Table of Contents

Enquire Form
Recent Posts

Hairstylist Career in Delhi: Trends, Challenges, and Success Stories.

Hairstylist Career in Delhi Trends, Challenges, and Success Stories.

Your mood can be improved and changed by a haircut by the time you get to blow dry. 

Because hair is art, hair counts. Our hair serves as a medium for creative expression. Cosmetologists are the artists; hair is the art. The hair that envelops and frames our faces is expertly designed and styled by them. Part of the arts also includes fashion and makeup.

A job as a hairstylist entails providing a range of services to clients in order to enhance their appearance.

Hairstylists are multifaceted specialists who provide a variety of hair services to clients of various ethnicities.

Thus, when they don’t want to stick to a specific specialization, they become hair stylists and pursue this career route. Some, on the other hand, begin their careers in this field straight out of college and, as their work experience grows, decide on a specialty.

Thus, this article covers all the information you require to become a hairstylist.

It features hair trends, obstacles, success stories, and leading hair academies where you can complete your hair course.

Web: Beauty Parlour Hygiene and Sanitation Practices: A Must-Know for Aspiring Professionals

Who is a Hairstylist?

Hairstylists design their own looks based on the options and ideas they encounter on a daily basis. 

Because hair is an external representation of who we are and how we want to be seen, it matters. 

A hairstylist’s employment duties and responsibilities include basic facials, manicures, pedicures, hair coloring, chemical texture services, haircutting, and style.

For persons who are passionate about fashion, appreciate making people look their best, and have an entrepreneurial spirit, becoming a hairstylist can be a gratifying job.

It also contains a variety of courses, such  hair extension course for beginners or hair coloring, among others.

Benefits for Hairstylist Course

Hair stylists are able to work any hours of the day, night, or weekend. Their schedules are flexible.

The three payment options for hairstylist jobs  are commission, booth/suite rental, and hourly.

After establishing a steady clientele and hiring stylists for their salon, many hair stylists open their own hair salons and lease space to other industry experts.

Hairstylists work in a variety of settings, such as private rooms, spas, salons, and nail salons.

What are the Job Duties of a Hairstylist?

In addition to haircutting, hair coloring, chemical texture therapies, hair style, waxing, basic facials, manicures, and pedicures are among the many services a hairstylist provides to clients. 

Hairstylists advise hairstyles and haircuts based on the shapes and preferences of their clients. It also helps in communicating with clients to thoroughly comprehend the desired service and ultimate look demanded. 

Hairstylist training aided in greeting clients, learning about their preferences through probing inquiries, washing, rinsing, and drying clients’ hair with the right shampoos and conditioners, and using hair treatment products, such as masks and treatment oils.

Hairstylist courses include creating formal and everyday looks such as braids, ponytails, and buns; applying hair treatment products as needed; building relationships with repeat customers.

It also includes some more task like managing appointments and serving walk-ins; maintaining beauty station tidiness and sterilizing tools as needed; and, when appropriate, cross-selling hair care products or services.

Web: The Ultimate Guide to Beauty Parlour Courses | Expert Advise (meribindiya.com)

Different Types of Hairstyles

Hairstylists training are capable of creating a wide variety of other looks, and they frequently alter looks to fit the tastes and facial features of their clients. A selection of the various looks that stylists can build for their customers. 

  • According to length: (Long hair, Short hair, Buzz cut, Ear length, Chin length, Shoulder length, Armpit length, Mid-back length, Tailbone length).
  • According to structure: (Kinky hair, Wavy hair, Coiled hair, Curly hair, and Straight hair).
  • By color: (Brown hair, light hair, brown hair, brunette, red/ginger hair, grey hair, white hair).
  • According to thickness: (Thick, coarse, thinning, and fine hair).
  • Hairstyle: (Simply wash and go,Glass-straightened hair, a 90s blowout, a beachy wave with texture, a soft Hollywood wavegorgeous hair with curls,Afro, Bantu knots, French braids, sleek ponytail, claw clip updo, bun, classic braid, and braided locks.

