Some people make a career out of their interest in the art of looking good. If helping people with their appearance appeals to you, then hairstyling is one of the career options you might consider. As is the case in any other pursuit, a bit of planning is always necessary. So what should a prospective hairstylist do?

• Graduate from a college. Being a graduate in a discipline of your choice may not be related to the hairstyling skills that you will eventually learn, but it will prepare you for the options that may open later in your career.

• Enrol for training. Since not many institutes provide hairstyling courses, you need to research on the Internet or look through your local Yellow Pages or community newspaper for a school near you.

• Get trained. Through these courses you learn many different types and areas of hairstyling including colouring, perming, braiding, and waving. You could also pursue a course in cosmetology after your higher secondary.

• Apprentice with an established hairstylist. Many schools offer on-the-job training programs and you are likely to get absorbed in the salon where you work while in the program. Or else, there are many established hairstylists who would be willing to let you practice at their salons.

• Build a portfolio. While pursuing your course or working as an intern, take pictures of your work and ask testimonials from people who have used your services. Put these together to create a portfolio showcasing your work to prospective employers.