We are so proud of you Shonnie!! She completed her training and has found an amazing job at Chrome Spa Salon in Edmonton, Alberta. 💕 

It’s moments like these when we see our students thrive and succeed that fill our hearts.

Meet the beautiful Yury who is working at Merle Norman WEM after completing her training at ESG. 💕 

Yury has a passion for makeup and nails. She is fluent in 3 languages and is ready to enhance your natural beauty!

She trained in manicures and pedicures, gel polish, makeup consultations and applications as well as waxing services.

Visit her at Merle Norman in West Edmonton Mall for your service and check out her work on Instagram @yury_makeupglam!

Congrats Matt for taking the first steps towards entrepreneurship! We hope we gave you the tools to develop your budding beauty industry business.

Matt completed our Waxing Course and Lash Extensions course. Fast forward 1 year and Matt is now the proud owner of Practical Esthetics, where “form follows function“. Practical Esthetics is an LGBT-friendly spa specializing in body sugaring hair removal service.

EXECUTIVE SPA GROUP

Beauty Industry Resource Centre
(780) 604-2772
info@executivespagroup.com

Let’s take a closer look into what’s turned into one of the hottest trends for your peepers since strip lashes came along.  We’ll call this Lash 101 since you will be schooled in everything you need to know about these wispy beauties and quite possibly hitting the search bar for a lash technician near you.

What Exactly Are Lash Extensions?

Lash extensions are an enhancement to your own natural lashes.  A false lash is applied to each individual lash with adhesive.  This is semi-permanent, and the lash extensions will fall out on their own or with the natural shedding process of your own lashes.  These extensions are made from different materials including mink, silk, sable, fox, faux mink and faux fox or something synthetic.

Are All Lash Extensions The Same?

J curl, C curl, Classic, 9-15mm, Classic, Hybrid, Volume…these are all different terms for different types of lashes so the answer is NO, not all lash extensions are the same and in fact can be customized for each client depending on the desired look.

• 9-15 mm- This refers to the length of the extensions. Depending on the desired look the length of extension is entirely customizable.  Those with shorter natural lashes will usually have to stick with a shorter length while those with longer natural lashes can opt for a longer extension.  The length also depends on if you want a more natural or dramatic look.
• There are different “curls” available as well you can choose for your extensions, these include: J curl, which is more of a natural look, C curl which give a bright eyed look and blend well with other curls, B curl which falls between your C and J curl and works best in the inner and outer corners of the eyes, D curl which is the drama and creating the illusion of a bigger eye, L curl which is great for straight lashes or clients with hooded eyelids and last but not least the U curl which is the most dramatic and curliest look.
• Classic, Hybrid and Volume all refer to the amount of lashes to be applied and the desired density. Classic is a more natural look with one size of extension applied to each lash. Hybrid is a mix of a couple different sizes applied to each lash and gives you a blend between the classic and volume look. Volume lashes are all about the DRAMA combining a few long extensions and applying them to an individual lash.

Your lash technician will be able to advise you on the best shape and size to suit your natural lashes and the look your trying to achieve.

The application of lash extensions is actually quite relaxing, you lay down and have a Pro apply your new bombshell look in a typical time frame of 1-2 hours (think nap time with relaxing music playing).

How Do I Care For My Lashes

It is very important to care for your lashes by washing them with a gentle oil free cleanser and brushing them with a spoolie (aka: large mascara wand) which will be provided to you by your technician.

It is recommended by most lash technicians to wait 24 hours after application before getting your lashes wet to make sure the adhesive has completely dried.

Proper maintenance is very important because improper care can lead to breakage or loss or your natural lashes.

You can wear makeup while rocking your extensions- just steer clear from waterproof mascara or any oil based liner as these can cause the adhesive to break down.  Just be sure to always cleanse and brush your lashes before you snooze.

Maintaining Your Lashes

Regular fills are recommended every 2.5-3 weeks to keep your set looking full and fresh.  Your lashes have a natural shedding cycle which will result in the loss of some extensions so upkeep is crucial if you plan to keep your lashes looking luscious.

Removing Your Lashes

There are different reasons people opt for lash extensions- vacations, special occasions, to simplify their routine or just simply because they love the look.  While the reasons and length of time you want your extensions may differ one thing remains the same: The best way to remove your lashes is by your lash technician!

Your lash technician has the proper tools including the proper product to safely break down the adhesive and keep your own lashes in tip top shape with minimal breakage or damage.

So now that your well versed in Lash 101 go ahead and hit the search bar for a Lash Artist near you!! Or better yet, become a Certified Lash Technician!

Becoming a Lash Technician

Whether you take it on as a full time career or as your ‘on-the-side’ gig, this skill will pay for itself many times over. Learn more about becoming a Certified Lash Technician.

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EXECUTIVE SPA GROUP
Career and Employment Centre
Beauty Industry
(780) 604 2772

Cosmetology Choices: Understanding Options For Your Hairstyling License

Looking for the perfect career? If you:

• Are fueled by creativity
• Love the idea of socializing at work
• Want to help people feel better about themselves
• Like the idea of flexible hours and fun working environments

the Hairstylist occupation could be the right path for you! The Alberta Learning Information System has a great breakdown of this exciting career. Before you jump right in, you have two primary options to consider. In Alberta, Hairdressing is considered a Red Seal Journeyman Trade. This means higher standards in Alberta for Hairstylists. Certification is based on education and hours worked in the salon.

