Whether you are thinking about a new career or adding to your existing PMU skill set. Finding quality Scalp micropigmentation training is your first step towards success. With the rising popularity of SMP there is now a plethora of SMP artists as well as SMP trainers touting their skills. Your primary goal with any training is getting the right skills in order to quickly provide great results for your prospective clients. SMP is a practical, tactile skill set, incorrect application due to poor training will soon result in poor results.
My motto is train once train right!
But how do you know whom or what SMP training course is right for you?
This week my blog post succinctly highlights 5 points that will help you make an informed decision when it comes to selecting a good, well-rounded SMP training course in Vancouver or elsewhere.
1: SMP Experience and Results
Facility has consistent SMP results
SMP is a craft, and like all crafts they take time to hone and perfect. This seems obvious, but would you take driving lessons from someone who’s been driving for 12 months and has had several accidents? I didn’t think so! So why would you learn a highly detailed skillset from someone who’s minimal experience and results are not quite there yet?
My advice would be to learn from someone who has at least 3 years experience and a portfolio that represents a level of work, which you would like to replicate. Remember, artists will only show their best work, so if it doesn’t look good and there isn’t much of it, how can you possibly learn something different than what your teacher is producing.
2: Past Student experiences
Quality prior student results
An experienced, quality teacher will have a following of happy, successful students. Of course not every single past student will be a success story, as natural ability, business acumen and passion does play a factor. However, a good SMP trainer should be able to provide you with details of successful working artists who have been trained by them. However this isn’t to say that someone who is starting out as a teacher isn’t good, as we all have to start somewhere. I would just emphasis the teacher’s experience and results as an SMP artist.
3: Comprehensive training
A successful SMP training program should leave a student feeling confident and knowledgeable on a broad range of hair loss topics and skin conditions as well as all practical aspects of SMP application, equipment and mechanics.
On average the majority of SMP consultations and SMP clients will generally fall into two specific hair loss groups. However, there is also a myriad of less common hair loss challenges and skin conditions, as well as a wide variety of questions you will be asked on a regular basis regarding hair loss and its treatments. Not to mention questions and requests regarding SMP styles, where you will have to make clear judgment calls on what is achievable or appropriate and what is not. Make sure your training itinerary reflects all the aspects of what an SMP artist will face on a daily basis. A comprehensive itinerary should be available for all prospective students to view and discuss with the trainer during the SMP training consultation.
4: Communication
SMP training courses are relatively short and there usually is a lot of information to digest. So clear concise communication between student and teacher is important. Besides the practical aspect of the SMP mechanics, there is much auxiliary knowledge that is needed in order to be a well-rounded practitioner. From initial client consultation, where a comprehensive knowledge of hair loss and hair loss treatments is needed, to how you approach your client’s individual and unique hair loss situation and their requested SMP style. Not to mention a thorough understanding of equipment and SMP setup. There is also the topic of running of your business on a daily basis. So good, clear communication between teacher and student is vital in order to get the most value out of your training experience.
5: Support (post and pre)
Venturing into a new career can be an exciting and daunting experience. A good trainer should be able to provide you with the time and knowledge to discuss the business of SMP and the SMP course in detail. I personally like to have a training consultation with my prospective students before they sign up. That way I can gauge a student’s experience level and their expectation regarding the SMP business. This is also very helpful for the student as they can garner vital pre information regarding the business of SMP and the SMP course. I always feel that once the course is over, the real work begins. So it’s imperative to find a trainer who can be available and approachable once your training is over. It’s only natural that you’ll have a little trepidation when you start meeting clients of your own. Knowing that you have support is a total game changer.
I personally have a good relationship with all my past students as an advisor and mentor.
In my experience this is the single most valuable aspect of any training experience, accountability and support once you’re on your own.
I do hope you find these guidelines helpful if you’re considering a career in scalp micropigmentation (SMP). As one of Canada’s busiest SMP artists I am always available for an un-bias consultation. Where I can hopefully provide you with some useful information regarding the business and art of SMP.
Rob James works out of his SMP studio Advanced Scalp Micropigmentation in Vancouver BC.