Challenges of Hairstylist

  • Following trends: Since fashion and styling are ever-evolving, hairstylists must be able to stay current with industry trends in order to counsel their clients and satisfy their needs, particularly those of younger consumers.
  • Chemical exposure: Hairstylists regularly come into contact with chemicals, which if they’re not careful can be detrimental to their health.
  • Stress and burnout: Hairstylists frequently put in long hours at the chair. They may also suffer from emotional and physical strain from handling challenging clients or running their own business.
  • Competition: There is fierce rivalry among hair salons and stylists for the same clientele in the hairdressing industry.
  • Income fluctuations: A hairstylist’s income may fluctuate due to a variety of causes, including changes in the business climate and seasonality.
  • People: Hairstylists may come into challenging clientele or personalities while working with people from diverse backgrounds.

Achievement with Hairstylists Career

These are a few examples of successful hair stylists who have made it big in the hairdressing business. 

Carolyn Newman

Before choosing to go independent as a hairstylist, Carolyn Newman worked for 36 years as an international color educator and specialist.

She desired greater freedom in her life so that she could fulfill long-held goals and visit her family in Australia on a more frequent basis. In management roles, she has enjoyed overseeing team members, but she felt that she needed to give herself some alone time and attention right now. 

Tamara

She is a hairstylist who used her love and expertise to style the hair of churchgoers and her own kids. Tamara realized it was time to follow her dreams. She returned to Evergreen to receive her instructor’s training after finishing her courses.

Gregory Russell

Hairstylists from Gregory Russell have established prosperous careers in the hair salon sector. 

After completing a hair professional course at the greatest institution, he began his career as a youngster in a modest salon in Illinois.

After seeing editorial articles from his supervisor, he decided to move to New York City and pursue a career as an editorial stylist.

These success stories demonstrate that hair stylists may have prosperous careers in the hairdressing industry with perseverance, hard effort, devotion, and a commitment to staying current with industry trends and best practices.

You must have been inspired by this to pursue a career in hairstyling and to enroll in a hair extension technician course, for example. You are now looking for the top hair stylist academy in Delhi so that, following hair stylist training, you can launch your profession.

Top 5 Hair Course Academy in Delhi

1)Meribindiya International Academy 

Among the top makeup and beauty schools in India, Meribindiya International Academy has the best-talented teachers and highly professional teaching of their students.

The top beauty school in India to start a profession in makeup is Meribindiya International Academy. With India’s Best Beauty School Award, it has won recognition from numerous national and international organizations.

Meribindiya makeup academy got India’s Best Beauty Academy award from International Beauty Expert.

The IBE Award 2023 Bridal Makeup Contest hosted an event that drew contestants from all over India with experienced students. Two students from Meribindiya International Academy got the IBE Award 2023 Winner, one coming first and another coming third. 

However, both were freshers at  meribindiya makeup academy, demonstrating the extraordinary excellence of this academy. Prince Narula, a famous guest, presented the honor.

Meribindiya International Academy has also won the Best Beauty School in India title four years in a row (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023).

The academy offers advanced beauty, cosmetology, hair, skin, makeup, and nail courses taught by highly qualified and experienced instructors to students from India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, Australia & many more.

There is a lot of demand for the Master Cosmetology course at Meribindiya International Academy even in foreign countries & is regarded as the best cosmetology school. 

Students come here from all over India as well as from countries like Australia, Canada, South Africa, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, etc. for training in courses in beauty, makeup, hair, nails, cosmetology, permanent makeup, microblading, etc.

Additionally recognized by ISO, CIDESCO, and the Indian government is Meribindiya International Academy.

Since only 12–15 students are accepted into each batch at this academy, pupils can understand concepts easily, which also demonstrates the caliber of this academy. As a result, students must also book their spots three to four months in advance.

Meribindiya International Academy alumni are given great favor when hired by major beauty companies across the country after doing hair professional course.

In contrast to other institutes, you get job offers from significant national and worldwide beauty companies after finishing the study here.

Major beauty brands in India and abroad give preference in hiring Meribindiya International Academy approved students.

The goal of its  hair professional course is to prepare students to work as stylists for fashion shows, celebrity photo sessions, media and entertainment firms, and beauty enthusiasts.

Call/ Whats App Number: ☎ 8130520472

Website link: https://meribindiyabeautyschool.business.site/

Meribindiya  International Academy Noida Branch Address:

Shop No – 1, 2nd & 3rd Floor, Sunehri Market Atta, Near Sector 18 Metro Station, Sector 27, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, Pincode: 201301.

