Beauty therapist jobs

Type of Job

When consider Beauticians, or beauty therapists jobs ,you need to be aware they perform a range of facial and body treatments designed to improve their clients' appearance.

What are the beauty therapist jobs about?

What kind of treatment will you offer as a beauty therapist? There are lots of possibilities, including:

• Facials - cleansing, massaging and toning the skin
• Advising clients on cosmetic make-up
• Applying cosmetic make-up
• Eyebrow techniques such as shaping and eyelash colouring
• Performing manicures, pedicures and other nail treatments such as extensions and nail art
• Depilation and electrolysis to remove unwanted hair
• Various electro-therapy treatments to improve body tone and shape
• Non-surgical skin rejuvenation therapies
• UV (ultraviolet) and spray tanning.
  
  

As your skills and experience increase, you might also offer treatments like:

• Massage
• Aromatherapy
• Hydrotherapy
• Reflexology.
  
  

For trainees and less experienced beauty therapists jobs, or those working in a small salon, duties might also include:

• Reception work, such as answering the telephone and receiving clients
• Making bookings
• Ordering supplies
• Maintaining clients' medical histories and treatment records

Key Skills & Knowledge needed

You will be working with the public, so it is essential that you have a friendly and welcoming manner and can put clients at ease. In addition, you will need:

• Commercial awareness - selling products will boost salon sales and earn you commission
• High standards of personal hygiene and grooming
• Stamina - you will be on your feet most of the time
• Basic knowledge of chemistry, anatomy and human biology
• Artistic flair - needed for applying nail art and make-up

Qualifications and experience needed

Training as a beauty therapist is essential. You will need one of the following:

• NVQ Certificate/Diploma in Beauty Therapy at Level 3
• City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Beauty Therapy Techniques
• ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Beauty Therapy
• VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Beauty Therapy Treatments.
  
  

Alternatively, you can study for CIBTAC and CIDESCO qualifications, which are internationally-recognised.

Training is offered at private beauty schools or local colleges - private training may be shorter and more intensive, and also more expensive. Be sure that you will receive a recognised qualification.

It is also possible to work your way up from assistant or junior therapist by completing qualifications such as NVQ Certificate/Diploma in Beauty Therapy at levels 1 and 2 before progressing to a higher level.

You can also qualify via an Apprenticeship scheme. As these vary depending on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers, check out the Apprenticeships website.

What other training and development could I do?

You will increase your earnings by taking courses in specialist areas such as epilation, ear piercing, waxing techniques and UV tanning.

If you have the ambition to progress to salon management, you will find higher level qualifications useful, such as BTEC HNDs and foundation degrees in Beauty Therapy Management, Salon and Spa Management and Spa and Therapy Management.

Salary and benefit expectations

Most beauty therapists earn between ?12,000 and ?17,000 a year, with salon managers often earning over ?20,000 a year. You can supplement your income with tips and commission on products that you sell in the salon.

Where else can I go for more information?

For more information, contact:

International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC)
4 Heathfield Terrace
Chiswick
London
W4 4JE
Tel : 020 8994 4141
www.itecworld.co.uk

Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT)
3rd Floor, Eastleigh House
Upper Market Street
Eastleigh
Hampshire
SO50 9FD
Tel : 023 8068 4500
www.vtct.org.uk

Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Authority (HABIA)
www.habia.org

City & Guilds
Tel : 0844 543 0033
www.cityandguilds.com

Edexcel
www.edexcel.com

CIBTAC

CIDESCO