Beauty Therapist

Beauty therapists carry out face and body treatments to help clients look and feel better.

 

 

 

  • To become a fully qualified beauty therapist, you’ll usually need to complete a level 2 or level 3 qualification in beauty therapy.
  • You could start as an assistant in a salon or spa and study for qualifications on the job, or do a full-time or part-time college course while looking for work.
  • You could also train with a private beauty school.
  • You could get into this job through an apprenticeship.
  • You may find it useful to get professional recognition by joining a register like the Register of Beuaty Professionals.

 

You’ll need the following skills:

  • a friendly and welcoming manner;
  • the ability to make clients feel relaxed;
  • the ability to explain procedures clearly to clients;
  • tact and diplomacy;
  • the ability to sell products and earn commission;
  • business awareness if you’re self-employed.

 

 

You’ll provide a range of face and body treatments. Your day-to-day tasks may include:

  • giving a facial by cleansing, massaging and toning a client’s skin;
  • giving a makeover by applying and advising on make-up;
  • shaping eyebrows and colouring eyelashes;
  • giving a manicure, pedicure or other nail treatment like extensions and nail art;
  • removing unwanted facial and body hair;
  • giving electro-therapy treatments to improve body tone and shape;
  • giving non-surgical skin improvement treatments;
  • offering UV (ultraviolet) and spray tanning;
  • you may offer other treatments like massage, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy and reflexology.

 

As well as carrying out treatments, you may also:

  • answer the telephone and greet clients;
  • book appointments;
  • check and order supplies;
  • keep notes of clients’ medical histories and treatment programmes;
  • refer clients to a doctor if needed.

 

The following is a guide only:

Starter £15,000
Experienced £17,000
Highly Experienced £20,000 (Salon Managers)

 

Working Conditions

You’ll usually work from 9am to 5pm, including Saturdays. Some salons offer evening appointments.

You could work in a high street salon or beauty clinic, health spa, hotel, or on a cruise ship. You could also be self-employed, working from home or visiting clients in their own homes.

You may spend a lot of your time standing. You may need to have normal colour vision.

Further Information

For further information click on the links below:

Next Steps

Apprenticehips

Hairdressing and Beaurty Industry Authority

Lifetime Training

My World of Work