Meribindiya International Academy Delhi Branch Address:

A6, Vishal Enclave, Rajouri Garden, Opp. Metro Pillar No. 410, Najafgarh Road, New Delhi, Pincode: 110027.

2)Toni and Guy Academy Delhi

In terms of hairdresser course academy rankings, it ranks 2nd.

Numerous courses in hairstyling and hairdressing are available at the Toni & Guy Academy in Delhi. This academy offers a variety of courses, including a hair program and a beginner’s course.

The 10-week Beginner’s Course offers instruction in hairdressing from international Toni & Guy hair stylists.

Its cutting-edge curriculum is created to give students the tools they need to succeed in the business, hone their interpersonal skills, and develop their industry knowledge. 

For two months, the cost of the hair extension certification classes is 1,80,000.

Each batch has more than 40 pupils, making it incredibly challenging for teachers to pay attention to every student.

 Also, after completing hair color certification classes, it offers no help with job placement.

Pupils might not be able to acquire the experience and abilities required to progress in their industry, which could cause a delay in their professional development.

The program’s goal is to assist students become experts in color, cut, styling, unwinding, business, and other areas. Following completion of the program, the student should have a job plan in addition to a diploma.

To help graduates, Toni&Guy Hair Academy does not offer a Job Placement Assistance program. To the best of their abilities, the academy will not provide graduates with job placement assistance.

Those who are interested in learning more about the courses that Toni&Guy Academy in Delhi offers can visit their website or get in touch with them directly.

Website link: https://toniandguyacademy.in/contactus/

Phone:9958600827

3)Loreal – Academy Delhi

In terms of hairdresser course academy rankings, it ranks 3rd.

The Delhi-based L’Oreal Academy provides a range of hairdressing and hair styling courses.

The institution offers a variety of courses, including a basic makeup course and a Beginners Diploma in Hair Dressing.

The 16-week Beginners Diploma in Hair Dressing is an approachable course that covers the fundamentals of hairdressing.

Basic universal cutting techniques, style, and chemical services are all included in the course curriculum.

A four-week course called “Basic Course in Makeup” covers makeup theory and the tools used in makeup application. Day and evening makeup, engagement, bridal and groom, reception, and other makeup are all covered in the course. 

The cost of the two-month hair extension certification classes is Rs 250,000.

Every batch has more than forty students. Because of this, kids learn less and score less on tests.

Website link: https://www.lorealprofessionnel.in/arth-academy

Phone:9958600827

4)Enrich – Academy 

In terms of hairdresser course academy rankings, it ranks 4th.

Enrich Academy provides a range of courses on salon management, cosmetics artistry, and hair styling. 

International accrediting bodies such as CIDESCO, CIBTAC, ARTH, and others have accredited Enrich Academy. As a result, it exposes the kids to the world.

The Foundation Hair Dressing Course, the Certificate in Hairstyling, the Enrich Institute Advance Cut and Color, and many other hair courses are available at Enrich Academy.

 Beginners who wish to learn the fundamentals of hairdressing are the target audience for this course. 

Hair science, haircuts, and hair consultancy are all covered in the course curriculum. 

Students pursuing a certificate program in hairstyling learn about the different types, textures, and structures of hair. The lesson covers tong curls, blow-drying, and a variety of trims and hairstyles.

Students taking Advanced Cut and Color courses learn about different hair kinds, textures, and the best colors for different people. 

The cost of the two-month hair extension course is Rs 1,90,000.

Each batch has 40+ students, which makes it extremely difficult for the teacher to focus on each student individually.

It also doesn’t help with finding a job once you’ve completed the hair color training courses here.

As a result, students can pass up networking opportunities with professionals in the industry and prospective employers.

Those who are interested in learning more about the courses that Enrich Academy offers can visit their website or get in touch with them directly.

Website link: https://enrichacademy.net/

Phone:9958600827

5)VLCC Institute Delhi

In terms of hairdresser course academy rankings, it ranks 5th.

VLCC Institute is one of the biggest and most important skill- and training-building institutions in the nation. The institute provides a range of courses on nutrition, makeup, beauty, and other topics.

A range of courses in hairdressing, hair technology, and beauty are available at VLCC Institute. 

