Healthy Competition

Four ways entering competitions will help you to level up your skills as told by Lash Factor.

It’ll get you outside your comfort zone

Performing your craft at a competition is a completely different experience to carrying out appointments in your treatment room. For one, you can’t control your surroundings. Plus, if you travel abroad for a competition, you may not even meet your model until you get there! Although these things can cause some techs to panic, the truth is you’ll likely adapt to the situation at hand. While many of us try to stay inside our safe, protective bubble, it’s important to venture outside of it now and then. You’ll be surprised at how your industry knowledge allows you to be flexible with the resources you have. And if things didn’t quite go to plan? Great, you’ve got a starting point to go away and grow your skills.

It’s a chance to network

Whether it’s an in-person or virtual competition, chances are you’ll be able to network with other like-minded professionals. Through connecting with others, you’ll be able to create support groups where you can share tips, advice, recommendations and more. You’ll be amazed at the knowledge you can gain from your peer’s own experiences and perspectives and how that translates to improving your own skills.

You’ll learn about new products and techniques

As well as meeting new people through competitions, you’ll likely be introduced to new products and techniques. Some in-person competitions will also host conferences, often covering innovative new methods and tips to help you up your skills; this may even be the case for virtual contests too!

Learn from the judges and fellow competitors by following them on social media. Many professionals will share lots of free online content, including product recommendations and go-to methods.

Feedback will help you to grow

Feedback is a huge bonus of getting involved. Whether it’s positive or constructive criticism, having experienced industry leaders critique your work allows you to grow and improve. At most competitions, you will probably get some useful comments from the judges, allowing you to work on specifics when bettering your practice.

Taking the plunge and entering a competition might seem daunting at first. In fact, most of us are guilty of thinking about the worst that can happen, rather than what we can gain from the experience. By focusing on how contests can help you to grow your skills, you’ll start to see them as an essential part of your continuing professional development.

Ready to commit?

Why not enter the ÉLAN Asia Show taking place in Antalya, Turkey, from 15th May until 21st May 2023? You’ll have the chance to participate in Brow Shaping, Brow Lamination and Lash Lifting competitions (plus makeup contests), as well as attend talks from some of the industry’s top professionals. All this while staying in a 5-star hotel!

Plus, we’re offering you 15% off any ticket that’s €520 or more when you quote the code LASHFACTORELAN15 on any line of the registration form at elanasiashow.com/en lashfactor.co.uk

More volume after one use

Focused on hydrating and strengthening hair from the scalp, this clinically tested range features a shampoo, conditioner, mousse and mist. The products are focused on giving you healthy, voluminous hair that looks ‘lit from within’. The star of the range is ALTERNA’s Marine Plumping Complex, a blend of volumising ingredients that features Sea Kelp for plumping and hydration, and Keratin, Panthenol and Biotin to fortify the hair from within. To make the regimen even more uplifting, it’s scented and is truly a sensual approach to self-care. www.alternahaircare.com