You do not always need years of study to start a career in beauty. Several beauty careers can be learned through short, hands-on training and started on your own: makeup artist, braider and hair specialist, wig specialist, nail technician, lash artist, brow artist, esthetician and manicurist. Here is what each one involves, where you can work, and how to train for it in Montreal.
Makeup artist
What you do: makeup for weddings, parties, photo shoots and events, adapted to every skin tone and to the lighting.
Where you work: freelance at clients’ homes or at events, with photographers, or in a beauty salon.
Training: our professional makeup program, with a specialty in makeup for Black and mixed-race skin.
Braider and textured hair specialist
What you do: box braids, knotless braids, cornrows and twists, and for some, locs and sew-in extensions.
Where you work: from home, at clients’ homes or in a salon chair.
Training: braiding or sew-in extensions. Read How to become a professional braider in Montreal.
Wig specialist
What you do: install lace frontal and 360° wigs (glued or sewn), or make wigs from scratch by machine or by hand, and colour them.
Where you work: in a studio, at clients’ homes, or selling custom wigs online.
Training: wig installation, wig making and colouring.
Nail technician and manicurist
What you do: gel and acrylic nails and nail art as a nail technician; natural nail care, semi-permanent polish and spa pedicures as a manicurist.
Where you work: home studio, mobile service, salon or spa.
Training: nail technician and manicure and pedicure.
Lash artist and brow artist
What you do: classic, volume and mega volume lash extensions; microblading and microshading for brows.
Where you work: lash studio, beauty institute or your own space. Brow work requires strict hygiene and single-use equipment.
Training: lash extensions and microblading and microshading.
Esthetician (facials)
What you do: skin analysis, deep cleansing, gentle peels, masks and facial massage, adapted to every skin type.
Where you work: spa, treatment room or mobile service.
Training: facial care.
How to choose your path
| If you enjoy… | Consider… |
|---|---|
| Colour, faces and events | Makeup artist |
| Detailed, patient handwork | Lash artist, brow artist, nail technician |
| Hair and creativity | Braider, wig specialist |
| Care and relaxation | Esthetician, manicurist |
Many professionals combine two or three specialties to offer complete services, for example wigs and makeup for brides. Our combo certificates bundle several programs over 8, 12 or 16 days.
How training works at BF Beauty
- 1 day (4 to 5 hours) to learn the basics, or 4 days (20 hours) for the full program;
- $1,000 or $2,000 for all programs, plus taxes;
- 70% hands-on practice, all materials provided on site and a certificate issued by the school;
- weekday, evening and weekend groups, in English or French;
- a new session on the first Monday of every month: see the 2026 start dates.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a diploma to start these programs?
No. Our programs are open to beginners and start with the basics.
Can I work on my own after training?
Many beauty professionals work freelance, from home or at clients’ homes. Our 4-day programs end with a module on pricing, clients and social media.
Which career should I start with?
Start with the one you enjoy most and that your future clients ask for. You can add a second specialty later.
Professional Makeup program: all the details
Get the details by email📍 Find Us — BF Beauty Training Academy
Location
350 Rue de Louvain O
Montréal, QC H2N 2E8
Public Transit
Crémazie or Henri-Bourassa metro (orange line)
Parking available nearby
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