It offers a variety of hair courses, including the diploma in hair technology and advanced in hair technology etc.

Hair cut, color, shape, styling, and treatments are all covered in the course. 

In order to build a successful career in the beauty sector, both professionals and novices need take the course. 

The course includes a variety of topics related to beauty culture, such as salon management, makeup, and hair styling. 

The cost of the two-month hair extension course is 1,50,000.

Every batch has more than forty students.

It may, however, restrict the ways in which educators can involve their students and offer a range of educational opportunities.

Furthermore, once students complete hair color classes from here, there is no aid offered in terms of job placement.

 Those who are interested in learning more about the courses can get in touch with them directly.

Website link: https://www.vlccinstitute.com/promotion-page/all-courses-landing-page-delhi-karol-bagh.php

Phone:9958600827

Final Thoughts

Whichever academy you choose, it will provide you with the chance to obtain a license to practice as a professional. 

The field is expected to continue increasing.

This is the ideal time to enter the hair industry if you appreciate originality and innovation!

We now believe that studying hair design was a wiser decision for you because the hairdressing career offers a lot of employment prospects. 

 For inquiries concerning hairdressing professions or selecting top academies, get in touch with a hair stylist course near me.Moreover, how to start the application procedure. 

We are forward to speak with you and hear about your plans for the future in the hairdressing business!

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
WhatsApp

15 Responses

  1. Mera naam Sanaya hai mai lucknow se hu. Beauty Course karna mera dream tha. And finally maine 2023 maine Meri Bindiya INternational Academy mai admission le hi liya. Maine Meribindiya International Academy ke bare mai bhot suna tha.Main bhot kush hu ki mera admission ho gaya. Maine Meri Bindiya se Makeup And Hairstyling Ka course kiya. Waha pe makeup and hairstyling ke kafi aache Trainer hai . Danish sir Jo hairs ke trainer hai,vo kafi frank hai or bhot supportive bhi hai. Meribindiya International Academy ke jo owner hai Mahi Maam vo bhi bahut achi hai vo sabse pyar se baat karti hai. Yeha se course krne ke baad ek news channel mai as a makeup artist job kar rahi hu.

  2. Mera Naam Ananya hai mai Prayagraj se hu.Maine Pahle nail extension ka course vlcc se kiya tha lekin waha ka mujhe kuch samajh nahi aaya then Maine Nail Extension Course Meri Bindiya International Academy se kiya q ki jo meri frnd ne mujhe suggest kiya tha. Jab usne bola toh mujhe uski baato par bharosa nhi hua lekin jab usne mujhe thoda force kiya to mene meri bindiya international academy ko ek try dene ka socha and mein vha gyi or mujhe vo academy bahut acchi lgi. Mujhe vha ka atmosphere, classes, teachers, etc bahut acchi lgi. Udhr ka system dekh k vha pr mene admission le liya and or classes se me bahut professional nail artist bni or m acchi income earn kr rhi hu.

  3. Mera Naam Vihaan hai mai Bhopal se hu. Maine yeha se hair course kiya hai.
    Meribindiya International Academy se hair ka course krne ke baad bilkul hi khush hoon! Yeh ek aisi Academy hai jo aapko not only academic roop se, balki life ke har aspect mein bhi bahut saari valuable skills aur experiences provide karta hai. Yahaan par Trainer and faculty members ka level exceptional hai, aur yeh academy aapke career ko shape karne mein help karta hai.

  4. My name is Inayat .I absolutely loved my experience at the Meribindiya International academy! The instructors were great and supportive, and the hands-on training was on the point. I learned so much about different makeup techniques and products. The academy provided a creative and inspiring environment to hone my skills. If anyone is thinking whether they should take admission in meribindiya international academy or not then don’t hesitate and go for it. You will love it too just like me.

  5. Mera Naam Akansha hai, Mai Jabalpur se hu. Meri Badiya International Academy ek aisi academy hai jisne mujhe har tarah se impress kiya hai. Yahan ki trainers lajawab hai. Faculty members aur staff members ka dedication aapko har kadam par milta rehta hota hai. MeriBindiya International Academy mein padhne ka anubhav sachmuch adbhut raha hai. Yahan ke makeup courses ne mere career ko naye uchayi tak pahunchi hai. Makeup ke shikshan mein kadam rakhte samay, main kaafi anxious thi, lekin yahan ke trainers aur staff ne mujhe puri tarah se support kiya hai, aur isse mere makeup skills mein vishwas badha hai.

