Meet the MENTOR

Avni Amlani, International Skin Expert and Business Consultant, is a name synonymous with aesthetic training and skin education. She shares her views on the changing face of beauty with Kanishka Ramchandani and the need for skin therapists to stay ahead of the curve.

With more than 34 years of experience in skincare, spa and wellness, Avni Amlani, International Skin Expert and Business Consultant, is a name to reckon with in the field of beauty education. She became an aesthetician in 1988, having received her diploma from a renowned beauty institute in central London.

Her expertise lies in skin treatments, especially niche ones like Advanced Electrolysis, IPL/Laser treatments, Micro-needling (including Dermapen) treatments and Thermal Auricular Therapy. She has trained scores of skin therapists, as an educator and brand trainer, across the UK, Europe and USA.

Amlani was a lecturer at an Institute in central London, carrying out CIBTAC/CIDESCO diploma training. She was instrumental in Nytec Beauty successfully launching Dermalogica in India back in 2007. To her goes the credit of establishing high standards of training for skin therapists in India, and with knowledge and technical expertise turn them into professional therapists. She is committed to the goal of mentoring fresh talent in this field. She believes, “Better education for therapists creates an opportunity for greater respect amongst skincare professionals.”

Her dedicated approach led her to educate women and girls from the slums in Mumbai and made them realise the power they have to yield significant returns for themselves, their families and their communities. She continues to empower children in Africa through education with her partnership with a UK-based company.

We get Amlani to share with us her thoughts on the progress of the professional beauty segment in the new normal.

It is important to offer skin services, which truly provide results, including the use of devices for deeper penetration of products and ones that give instant glow.

What is the best way to get your skin salon back on track in the new normal?

Over the past two years, skin services have faced challenges to win the confidence of clients in helping them understand that ‘facials’ are not just a luxury indulgence, but a necessity to maintain the well-being of the skin. So, as the industry is getting back on track to the ‘new normal,’ it is important to offer skin services, which truly provide results, including the use of devices for deeper penetration of products and ones that give instant glow.

How has the customer mindset or behaviour changed over the last two years?

Customers have had to quickly adapt their behaviour and mindset on maintaining their skin and hair without the luxury of visiting a salon. They have started to search for products online, as opposed to earlier when they would mostly rely on their hairstylist or skin therapist to recommend it to them, post the service.

Which are the major skin concerns that they face now?

Stress during the past two years with consistent uncertainty, frequent use of face masks/shields, increased screen time, low humidity indoors, poorer sleeping habits, etc, has all contributed to skin sensitivity, eczema, acne, pigmentation patches as well as hair fall and dandruff for individuals.

What developments have happened in in-clinic skincare in the recent past? Is there a preference to treatments based on devices?

In-clinic skincare treatments have evolved considering the enforced restrictions and client apprehensions. To minimise human touch by therapists, clients are preferring the use of electrical devices to enhance the results of the treatments.

What is your take on the skincare products used for inclinic treatments?

My personal take for products used in in-clinic treatments is to use fewer but more efficacious products, which give multiple benefits within one step of the treatment, preferably in single use packaging to minimise cross-contamination.

What does an ideal skincare service menu look like?

An ideal skincare menu should be limited but with precise treatment description and benefits. Today’s fast paced lifestyle does not allow a customer to leisurely read through the booklet of facial services. They prefer to review a page with fewer options, offering solutions for multiple skin conditions and precise results.

How important is continued training for therapists?

Training and continuous training is paramount to becoming a successful therapist, especially in this era where technology is constantly evolving. This included selflearning by reading about latest trends and understanding the scientific reasons for their popularity and how it can be incorporated within your own services.

What advice would you like to give to therapists regarding soft skills?

Knowledge and soft skills in this profession goes ‘hand-inhand’ to garner respect as an expert. Soft skills will set you apart from fellow colleagues.

What advice would you like to give to clinicians?

I definitely recommend incorporating multiple devices in the treatments to provide lasting benefits to their clients. I am at present consulting and this is the advice that I give to my clients.

What have you planned for yourself in the role of an educator?

I am constantly educating myself by attending conferences and training sessions, learning new techniques, which I can share as an educator and mentor to fellow professionals.

Any skincare tips for customers.

Ensure you follow a thorough daily skincare routine, which includes cleansing, exfoliation, toning and moisturising for basic maintenance and to include serums to combat specific skin conditions. Once or twice a week of deep exfoliation, masque and gentle self-massage therapy will make sure your skin is ‘salon ready.’ PBHJ