How To
How to Become a Beauty Therapist
If you have a passion for makeup and all things beauty, then becoming a Beauty Therapist can be the ideal way to develop your hobby and passions into a truly meaningful career.
Although interests in makeup and beauty are often considered as hobbies for many people, with the relevant qualifications and training, you could share your passions with clients, become a real expert in your trade and create a solid career. If you have the right desire and attitude, a job in the beauty industry is likely to give you a high level of job satisfaction, plenty of scope for career progression; and even perhaps the chance to work on TV or with celebrities!
With a variety of ways to break into the industry, it can seem unnerving knowing what route is best suited to you. We’ve put together this guide to help you to take that first step into a career in beauty.
Apprenticeships
If you prefer to learn on the job as opposed to in the classroom and you don’t mind starting at the bottom and working your way up, then this could be the ideal route for you. You will learn by directly shadowing your expert colleagues and studying for an associated qualification, all while also earning a wage!
Apprenticeship Programs
Apprenticeships can be a great way to get that all important workplace experience and a successful apprenticeship can often lead to full-time employment upon completion, which can provide the ideal footing needed to start kick-start your career in beauty therapy!
Learning Approach
An apprenticeship focuses on learning from and alongside other experienced beauty specialists to facilitate your learning. You will quickly gain many key skills, which will benefit you throughout your career as well as tips for the industry from experienced colleagues. Apprenticeships involve working at least 30 hours a week, with an additional day at college to complete the classroom aspects.
Entry Requirements
Apprenticeships usually require you to be between 16-24 years of age and have a minimum of five GCSE’s at grades A* to C, including English and Maths.
Payment
You will be paid at the rate of the national minimum wage for apprentices, which is £4.81 per hour. You will also be entitled to at least 20 days paid holiday per year, plus bank holidays.
Essential Skills
If you are thinking about a career as a Beauty Therapist, then passion and drive for beauty and makeup is a must. However, as well as there being required qualifications to become a Beauty Therapist, there are also many essential key skills:
Entering the Industry
Taking your first steps into a career as a Beauty Therapist, like many other jobs , requires you to first write a CV, which will be an important tool for you to be able to sell yourself to potential employers.
Your CV should include the following elements:
- Contact information
- A Personal Statement
- Education and qualifications
- Relevant experience
- Previous work history
- References
Your CV should highlight the necessary skills required for a Beauty Therapist as potential employers will be actively looking for this when they review applicant CVs. It should also include a personal statement to introduce yourself, highlight your key achievements and demonstrate why you have a passion for Beauty Therapy. The aim is to convince the person reading your CV that you are a professional, confident individual with a real passion for the industry and they need to employ you now!
Your educational qualifications, achievements and any extracurricular activities demonstrate your commitment and willingness to learn. Having a portfolio of these qualifications and achievements allows you to support the statements made in your CV and gives you the opportunity to show these off and may distinguish you from other candidates. There are many short courses you can take in a variety of topics, so if you feel this aspect of your CV is letting you down, don’t worry, find a few courses to take that could give it a boost.
Additionally, it is important that you include details of your full employment history, as employers will usually check these. You should include your most recent position, employee contact details and a description of your job roles. If you don’t have an in-depth work history or if this is your first role, then highlighting any voluntary experience or part-time roles can be a good way to demonstrate your positive work ethic and make your application stand out from the crowd.
References are an important aspect of any CV as they are testimonials of you, and something a potential employer will consider carefully. This section should include the contact details of your referees. Referees should be one of your previous employers or someone who holds a senior position in the establishment and who is not related to you, such as teachers, tutors or police officers.
Most potential employers will request a covering letter to accompany your CV when applying for a position. This should introduce yourself and outline why you have a passion for the profession, as well as why you want to work for that organisation. This needs to be short, no more than half a page, but also be concise, and make the person reading want to continue onto your CV. If your CV and covering letter matches the job role and requirements, then the employer may invite you for an interview.
If you are lucky enough to secure an interview, make sure you take the time to prepare for it and don’t just wing it! Before the interview, try to research the company and practice your interview technique. It is also a good idea to research interview techniques and common interview questions, which means you can plan and practice your answers. During the interview, try and remain calm and be friendly, this is your chance to show of you and your personality!
Hours and Income
The average guideline starter salary for a Beauty Therapist in the UK ranges from £15,000 to £20,000. However, experienced Technicians can expect to earn a salary of over £20,000. You may also get the option of tips if working in a salon environment.
Full-time hours
Full-time working hours for a Beauty Therapist are usually 37-40 hours per week, with some evening and weekend work usually expected.
Part-time hours
Part-time positions are usually available in salons, so beauty therapy can be a means for an additional income alongside any other commitments or roles you might have.
Temporary Work Placements
Temporary work placements are also an option. These can be good for students, those new to the industry or people who require flexible work. Temporary placements can also lead to permanent positions.
Freelance Hours
When working as a freelance self-employed Beauty Therapist the hours will be dependent on your situation, client base, as well as demand. You can choose to do as many or as few hour as you like.
Trainee Income
Trainee incomes will be significantly smaller than the average starting wage of a qualified Beauty Therapist. However, you will be gaining important necessary skills and progression is fast.
Working Life
A Beauty Therapist will need to be focused on servicing the client and can communicate in an effective and friendly manner to create an environment in which the client will feel comfortable. You will also need to adapt to each client’s personal wants and needs. Clients will expect you to be aware of trends and styles, and to consult with them on this.
The day-to-day roles you will be expected to carry out are:
- Giving facials by cleansing, massaging and toning the client’s skin
- Providing makeovers for clients by both applying and advising on make-up
- Shaping eyebrows and colouring eyelashes
- Giving manicures, pedicures or other nail treatments such as extensions or nail art
- Advising on and providing dermatological care and knowing its effects
- Taking bookings from clients via telephone and in person
- Ensuring stock and supplies are kept up to date and available
Essential Links
Hair and Beauty Industry Authority: www.habia.org
National Career Service: www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk