Nail tech or massage or combine both?

[Champagnecharli]

Hi

I am going to retrain to become a nail tech/massage therapist.

My initial idea was to do the CND complete training and start with nails, then add massage and reflexology hopefully specialising in pregnancy massage/reflexology as there are very few providers of this in my area.

I really love doing my own nails and could see myself getting clients as I get lots of compliments on my nails (I usually just use OPI but do cuticle work etc myself and make sure I apply carefully with base/top coat). However, I know competition in this area is very stiff and wonder if I should go down the massage route first? I plan on doing a proper massage course including full A & P which will take a while. The cost for training is comparable (CND is 2k and the massage/reflexology are 1k each roughly).

Questions - which would you do first? Do you think it's possible to combine the 2 or is pregnancy massage/reflexology too specialised to combine with other treatments?

Any input appreciated.

 

[laurakate]

There are lots of people who do all those things. In my observation i think it is a norm to do lots of things and then to only specialise later as and when.

Maybe its more of a question of which to do first.

Edit: reflexology and massage are both covered in doing level 3 diploma in complementary therapies...definately worth looking into as it may be better value for money to do it this way.

 

[S.Dupree]

I would say do nails first as its better for repeat business sometimes with massage and reflex ect people can try extend time between visits but there's no way they would wait to have their nails done.
It's good to be able to offer mixture of treatments
Just my opinion hope it helps xx

 

[Champagnecharli]

That's fab thanks guys. You are just confirming what I was already thinking in my head. Will also look into the level 3 in complimentary therapies.

 

[jcpark]

TBH, if you want to become a massage therapist (and do nails), then I would forget the NVQ level 3 in complimentary therapies as it is a beauty qualification not a massage therapy one. For reflexology check that the course allows you membership of the AOR and for massage, the GCMT- the courses will then meet the industry standards for massage therapy and reflexology.

 

[Champagnecharli]

It was the VTCT certificate I was looking at or the one through the CTS which is a practitioner diploma and university accredited. I'm very conscious of feeling like I know what I'm doing and being properly qualified especially if I'll be dealing with pregnant ladies!! It's important to me that I get the best training, not the cheapest training. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[laurakate]

Lots of people train through vtct courses and nvqs. It depends what you want from the course and afterwards.

 

[jcpark]

Lots of people train through vtct courses and nvqs. It depends what you want from the course and afterwards.

Yes, of course, but there is a big difference between massage therapy and beauty massage therapy. As Champagnecharli said she wanted to specialise in massage therapy then she would be better getting massage industry standard qualifications rather than beauty industry standard qualifications.
Unfortunately, vctc are well known for accrediting courses that fall below national occupations standards and their OWN standards! That's not to say they all do, but you do have to be careful. That said, if you want to become a massage therapist rather than a beauty therapist who does massage, then you will be far better equipped and stand a great chance of succes if you get training to industry standards and while the combined complimentary therapies level 3 is accepted in the beauty industry, it is not considered of a high enough standard in the massage/reflexology industry.

 

[Lolla]

the combined complimentary therapies level 3 is accepted in the beauty industry, it is not considered of a high enough standard in the massage/reflexology industry.

Could you advise on which courses ARE to this standard as I am really struggling to find them...!?


Sent from my GT-I9100 using SalonGeek

 

[jcpark]

Could you advise on which courses ARE to this standard as I am really struggling to find them...!?


Sent from my GT-I9100 using SalonGeek

Sorry, I don't know your area, but as I said, it is best to check with the AOR for reflexology or the GCMT for massage therapy. You could also check the curriculum to see if the courses you are looking at cover the standard.
Standards - Documents & Downloads

 

[laurakate]

I know lots of people employed in spas and salons who have vtct/itec/city and guilds qualifications, some of whom are now training to teach.

My question is therefore one of "what doors are actually closed to a person who has these qualifications as opposed to something else?"

Vtct offers qualifications in sports massage and pregnancy massage.

Hope my reply doesnt sound too heated here because thats not what im going for here. Just asking.

 

[Champagnecharli]

Woah didn't mean to start anything controversial! I think I see what JC is saying, and I'm keen to be 'properly' qualified in massage. There are far too many 2-day massage courses - I really wouldn't feel confident doing massage after a 2 day short course. The CTS one I was looking at is at the weekend completed over 9 months and there is an exam and practical at the end.

However, the main issue is the lack of regulation and clarity within the industry. - this is why we're all arguing the toss over which certificate is 'better'!

 

[Champagnecharli]

Just wanted to add I'm in Scotland and the 2 training providers recognised by the GCMT are Scottish massage school and the Western School. I'll probably go with the Scottish Massage School.

 

[laurakate]

Thats all good

You can get a vtct from 2 day courses or courses lasting 9 months or so. Definately dont do a 2 day course in massage...too much to take in.

Enjoy your course

 

[Christine Mary]

I studied my A + P through my local college, just one afternoon a week, and if I remember it was quite cheap to do this way.
Once I had my qualification I then did a massage course with a local lady who works under the beauty guild guidelines, and I came away with a full credited certificate.

may be worth doing a local search on training providers, meanwhile, I would start with something like shellac, very cost effective, and everyone loves it.