Male Beauty Therapist... Courses

Filan

Have an interview next week with Pembrooke (galligan group) with a view to their evening course. Have a question though, what would the female's attitude be to attending a (quite feminine) man?. I'm aware that it isn't a field inhabited by men in this country...but believe in evolution and society is constantly evolving.... I'd like to believe that I could succeed.

Thanks
A

Lil' Smiler

of course you can succeed!

I did a course in holistic therapies, one of my tutors was male. he also taught facials and make up. he specialies in theatrical make up and as far as i know he'ds one of the top make up artists in the country.


i'd have to say from seeing his work, i'd feel confident in going to him for whatever i'd need done.


Go for it!!!

Filan

Thanks...Would have gone for it long ago....but so called 'friends' told me I'd be laughed at or unemployable..as a man. I've now thankfuly questioned whether they are suitable company...and dropped them!.

Lil' Smiler

Do it if it's something you think you'll enjoy. Loads of jobs out there

I know alot of girls who would actually find a male therapist better than a woman!!

Filan

thanks...and what about a guy with a feminine hairstyle?

ike

Why not! some of the most successful hair stylists and make up artists are male. Get damn good at what you do and your future clients won't care who or what you are!

Lola123

Go for it OP!

Filan

Thanks....Have written to Dept. of Social Welfare seeking some financial assistance. I could pay E2000...but I'd feel happier if I could keep more of my savings in tact... That Dept. does provide support for courses that it feels will benefit some people....I can only try!

Incidentaly do people here feel that it would contain skills that could be applied in related fields?

Thanks
A

Caryatnid

Hi. I don't see how being male would even be an issue. I have used both male and female MUAs and haven't noticed a difference.

Only thing is that for bikini waxing some women might feel a bit uncomfortable. Other than that I can't see what you're worrying about at all!

Good luck!!!

Lil' Smiler

Filan wrote: »

Incidentaly do people here feel that it would contain skills that could be applied in related fields?

Thanks
A

How do you mean??

If you do a course in Make Up, you'll have to learn Anatomy & Physiology, that opens up a whole load of other doors. Without A & P you can't do anything else. Generally with make up/beauty courses you'll do make up with massage & maybe some other subjects.

With Swedish Massage & A & P under your belt there's loads of othr therapies & treatments to do. For example many of the people in my college from beauty joined 2nd year holistics to do subjects such as infant massage, sports massage, indian head massage etc.

You can also follow on to do other things like Theatrical Make Up or Spa Therapies


What college are you thinking of applying to?

Filan

Pembrooke (Galligan Group) in Limerick...part-time...simplly haven't got the E5000 required for full time.

I meant that as you say, Anatomy and Physiology are included so could it be useful for Caring Professions? or at least serve as a useful foundation for such? You kind of implied that it could...I started though didn't complete a "Caring for the Elderly " course last year. Or Basic duties in a Hiar Salon perhaps?.

Thanks
A

lubie76

I done the full Beauty Therapy course with Galligans in Galway about ten years ago. I didn't actually enjoy the whole beauty salon scene which was normally where you ended up (back in the days before spas) so I only worked in the Uk and the States. However when I returned to Ireland I looked into doing a degree in something related and have just finished a degree in Health Science and Physiology. I can honestly say I had a huge advantage with the Anatomy and Physiology background from the Beauty therapy course particularly in relation to the massage due to the in depth theory on muscular and other anatomical systems. I would imagine this would be the same for any of the nursing/ care related courses. As for the male thing, go for it. The most popular therapists I met and worked with abroad were male and were always booked out before the female therapists.

Filan

So you didn't enjoy the course Lubie?....Is there anything that you could tell me about Salon's that might assist me in deciding?.

I'm a man biologicaly but present in a way quite atypical for a man....wear make up myself....having hair removed...love glitz....colour...like nail art...and would love nail extensions myself if I didn't risk ridicule localy.

Think Ireland is slow to change in terms of Gender parameters..while women have entered male domains...men haven't entered as much of the conventional female realm..I intend to play my part in pushing out those barriers

Lil' Smiler

Why don't you contact this Galligans group and ask them if they could put yu in touch with some past male pupils.


I meant to say aswell as salons etc and leading on to different courses there's also the option of cruise ships which i know a few people from my college did and enjoyed, it wouldn't be for me.

With A & P, I can honestly say I don't know how having it would fair out with a "Caring for the elderly" course for example.

I myself completed my 2 years of Holistic Therapies, in first year learning my A & P which we were told was to the same extent of knowledge that a 2nd year Nurse has. In my 2nd year I furthered my study of A & P by studying Sports Massage which gave me more in depth info into the muscles, bones etc.

Having my A & P, Swedish & Sports massage allowed me to enter year 2 of a Physical Therapy course and again I am now going into the A & P of muscles & the extremities even more in depth!!!

In A & P you study pretty much the anatomical structures of human biology that you study in LC biology but in more detail. This covers, all the systems of the body i.e. cardiovascular, lymphatic, muscular etc. You will also do some nutrition i.e. a bit on protein, carbohydrates, lipids & vitamins. The purpose of it is obviously to know what you're working on an how you can do damage i.e. for waxing/facials/make up etc you know the structures & appendages of the skin & hair etc.

Filan

Had interview today and asked whether I was hetero or homexual by the Interviewer..whether I have had long term relationship with women.It was phrased in a casual, non-judgmental way but still thought it a little odd....probably trying to guage how I'd interact with the female environment. Said that she would be happy to offer me a place...but that it would be near impossible for me to find a job in Limerick...possible in Dublin...but would recommend I go to the U.K. . Said that London is a 'different world' in terms of men entering hitherto female realms.

