Phl cosmetologists underrated

CEBU, Philippines - Hairdressing and beauty care professions are underrated and such lack of acknowledgment results in the shortage of skilled cosmetologists currently experienced in the country.

This is according to Marilyn Polo who is presently the cosmetology director of the Rose Institute of Cosmetology and Pharmacy.

Polo said that the market has to realize the need for well-trained beauticians and cosmetologists.

The Rose Institute of Cosmetology and Pharmacy is believed to be the first international institute for beauty and pharmacy studies in Cebu, offering short-term vocational courses in pharmacy associate, pharmacy services, hairdressing and beauty care.

Polo was previously the general manager of Salon de Rose of the Rose Group of Companies until 2010 and has played a major role in expanding the salon company to 22 branches nationwide.

Polo said that most of the cosmetologists in the country do not have the proper education and training, thus being singled-out from other professions.

“Hairdressers and beauticians need to continue to upgrade their skills since the fashion industry keeps on evolving.  We have to be attuned with the trends and explore beyond the traditional approach on hairdressing and beauty care,” she said.

Polo has acquired trainings in the country and also attended workshops abroad such as in Malaysia, Singapore, and Paris.

She cited that those who conduct hair coloring, for instance, need appropriate training since they have to conduct diagnosis and consultation to check the porosity of hair before applying any color.

She added that in rebonding, there should also be perfect timing in the application of the products and processes. 

Polo further noted that once one has acquired the sound knowledge and skills development on hairdressing and beauty care, he could earn money out of his profession in cosmetology and even put up his own salon business.

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-7 Assistant Regional Director Buenafe Sta. Rita cited that the shortage of skilled pharmacy aides and cosmetologists in the industry could be also attributed to the lack of training schools in the country due to the expensive capital it requires to open one.

She said that in Cebu alone, there are only two existing training centers that offer vocational courses on pharmacy technician and beauty education.

The lack of trained cosmetologists and pharmacy assistants in the country prompted the Rose Group of Companies to put up an institute of beauty and pharmacy in Cebu.

This is also to help supplement the growth of its businesses in the years ahead.  All graduates of Rose Institute of Cosmetology and Pharmacy are guaranteed to have a job in its affiliate companies such as Salon de Rose and Rose Pharmacy.

At present, there are 28 Salon de Rose outlets across the country. Eight of which are found in Cebu. In a month, the company hires 50 hair stylists and beauticians for Salon de Rose.

TESDA-accredited courses for hairdressing and beauty care Rose Institute could take two weeks to two months of training. To date, it already had 30 graduates for the hairdressing and beauty care programs and currently trains another 20 students.

The cosmetology department of Rose Institute has three lecture rooms and two rooms intended for demonstrations on beauty and hair drying. Trainees are trained to practice their courses with consumable materials and equipment such as hair streamer, infrared sterilizer, hot cabinet, magnifying lamp, hair dryer, facial machine, spa machine and paraffin machine for hands-on training. /JMD (FREEMAN)