  6. Hi, main Anam hoon New Delhi se, aur main yeh keh nahi sakti ki main kitni khush hoon ki maine apni beauty education ke liye Meribindiya International Makeup Academy ko chuna! Is academy ke teachers aur staff me passion ek taraf hai, lekin unka talent bhi kisi aur level ka hai. Ma’am Deepika ki encouragement aur friendly approach ne learning ko bahut aasaan banaya. Academy ka commitment beauty courses ko elegant tareeke se sikhane aur students ki santushti ko ensure karne ki baat mein unhe alag bana deta hai. Main poori dil se suggest karti hoon ki agar kisi ke paas beauty ke prati passion hai, toh is institute mein best Master in Cosmetology course join karne ka vichar jarur kare!

  7. Hi, main Iram hoon Mumbai se… MeriBindiya International Academy mein mera anokha anubhav raha! Maine unke beauty therapy course mein shamil hokar ek game-changer experience kiya. Is course ka syllabus vistrit hai, jo beauty therapy ke alag alag pahluo ko cover karta hai, skincare se lekar spa treatments tak, har ek student par personal dhyan pradan karte hain. Academy ki aadhunik suvidhayein aur achhe se equipped labs practical aur enjoyable learning ko sujhav deti hain. Main bahut khush hoon ki maine MeriBindiya ko chuna, aur main ab apni beauty therapy career ki shuruaat karne ke liye besabri se intezaar kar rahi hoon! Yahan aakar maine bahut kuch sikhne ka avasar mila, iske liye main MeriBindiya ka shukriya adaa karti hoon…Main poori dil se suggest karti hoon ki agar kisi ke paas beauty ke prati passion hai, toh is institute mein best Master in Cosmetology course join karne ka vichar jarur kare!

  8. Hi, main Anjali hoon Punjab se… Meribindiya Academy Delhi-NCR mein ek behtareen academy hai jahan se maine bahut kuch sikha hai. Course pura karne ke baad, mujhe yahan se internship bhi mili….Main apne decision se bahut khush hoon ki maine Meribindiya International Academy mein professional makeup courses ke liye join kiya. Yahan ke instructors talented hi nahi, balki sabr aur sahyog se bhare hain. Unhone mujhe badhne ke liye encourage bi kiya aur alag alag makeup aur hair techniques ko explore karne ke liye prerit kiya, aur maine apne course pura karke beauty industry mein kadam rakhne ke liye achha feel kiya. Main apne yahan bitaye samay ke dauran prapt hui mahatvapurna kushaltaon aur gyan ke liye abhari hoon…..Main poori dil se suggest karta hoon ki agar kisi ke paas beauty ke prati passion hai, toh is institute mein best Master in Cosmetology course join karne ka vichar jarur kare!

  9. Hi, main Ayaan hoon Hyderabad se… Is academy mein join karne ke baad meri zindagi ka sabse accha anubhav hua, Meribindiya International Academy ne har tarah se meri ummeedon ko badhaya! Maine unke hairstyling course mein admission liya, aur yeh ek gyanvardhak aur prashansha-sheela anubhav tha. Telented trainers the aur hamein hairstyling ke latest trends aur techniques sikhate hai. Sabse adhik mujhe unka creativity aur naye par jor dene wala tareeka prabhavit kiya. Academy ne hamein out-of-the-box sochne aur alag-alag styles ko experiment karne ke liye encourage kiya. Main unse prapt ki gayi kushaltaon ke liye abhari hoon, aur main hairstyling mein ek safal career banane mein pura bharosa rakhti hoon.

  10. Hi, main Bhumi hoon Jaipur se. Mera anubhav Meribindiya International Academy mein sach mein adbhut hai. Jab maine admission liya, to mujhe yahan ke dosti bhare staff aur telented trainers ki help se swagat aur sahayata ka ehsaas hua. Practical training ne mujhe makeup aur hairstyling ki taknikon ko vishwas ke sath develop karne diya, aur yahan ki sabhi students ne poora safar happiness banaya. Course ko pura karne ke baad, academy ne importance internship avasar pradan kiye aur kushalta vriddhi ke liye workshops jari rakhi. Meribindiya International Academy ka aabhari hoon jo mujhe mere passion ko anjaam dene ke liye zaruri gyan aur kushalata se sajaya, aur main har kisi ko jo khud ke beauty ke passion ko puri tarah se jeena chahta hai, wo is Academy mein best Master in Cosmetology course join karne ki salah deta hoon!

