The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Professional Hair & Makeup Artist
- Susie Harris
- Sep 24, 2024
- 3 min read

At NW Makeup Academy, we get how exciting - and maybe a little daunting - it can be to turn your love for hair and makeup into a real career. Whether you are new to the industry or looking to enhance your skills, we are here to support you on your journey to becoming a Professional Hair & Makeup Artist!
What’s the Deal with Being a Hair and Makeup Artist?
Being a hair and makeup artist isn’t just about making people look good. It’s about understanding what makes each person unique and enhancing that. You’ll need to know about different skin types, hair textures, and all sorts of techniques. Plus, it’s a job where trends are always changing, so there’s never a dull moment.
First Things First: Training
Before you dive into the world of makeup and hair, getting the right training is super important. Our courses at NW Makeup Academy are designed to give you the basics and beyond. For example, our 4-Day Hair & Makeup Course is perfect if you’re serious about getting started in your hair and makeup career. You’ll learn all the go-to techniques in a relaxed, supportive environment- because we know learning is best when you’re having fun!

Practice Like a Pro
Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s all about practice. The more you practice, the more you’ll feel like, “Yes, I’ve got this!” We’re big on helping our students practice as much as possible. You even have the chance to join us as an assistant, which is a great way to gain experience and start putting together a killer portfolio.
The Business Side (Yeah, You Need This Too)
Let’s be real - being amazing at makeup and hair is only half the job. The other half is knowing how to run your own business. Don’t worry; we’re here to help with that too. From branding yourself to nailing social media, we’ll give you the tools you need to succeed. It’s not just about being creative - it’s about being smart with your business.
Finding Your Thing
Everyone’s got that one thing they’re really good at, and finding your niche can really help you stand out. Maybe you’re all about that bridal glam, or perhaps editorial work is more your jam. Whatever it is, we’ll help you find and develop it. But don’t forget, it’s also good to be versatile and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.

Show Off Your Work
Your portfolio is basically your resume in the beauty world. We’ll help you put together a portfolio that shows off what you can do. And in today’s world, having a strong online presence is crucial. We’ll guide you on how to create a website and manage your social media so potential clients can find you easily.
Get Out There and Network
Who you know can be just as important as what you know in this industry. We encourage our students to get out there, meet people, and make connections. Whether it’s through events, online communities, or collaborations, networking can lead to some amazing opportunities. Plus, we’re all about continuous growth, so we offer advanced workshops and mentoring to keep you ahead of the competition.
Gaining Experience and Building Your Name
Experience is where it’s at. Start small, build up your projects, and before you know it, you’ll have a solid reputation. We’re here to support you from your first gig to your big break.
Keep the Passion Alive
At the end of the day, it’s your passion that’s going to keep you going. There will be ups and downs, but as long as you stay true to what you love and keep learning, you’ll be just fine. And remember, we’re here for you every step of the way.
So, if you’re ready to turn your passion for makeup and hair into a career, NW Makeup Academy is the perfect place to start. Let’s do this together!
NW Makeup Academy offer Accredited Bridal Hair and Makeup Courses in Hampshire and Surrey. Whether you are looking to learn how to be a Makeup Artist or want to style bridal hair - get in touch. I am happy to book you on to any of our Accredited Bridal Hair & Makeup Courses or I can put together a bespoke training session for you.
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