Option One: The Apprenticeship Program

The Apprenticeship path will take you two years to complete. This includes a minimum of 1400 hours of on-the-job training and 10 weeks of technical training each year (20 weeks total). The benefit of this route is the cost effectiveness and the real life, hands on training.

Steps to obtaining your apprenticeship

1. Secure a job in a salon. This could be getting hired as a salon technician, receptionist, or retail specialist. Your supervisor should be a Journeyman Hairstylist to train you and confirm your hours worked. 2. After securing employment, you may apply to be a Registered Apprentice in Alberta. Once you have completed your application and pay the $35 registration fee, you may be issued an Apprenticeship Card and Blue Book (this is the record log in which your worked hours are tracked). As an Apprentice Hairstylist, you are able to buy product (no chemicals!) from salon distribution centers, and you are legally able to handle the tools of the trade. 3. Your on-the-job hours are divided into two twelve-month periods. During each period, you are expected to complete 1450 hours (this is 40 weeks based on 35 hours a week). 4. Technical training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training and is currently offered at DelMar College in Calgary and MC College in Edmonton.

• Your technical training is divided into Period One and Period Two. Both are 10 weeks in length (700 hours total). You may be eligible for financial benefits while in technical training. The average cost of tuition for both periods generally doesn’t exceed $2500. Tool kits would be available for learning purposes only, and it would be your responsibility to invest in your kit for your work experience.

5. Once your on-the-job training, technical training, and corresponding examinations (theory and technical exams for Period One and Two) are successfully completed, you are eligible to take the theory and technical exam for your Interprovincial Red Seal.

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Don’t forget about grants and loans available!

• Alberta Student Aid provides loans and grants to apprentices registered in the Alberta apprenticeship program with Apprenticeship and Industry Training who are attending an approved technical training program as a full-time student.
• The Canada Apprentice Loan is an initiative of the Government of Canada to help complete your apprenticeship in a designated Red Seal trade. You can apply for up to $4,000 in interest-free loans per period of technical training. The money would be available to help with tuition, tools, equipment and living expenses, to cover forgone wages and to help support your family.
• The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG) is a taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year, to a maximum of $2,000. This Grant helps registered apprentices get started in the designated Red Seal trades.
• The Apprenticeship Completion Grant (ACG) is a taxable cash grant of $2,000. This Grant helps registered apprentices who have completed their training to become certified journeypersons in the designated Red Seal trades.
• Canada Revenue offers a tax benefit for Tradespersons’ Tools Deduction . Apprentices may be able to deduct the cost of eligible tools bought to earn employment income as a skilled tradesperson.

We recommend you review the Hairstylist Apprenticeship and Industry Training Outline and the Hairstylist Exam Outline and the newest updated information for the Apprenticeship Program before you begin your journey.

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Option Two: Full Time Cosmetology Program

Although it is not necessary to attend a full-time program to enter the beauty industry, many cosmetology programs are available for you to enroll in in Alberta before you get a job in a salon. The advantage of this is that you have a wide selection of schools to choose from to ensure you receive the education you require. Full time programs are beneficial to those who feel they need to be trained before they enter the industry. Career training facilities, like full-time cosmetology schools, are independent, private institutions that are regulated by the Private Vocational Training Act. The cost of a full-time cosmetology program in Alberta ranges from $11,000 to $16,000, and generally includes a starter toolkit. These programs can take anywhere from 9 months to 1 year to complete, depending on the facility’s required hours – this is, on average, 1400 hours. The Alberta Apprenticeship Board, however, only requires 1,050 hours from an approved institution. An advantage of some cosmetology programs is the length of time spent in a learning environment as opposed to a working environment. Some participants find this beneficial as they feel they may need more time learning to feel comfortable before they start taking clients. The facility may also teach advanced techniques, outside of what the Apprenticeship Program deems necessary for licensing. Alberta Advanced Education has a great page on what to know before enrolling in a Private Vocational Training School. The Approved Technical Training Schools in Edmonton are: MC College CLI College Est-Elle Academy of Hair Design Eveline Charles Academy

Barbering is not a separate license in Alberta.

It is very important to know that Barbering is not a separate license in Alberta. Although there are training facilities specifically for barbering, you should be aware that a full Hairstylist Apprenticeship (including technical training) needs to be completed for licensing. There has been an important change to note regarding technical trade schools. Previously, on-the-job training hours were credited for completing a full-time hairstyling program at an approved school. As of September 1st 2018, on-the-job work experience credit will only be given on a case-by-case basis. This means that you are no longer granted 1400 hours from your training provider that can be used to lessen your time as an apprentice. Once technical schooling has completed, you still must register as an apprentice and complete 2800 on-the-job hours. READ MORE. Knowing your options will help you make an informed decision regarding your education. For more information on Hairstyling careers contact (780) 604 2772 #103. EXECUTIVE SPA GROUP Career and Employment Centre Alberta Beauty Industry