  11. My name is Sonam. I am from Gomti Nagar, Lucknow. I have done makeup course from Noida branch of Meribindiya International Academy and I can say that it is a very good academy because the trainers here are very good. The best thing is that our trainers make us practice a lot due to which we are not left with any doubt. After completing the course, when I went to a salon for an interview and did a make-up demo there, everyone there used to ask me from where did I learn the make-up course from which I am able to do such good make-up. Because no one would have believed in years that a fresher would do such good makeup. Mahi, the owner of Meribindiya International Academy, is very nice and has a completely different nature. The best thing is that she is very down to earth and talks very lovingly. Thank you Mahi mam, our life has changed because of you.

  12. Meribindiya international academy no.1 academy hai kyunki yahan ke trainers un students ko vah chijen provide kar rahe hain jis chijon ki unko bahut jarurat hai. Jab mujhe is academy ke bare mein nahin pata tha tab mujhe bahut se doubts the per jab se Maine yahan admission liya shayad hi koi aisi hogi Jo mujhe Na pata Ho kyunki yahan ki trainers students ko hundred percent training provide karte Hain. Isiliye Meribindiya international academy meri favourite academy hai or humesa rahegi. Sabse jyada Mai Mahi mam ko thank you bolna chaungi kyuki sabhi students ke ke saath sabse jyada friendly sahi rahti hai mujhe bilkul bhi nahi lgta tha ki mujhe itni achchi training kahi mil sakti hai…. Thank you so much mahi mam or Meribindiya international academy….

  13. Maine Meri Bindiya international Academy se course sirf meri dost ke kahane per kiya tha per mujhe yah nahin pata tha ki yahan se course karna mere liye itna beneficial hoga. Other words mein kahun to opportunity ka dusra Naam Meribindiya international Academy hai kyunki yahan mujhe bahut se opportunity mili aur maine uska sadupyog bhi Kiya aur aaj result ke taur per main ek acchi jagah placement pa sakhi hun. Iska total credit Meri Bindiya international Academy aur mere life ki best trainer Mahi mam ko jata hai kyunki unhone mujhe is layak banaya aur main unko bahut bahut thank u kahana chahti Hun Ki unki politeness, support, or hard working behaviour ne mujhe bhi bahut kuchh sikhaya. Thank you Meribindiya international academy for everything.

  14. Meri Bindiya international Academy se course karna Mere life ka best decision tha kyunki yahan se Maine bahut si aisi chijen sikhi jiske bare mein mujhe kuchh bhi nahin aata tha. Sabse behtarin chij to yahan se Maine yah sikhi ki sabhi students ke sath ya Apne colleagues ke sath kaise polite Raha jata hai. Sabse khas baat to yahan per yah hai ki practis jyada se jyada karva kar student ko ekadam perfect banane ki koshish ki jaati hai kyunki practice makes man perfect. Mere life ki best trainer Mahi mam Ko main sabse jyada thank u kahana chahungi kyunki unse maine apne work aur family ko balance karne ke saath saath personality development kaise ki jaati hai yah bhi sikha. Yahan se anekon bacche course karke acchi jagah placement paye hain aur unmen se ek main bhi hun. Thank you so much MeriBindiya aur Mahi mam ki aap logon ne mujhe is layak banaya.

  15. Meri dream Academy Meribindiya international Academy hai yahan se main bhi course karna chahta hun kyunki yahan ke bare mein maine bahut suna hai. Aur mujhe Kai logon ne suggest bhi kiya hai ki aap Meribindiya international Academy se course Karen. Baat yah nahin hai ki logon ne suggest Kiya hai actual mein yah meri dream Academy hai jiske Karan main yahan se course karna chahta hun aur jald hi meri yah koshish hai Ki main yahan se course karke sabhi students ke tarike apni life mein aage badhun aur apne carrier Ko ek Naya mukam du.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *