Stepping out and embarking on your first journey in the beauty industry can be daunting, especially if you’re just starting out. Initially, deciding on the career pathway or simply managing your business requires a mentor that possessed profound experience in the industry. The beauty industry has been always appealing and attractive for those who hunger to express their artistic side. In fact, according to Beauty Services Alliance (BSA) about  100,000 people work in various categories of the beauty industry ranging from spa, makeup, nails, hair and aesthetics.

A report concluded that it is expected by 2027, the global beauty industry worth about $463.5 billion. These whopping statistics imply the importance that the beauty industry holds in the future. If you’re one of those people who still feel bummed and aren’t sure which path to go from, fret not because the Hair & Cosmetology Association Singapore (HACOS) is a leading association that has been consistently helping to improve the industry and its community.

Hair & Cosmetology Association Singapore (HACOS)

Founded by Simon Lee in November 2013, Hair & Cosmetology Association Singapore (HACOS) has been at the forefront that leads the changes in the beauty industry. The association strives to improve the overall aspects of the beauty, makeup, hair, and nail industry. They represent the voice of the people from the industry to reach the primary goal.

HACOS also constantly assist its community to expand their skills and knowledge, including providing necessary training. In fact, they are part of the Beauty Services Alliance (BSA) which produce the career framework that helps to map out the clear career progression.

Through this, it enables the newcomers and experienced workers to grow professionally. One of the main objectives that the association aim to achieve is to ensure more job opportunities are created for the people. They have been working as part of the Beauty Services Alliance (BSA) to provide about 3000 jobs in 2025, which is expected to increase the local workforce by up to  30%.

Additionally, HACOS supports the people by cultivating and showcasing the local talents through national dan international platforms. They also regularly work together to form a partnership with various talents and founders by organizing events. With their aspirations and motivations, HACOS has paved the way for the future of the beauty industry in Singapore.

The Career Pathaway

The standardised framework of the career pathway, provide a crystal clear progression that allows the individual to plan out their career and advanced their training level. Plus, it also benefits the business owners as they can make informed decisions and improve their management process. Consequently, it works synergistically to improve the overall aspects of the beauty industry. With this clear mapping of career progression, you can better equip yourself with the necessary talents and upskill to set yourself apart from other employees.

There are four levels of a pathway for makeup artists and hairstylists to advance next in their careers, which require profound experience and training. The table above signifies the progress that you can make and position that you’re eligible once you’re fully equipped with such relevant skills. Both of the career as a makeup artist and hairstylist started out as an assistant for the first level. Through time, you can work your way up to the ladder and attain a more senior position that requires a certain level of experience.

The work scope of a makeup artist is not merely confined to doing regular makeup only as there are various paths that you can take. You can advance into a career as an SFX makeup artist and be part of the production team in the media industry. Although working as a special effect makeup artist can be quite challenging, it allows you to be creative and showcase your artistic skills. Besides, you can even choose to further progress in the retail industry as a beauty advisor or retail beauty manager.

For those who are interested to become a hairstylist, you need to be competent in performing several different tasks. It also includes knowing the latest style and possessing excellent interpersonal skills. There are courses available that provide essential training for you to become a hairdresser. Among the list of courses that you need to undergo are managing the salon, hairstyling skills, health and sanitization. With the career framework created by Hair & Cosmetology Association Singapore (HACOS) and added with industrial training by them, you can be confident to face the uncertain challenge once you step into the beauty industry.

Supporting the Community

The Hair & Cosmetology Association Singapore (HACOS) also aids the community of the beauty industry by providing essential training on how to manage their business easily. The owners need to take into consideration different aspects such as standardized operation, customer, growth expansion and even law.

Apart from that, they also need to possess good business judgement and understand the key criteria to differentiate themselves from other competitors. With assistance from HACOS, they educate the public on necessary information and plans that are needed to ensure a smoother business operation.

They constantly conduct talks and events to ensure that the people are fully equipped to handle such business challenges. Especially with the pandemic, the HACOS team has been working in full force to educate the people on the importance of digitalization and technology. These initiatives will ensure the organization and its employee are prepared to face the evolving technological trends.

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