Page:The Girl Who Earns Her Own Living (1909).djvu/182

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perfect order. Become well and strong and magnetic.

The appearance of the manicurist, hairdresser or masseuse counts almost as heavily, for success as that of the probationer at the training-school for nurses referred to in Chapter IV. You must be immaculate. Your skin must look well cared for, well groomed. Your hair must be clean and glossy, and it must be carefully dressed. Your frock, however simple, must be free from dust, spots and fringes, with immaculate linen at throat and wrists. Your hands must be the best advertisement for your trade. Many first-class workers wear a sort of uniform, and at least the shirt-waist should be of washable material. You must give forth an air of trimness, neatness and good grooming.

Tact is a most important qualification. The manicurist, the hairdresser or the masseuse is frequently the confidant of her customer. Your relations during certain hours of each week are intimate. The girl who has not the gift of sealing her lips, but who is a typical gossip, soon finds herself without trade. Customers do not recognize their own folly in making you their confidant. They simply resent your violation of their confidence.

Tact is also required in handling nervous, tired, overworked women, who will make up the majority of your patronesses. The woman who