14. Training
For an industry that offers such specialised services, it’s amazing how much information there is in print and in cyberspace about both the hair salon and the day spa industries. The Internet is an especially rich source of background information, business tips and marketing know-how, much of which is posted by people who are themselves in the industry.
We’ve presented some useful resources here, but the list is by no means exhaustive. Also, please note that all contact information was current and accurate at the time of publication.
The Afro Hairdressing and Beauty Employers Association of Southern Africa (AHBEASA) offer a learnership management solution to employers seeking to enjoy the benefits of learnerships without involving internal senior staff. AHBEASA acts as both training provider and management partner to ensure that employers have a trouble-free learner ship experience.
AHBEASA provides practical training on entrepreneurship, how to be an entrepreneur and to run sustainable business through department of labour.
The training covers:
- Business Planning
- Customer care
- The Marketing Plan
- Financial Planning
- Costing and pricing
- Research
- Stock control
- Strategy plan
- Business performance
AHBEASA provides business coaching to its members. Its also link its members with preferred services providers mentor its members. In the Afro hair market those who join AHBEASA receive a gold membership card which allows members to enjoy a 2.5% discount sale and 5% discount on equipment from head quarters and members get 5% discounts on all products purchased from Hair World.
Regular training
The Hairdressing and Cosmetology Services Industry Education and Training Board (HCSIETB) has developed a six part modular training system, which is offered by most technical colleges, who have been accredited by the HCSIETB to provide quality training for both Afro and Caucasian hair.
Always make sure that the institution that you choose for your training has accreditation from the Board. If not, your training will not be recognised by the industry, you will not be able to do a Board Exam or Trade Test, and your money will have been wasted. You will need to study the theory and practice of hairdressing in six modules covering such subjects as salon ethics and communication, introduction to skin and hair, etc.
Trade Tests
Once apprentices have completed the six part modular training system and have the required amount of salon experience they may do a Board Exam. On passing the Board Exam, the Trade Test may be done. The Trade Test is the nationally recognised qualification for hairdressing. Once this has been passed you are a qualified hairdresser.