E-commerce, AI, robots, kiosks, self-checkout all have one common goal. “Less employment, fewer jobs.”

While the “retail apocalypse” is becoming real, the retail beauty stores are still standing strong. Even during the pandemic, beauty supply stores experienced a sharp increase in sales. We must rethink the retail beauty industry and learn to create new jobs.

We propose state and federal agencies to review and approve a Retail Beauty Consultant course as a new job training program. All leg-work had been completed, we are not even asking for grants. All necessary curriculums, textbooks are printed. The course had been reviewed by industry leaders. More than 90% of beauty store operators say they will hire employees who complete this course. 

We are simply asking state agencies to review our course and include the Retail Beauty Consultant course in their career development training programs.

While wigs and hair extensions are required subjects in cosmetology courses, until now there have not been enough textbook or study materials on the industry for students to fully learn the subject. 

The textbook, Standard Retail Beauty Consultant, aims to fill these holes in cosmetology courses to meet the Board regulations and student interest on these subjects.

FOR SANITARY AND PUBLIC SAFETY

  • Use of wigs and hair extensions has grown substantially and is continually growing.
  • The federal government prohibits use of flammable hair fiber for public safety. But cosmetologists, without knowing it, use these regularly.
  • Human hair fibers that are being used on wigs and in hair extensions must go through proper acid treatments to remove unwanted microorganisms and debris left by the donor. Without adequate information cosmetologists, as well as the public, may get exposed to improper raw materials.
  • Certain synthetic and animal hair fibers tend to cause more allergic reactions with skin compared to others. Cosmetologists must be able to identify the characteristics of each material used on wigs and hair extensions.
  • Unconventional styling products, such as glue and various tools, are being used on hair and skin when applying wigs and hair extensions. 

STUDY MATERIALS INCLUDE

  • Basic, yet essential information on the parts and materials of wigs and hair extensions
  • Different methods of hair attachment
  • Wig fitting and alteration
  • Identifying the types of wigs best for the consumer’s specific needs

  

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS

BBIM, Inc., a not-for-profit Maryland corporation, has put forth effort in developing these programs since 2009 including:

  • Published comprehensive a textbook, Standard Retail Beauty Consultant
  • Developed and provided wig styling and custom wig making courses for beauty supply store operators nationwide.
  • Published monthly trade magazines for the beauty store operators nationwide.
  • Published monthly salon magazines, specialized in wigs and hair extensions.
  • Established infrastructure for online and in-class training programs.

UP AHEAD IN DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS

  • Teaching manual for instructors
  • Audio-Video training aids
  • Complete a separate textbook for Wig Specialist (hand-made wigs)
  • Updating textbook regularly
  • Further developing this program to advocate “Wig Specialist” as a separate specialty course under the Cosmetology program. 

ROADMAP

  • Obtaining course accreditations from state and federal agencies
  • Train instructors who will teach students in community colleges or state approved career training centers.
  • Web-based job placement assistance, linking beauty store operators and students.

We need your voice and support to make this program to see the light. Promoting black-owned businesses are important but uplifting and promoting black employment is also important. Please review this course and add your voice.