next to relaxation massage, a facial is one of the best things a beautician can provide.  As well as thoroughly allowing your client to lie back and enjoy a treatment, it allows them to prepare for the rest of their day.  Clients tend to know what they want when they arrive, even if it’s just a full pamper, where they can lie in blissful peace, while the therapist treats their face to some tlc.

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Guild Accredited Beginner Facial Courses in Aberdeen

Here at the Sanctuary Training Academy, we have a Guild Accredited Beginner Facial course for budding enthusiasts, or simply those who wish to start a whole new career.

This course covers the technique for the following:

  • superficial and deep cleanse
  • tone
  • steam
  • extract
  • massage
  • mask
  • moisturisation

The course also includes:

  • anatomy and physiology resources with clear diagrams and voice over
  • health and safety
  • skin conditions
  • skin analysis
  • advice about different skin types
  • guidance on product type to use

You don’t need to be at college for years to be able to practice as a therapist.  This course tells you all you need to know, to perform an effective facial.

Look for our Facial Course, and book online or:

e-mail: lesley@sanctuaryaberdeen.co.uk

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Why Should I Choose Guild Accredited Courses?

Being supported in your career is one of the most important things you can have as a therapist, whether it’s in nails, beauty, holistic therapies or alternative therapies.  Working within the therapy industry can be both fun and give you a sense of well-being.  For future careers, your courses can lead to working self-employed, working for a salon, or even within larger spas and holiday resorts/cruise liners.

Legal Aspects

Working in the field of beauty, nails or holistic therapies can be rewarding, but to offer a professional service, you need to have qualifications which are good enough to allow you to apply for insurance to work on members of the public.  Even your friends and family count as members of the public.  An accident or incident can happen to anyone, both new and experienced in the beauty industry.

Which Route?

There are two routes to a career in the beauty and therapy industry.  Most youngsters choose to head down the route of College, or where they cannot find the time to fit a 2 year course in, others can choose to go a private route, which allows a huge scope for accredited training.

There are many schools and courses available, and choosing an accredited course is one way to ensure you will have the right qualification to entitle you to practice your newly learned skills once you’ve finished your course(s).  Our accredited courses are through the Guild of Beauty Therapists, which is the UK trade body for the professional beauty industry.

College Qualifications

At college, and the route taken by most school leavers who enter the industry, is to attend college full-time for a year or two.  The qualifications are recognised NVQ or SVQ, and also accepted for Guild Membership and insurance.

Private Qualifications

The speedy route to a new career is through private courses, of short duration, and are in small classes, where students have lots of individual attention during their training, and training can fit in around your lifestyle.  Many short course providers will work late, or work a flexi schedule to allow you to fit in your training.  If the course is Guild Accredited, you can apply for insurance and membership with the Guild as soon as you have your certificate.  This lets you work on the public right away, and start to earn money with the skill you’ve learned.  For example, if you booked and Indian Head Massage course with us, upon completion, you would be able to get insurance to work and begin taking appointments with clients, then add more skills as time goes on and you expand your portfolio.  A popular route is for facials and massage, and taking more courses later.

We offer Guild Accredited Training at the Sanctuary Training Academy in Aberdeen, both online and practical courses.

Who are the Guild of Beauty Therapists

Guild courses have been vetted and created by the Guild for the content and tuition.  They ensure all relevant National Occupations Standards are achieved.  Tutors are qualified in the subjects they are teaching and hold a teaching qualification.

The Guild of Beauty Therapists is the UK’s trade body for the professional beauty industry.  For over 20 years, the Guild has evolved and grown to over 8500 professionally qualified members.  Only properly qualified Beauty Therapists, Holistic Therapists, Nail Technicians and Therapy Lecturers will be accepted by the Guild, to be members.

 

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The Spices for Life

We all know there are supplements and spices which are actually really good for us, but do we really take the time to learn them properly.  We’ve created a short list of the most important ones to help you along the way.

