Why should you invest in wax training? Lydia Jordane answers your questions in our latest Q&A
LYCON has long been a leader in quality waxing products both nationally and internationally. Established in Australian in 1978, yet long in the making with Lydia Jordane’s childhood passion. Lydia created her first wax in the late 60’s when just a teenager, and since has established LYCON as the trusted wax of choice across top spas and salons in over 80 countries. How has she done this? Stunning unsurpassed quality products, backed with comprehensive world-class training! Lydia Jordane knows very well that with effective and reliable waxing techniques and reliable products, success is imminent.
LYCON is renowned for their comprehensive training, which we at Barneys Salon Supplies are honoured and happy to provide with our resident trainer. And so, we reached out to none other than the global Waxing Queen herself, to get her view on why you should invest in training, if you haven’t already! Here are some common questions we get asked and we wanted Lydia’s opinion of course!
Barneys: Why should a salon-owner invest in staff training?
Lydia: While staff have received training in beauty therapy, including waxing, the practical experience gained in college can be limited due to broad curriculums and there is so much to cover. Some salon staff may have worked in other salons and generally it’s easy to develop bad habits, which may not align with best practices. I believe ongoing staff training is crucial for refining techniques and ensuring consistency in the quality of treatments across the salon. The uniformity in service delivery is key to maintaining high standards. Additionally, continuous skill development is essential, as there is always something new or different to learn that can significantly enhance our work and make a big difference in lots of ways.
Barneys: How does one go about selecting the best training for their salon staff?
Lydia: Selecting the right training for staff isn’t easy, as each person brings their own level of experience, and changing long-established habits can be challenging. It’s important to determine whether staff need collective training or if some staff require focused training in certain areas. From my experience, regardless of the training chosen, the most important thing I emphasise is the need for an open mind and receptiveness to learning. Therapists must be confident in their treatments, but it’s equally important that they remain open to new techniques or that they may need to improve in some areas. Sometimes, the way we’ve always done things isn’t the best or only way.
Barneys: How can a salon owner support their staff post attending a beauty training course?
Lydia: It is very important to acknowledge the training they have had at college, which no doubt has been great. But it is also important to guide new beauty therapists in developing their skills on the floor and to build better confidence in what they do. You can always offer a watch and learn micro beauty course, similar to what we offer, or help them practice with the team in areas you and they feel needs refinement.
Barneys: Is an online or in-person course best for my team?
Lydia: For me, in-person training is more effective for teaching waxing techniques. When I conduct training, I am very involved, as are my staff and we continuously suggest improvements throughout the session. It’s surprising how often what I explain and demonstrate doesn’t fully register with trainees, either because they aren’t listening carefully, or they don’t recognise the importance of improving their methods. Sometimes, we need to repeat the same instructions three or more times in a single session before it clicks. Nervousness and fear can greatly impact how we listen and interpret what we’re being shown, so patience and perseverance in explaining are essential to ensure students get the most out of the training.
Barneys: What is the difference between Watch & Learn course and advanced beauty salon training? Should my team participate in both?
Lydia: Generally, a Watch & Learn is about watching how someone performs a treatment, which you then need to practice on your own. These are, however, great insights and even reminders as to what you could be doing during a treatment. Watch and Learn sessions are also excellent introductions to a new wax brand and techniques or for those looking to venture into a new product line.
When it comes to Beauty Salon Training, or Hands-On Training, the trainee will participate in the practical performance of a treatment. This gives the trainer the ability to correct the trainee, so the training can be more effective. Hands-on training offers the trainee a better opportunity to learn and adapt to the skills being training.
Depending on the level of competency, and whether the brand and products used in the training are new to your salon staff, then yes, both a Watch and Learn and advanced training are of value. If you are simply offering your staff a reminder of the techniques to remain updated, a watch and learn could be sufficient. In fact, we have a Watch and Learn coming up in October at Barneys Salon Supplies. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone to attend and discover a few of our renowned techniques. Plus, it’s a relatively low cost yet comprehensive course. Why not join us and see for yourself?
Barneys: How do I keep my beauty salon staff motivated to learn?
Lydia: The best way to motivate staff to learn is by establishing a policy that sets the expectation for openness to ongoing training. It’s important for staff to understand that salons have different protocols, and these protocols may need to be updated over time. This means that staff should be actively engaged in the growth and learning processes.
Barneys: How do I measure the effectiveness of beauty salon staff training?
Lydia: If your staff has received external training, it’s important to discuss their experience and find out what they thought of the training. Ask them if they learned something new and whether they feel inclined to incorporate any of these new techniques into their daily routines. If you believe these ideas have merit, the decision to adjust salon systems can be made collaboratively between the salon owner or manager and the staff. While not everything learned may be implemented, the knowledge gained is always valuable, even if it simply reinforces that current practices are already good and effective.
The beauty industry is ever evolving, from innovative treatments to pioneering techniques and new trends, staying up to date is imperative to your success! Looking at brushing up on your waxing skills or need to upskill one of your staff? Lycon have a few seats remaining in their upcoming Lycon Top To Toe Watch & Learn waxing course, starting Oct 28. Sign up today and redeem $100 in Lycon products on the day, plus more!
