Overview
Beauty therapists provide face and body treatments to help clients look and feel better. They offer many different beauty treatments and may also give massages. Some treatments are for the face, others for different parts of the body. Treatments may include using spray-on tan for tanning treatments and getting rid of unwanted hair using wax, eyelash extensions and massage. Beauty therapists explain the treatments to customers and check whether customers have any health problems. They try to make each treatment pleasant and relaxing so that the customer enjoys it.
Activities
- Give a facial by cleansing, massaging and toning a client’s skin
- Do a makeover by applying and advising on make-up
- Shape eyebrows and colour eyelashes
- Give a manicure, pedicure or other nail treatment like extensions and nail art
- Remove unwanted facial and body hair
- Give electro-therapy treatments to improve body tone and shape
- Do non-surgical skin improvement treatments
- Offer spray tanning
Organisations
Beauty therapists may work in lots of different places such as beauty salons, health spas, fitness clubs, hair salons and hotels.
Workplace
Beauty therapists usually work in special treatment rooms. Beauty therapists have to look smart and they usually wear a simple uniform. Some beauty therapists are self-employed and own their own shop or are mobile and travel to people’s homes. For this kind of work, it helps if you can drive.
Working Hours
Full-time beauty therapists usually work between 35 and 40 hours a week. They may have to work some evenings and weekends. There are often opportunities for part-time work and flexible working.
Salary
Median salary is £12,379. Future job trends predict a – 1.5% job decline leading to 1,583 fewer jobs by 2027.
Qualifications
Some employers will ask for GCSEs for this role as a minimum, most employers will ask for 2 or more GCSEs at Grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent so you can access a Level 2 course. However, you could start out as a beauty therapy assistant in a salon or spa and then study for a qualification on the job.
You could also apply for an apprenticeship. If you have an EHCP you may be able to apply under the DfE exemption which allows the apprentice to use Entry Level 3 English and Maths qualifications. The apprentice would have to be competent enough to successfully achieve all other aspects of the apprenticeship requirements, become occupationally competent and achieve Entry Level 3 in English and Maths before the end of their apprenticeship.
College – you could start off on a Level 1 Certificate in Hair and Beauty Skills or Level 1 Diploma in Beauty Therapy if you have no formal qualifications.