Turmeric

Anyone who reads sporty magazines will have had loads of information about turmeric thrown at them.  For the rest of us, it’s all about being sensible, and adding a little spice to our life.   Get it…..  Ok, being sensible, Turmeric has an anti-inflammatory compound in it, which helps us to recover from activity and exercise.  It is also said to help with pain levels.

Ginger

Always one of my favourites, I add Ginger in powder or root form to many soups, stews and salads.  It’s versatile and even goes well in a coffee or pudding.  Tiramisu and Ginger anyone?  Ginger is another of the spices with anti-inflammatory purposes, and tastes absolutely amazing in almost everything I make with it.    It’s said to help with nausea, and even morning sickness, although I’d clear it with a doctor before taking any supplements at any stage in pregnancy.  This is also another spice which might actually help with musclepain and general aches and pains.

Cayenne Pepper

Never a spice to sit on its laurels, Cayenne Pepper is a warm pepper that helps to curb the appetite.  It’s also yet another spice said to help with pain relief.    It can help ease upset stomachs, ulcers and sore throats, as well as relieve coughs and diarrhoea, although I doubt it’s scientificically proven.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a well known blood glucose regulator.  This helps by improving sensitivity to glucose and also is said to help lower blood pressure.  It can reduce the risk for heart disease, but make sure to get Ceylon cinnamon or use Cassia very wisely, in very small doses.

This is another of my favourites, and possibly my all time favourite spice, which I’ve left until last today.  Used for thousands of years, and as far back as Ancient Egypt.  With double purpose for scented products, it’s a well-used favourite for Christmas time, in everything from candles, wine, scented cones and even soups and puddings.   It used to be a gift fit for kings, but is now cheap and cheerful, and available almost anywhere there’s a food shop.

Yet another anti inflammatory spice, it helps us to fight infections with the anti oxidant properties.  It’s said to be protective against cancer, but you’d have to research this for yourself.

 

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Benefits of Indian Head Massage

In India, Indian Head Massage has been practiced by families for thousands of years.  Traditionally, head and hair were the only reasons for a massage, to help condition the hair of women.  The treatment developed into a whole routine which also involves the upper back, shoulders, neck, arms and face.  The seated Indian Head Massage seems to be the most popular way of providing this treatment, although variations using a special massage chair, limits the ability to massage shoulders, neck and face properly.

Indian Head Massage is a relaxing experience that can be done at home, in a clinic or even in a workplace, as part of a wellness therapy scheme.  Clients receiving Indian Head Massage, report on feelings of relaxation, reduced stress, and feeling more alert and able to carry on with the day.

Performed seated, this therapy allows full access to the head, neck, shoulders and face.  Although some practitioners carry out the treatment through clothing, for best effect, skin to skin contact is more effective and easier to carry out.  Ask your client to remove upper body garments, and give them a towel or blanket to wrap around their whole body.  Ensure you give your client a towel/blanket that is big enough to wrap around their body.  They must feel comfortable while the treatment is performed.

The technique to manipulate muscles tissue is through different massage movements to promote stimulation of the head, neck, upper body and shoulders.

Benefits

Indian Head Massage has been said to:

  • relieve aches and pains
  • improve concentration
  • relieve stress
  • relieve tension from knots in muscles
  • relax muscles
  • improve circulation
  • help aid sleep
  • condition scalp and roots of hair (with oil)
  1. Learn to perform Indian Head Massage with us on an Accredited Course for £195, that allows you to gain insurance and begin taking clients.
  2. Attend a Workshop over at our therapy suite in Sanctuary Aberdeen for £75, to carry out at home.

When you train with us, you find yourself seated in a comfortable tub style chair, with a footstool for those who need it.  We carry out our Indian Head Massage the traditional way, with full access to your shoulders and upper back, as well as your head and face.  We use an aromatherapy blend for this massage, with a choice of soothing, or anti-stress essential oil blends, with a sweet almond oil base.  If you’d prefer unscented, we have grapeseed oil, which is less greasy than sweet almond oil, or coconut oil for an added skin moisture boost.