Lil' Smiler

That is a little odd yes!

I suppose that's probably true of finding a job.

So what have you decided to do? or have you made any decisions yet?

idunnoutellme

possibly the best company producing gel nail products Young Nails is owned by a guy who teaches nails and been doing them for many many years.
Obviously anything can be achieved once you put your mind to it

watna

Filan wrote: »

Had interview today and asked whether I was hetero or homexual by the Interviewer..whether I have had long term relationship with women.It was phrased in a casual, non-judgmental way but still thought it a little odd....probably trying to guage how I'd interact with the female environment. Said that she would be happy to offer me a place...but that it would be near impossible for me to find a job in Limerick...possible in Dublin...but would recommend I go to the U.K. . Said that London is a 'different world' in terms of men entering hitherto female realms.

Emm..... If that was a job interview you could sue them. You can't be discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation. Still, she offered you a place so that's different!

I'd have no problem with a male beauty therapist except when it came to getting a Brazilian done. If I'm going to bare my girly garden to a stranger for cosmetic reasons I'd like it to be a lay-dee!

abrr1000

watna wrote: »

Emm..... If that was a job interview you could sue them. You can't be discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation. Still, she offered you a place so that's different!

Well i think that's a bit rash. The woman was probably just surprised to see male interest and didnt know what to think of it so asked a stupid question.

But definitely if you're offered the place and you think you'd have interest in it then go for it. You could then choose to specialise in something.
Most importantly there is a growing demand for male specialised waxing (if you know what i mean ) so if you had no problem doing that then you're hired anywhere. Or you could open your own place - just for men. I think i'm onto something here if only i were a man

Filan

To be honest her negativity in relation to emplyment prospects deflated me somewhat..especialy as the costs are huge. Don't think I'll do the professional course....but may do the hobby one (about one eight of the cost) and will look at Hairdressing or Fashion Design. I'd love to try hairdressing and it's man friendly environment.

Don't get me wrong..I'm not a quitter...but 2000Euro..ok with funding 1500...and I'd find it hard to motivate myself to engage in study..if I felt that my prospects were so limited. I'd leave Limerick or maybe even Ireland...but my Mum is slightly invalided and somewhat dependant on me...so it wouldn't be easy for me to leave.

I will make my mark on life...and intend to push the gender boundaries out...but probably not via the medium of this course.

Has anyone suggestions for good beginners Hairdressing courses? I could travel to Dublin..enjoy the train!

katiemac

I would sue them even though they offered you a place on their course.
You cannot be asked personal questions, even if they are of a sexual nature, at an interview.
You have very strong grounds for suing them. When you go through the courts, or reach an out of court settlement, you will have plenty of money to pay for your course!!:D

Lil' Smiler

Filan wrote: »

To be honest her negativity in relation to emplyment prospects deflated me somewhat..especialy as the costs are huge. Don't think I'll do the professional course....but may do the hobby one (about one eight of the cost) and will look at Hairdressing or Fashion Design. I'd love to try hairdressing and it's man friendly environment.

Don't get me wrong..I'm not a quitter...but 2000Euro..ok with funding 1500...and I'd find it hard to motivate myself to engage in study..if I felt that my prospects were so limited. I'd leave Limerick or maybe even Ireland...but my Mum is slightly invalided and somewhat dependant on me...so it wouldn't be easy for me to leave.

I will make my mark on life...and intend to push the gender boundaries out...but probably not via the medium of this course.

Has anyone suggestions for good beginners Hairdressing courses? I could travel to Dublin..enjoy the train!

I don't blame you for her negativity somewhat deflating you but in fairnes to her at least she was honest with you and wasn't just trying to take your money for you to spend a huge amount and then find it hard to find a job!

In regards to asking about your sexual orientation.. i dont know maybe she was seeing if you are genuinely interested or whether you were thinking about pulling the girls sort of thing... i'm not sure if that's just me being narrow minded or something. I'm not really sure what other difference it could make really.

I wouldn't go with the sueing route but..good point about paying for the course ha ha!!

abrr1000

OP - in Ireland hairdressing courses are nothing and even after completing one of those you will start in any salon as a first year apprentice. So if you are thinking of Hairdressing you need to find a salon that will take you on and 4 years later you will be fully qualified. Thats just how it works.
And 5000 for a 2 year course (i think) although may sound expensive is an investment in your future. I have been paying 5000 every year for 4 years in my university and at least now have a degree. So have a good think about what you really want to do because it doesnt really sound like you are sure what you want to do.

Filan

Thanks...I'd like to work in Hair/Beauty...but more for fulfilment than a belief in my ability.. I love fashion, hair, make up...dream about it actually....but my natural -ability- probably lies more in the academic field...I do have an academic mind.

But hey I'd really like to be involved in the Fashion Industry.

I'm used to the 'gay' terminology...used to bother me but not a lot now...have questioned whether I might be Trans...certainly elements of that in my personality....and people associate effeminate men with homosexuality....was unprofessional though.

Ireland isn't that enlightened...especially outside of Dublin...certain sections are....but in comparison to much of continental Europe we are somewhat conservative on average. But hey life is what you make of it....and I won't blame others ....that abdicates responsibilty for our own lives.... I'm responsible for my own....I intend to make the most of it.