What is the work like?

Beauty therapists, also known as beauticians, carry out facial and body treatments to enhance their clients' appearance
and improve their sense of well-being.

As a beauty therapist, you could provide a range of treatments, including:
facials – cleansing, massaging and toning the skin application and advice on cosmetic make-up eyebrow shaping and eyelash colouring manicures, pedicures and other nail treatments such as extensions and nail art removal of unwanted facial and body hair by waxing, sugaring, threading (depilation) or electrolysis (epilation) electro-therapy treatments to improve body tone and shape non-surgical skin rejuvenation therapies UV (ultraviolet) and spray tanning.

You may offer other specialist treatments, such as massage, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy and reflexology.

As well as carrying out treatments, your day-to-day tasks would include:
reception work, such as answering the telephone and receiving clients booking appointments checking and ordering supplies keeping notes of clients’ medical histories and treatment programmes.

You may occasionally need to refer clients to their doctor, for example, if they have a severe skin problem.

What skills and knowledge will I need?a friendly and welcoming manner the ability to put clients at ease tact, diplomacy and the ability to listen and communicate well the ability to explain procedures clearly to clients commercial awareness and the ability to sell products and earn commission a high standard of personal hygiene and grooming enough stamina to be on your feet for most of the day some knowledge of chemistry, anatomy and human biology, an artistic flair for applying nail art and make-up.

What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Beauty therapists typically earn between £12,000 and £17,000 a year.
Salon managers can earn over £20,000 a year.
Beauty therapists also receive tips, and are usually paid commission on products they sell in the salon.
Figures are intended as a guideline only

What are the typical hours and working conditions?
Your working hours would typically be 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. Alternatively, you could be self-employed, choosing either to work from home or visit clients in their own homes.

What skills and knowledge will I need?a friendly and welcoming manner the ability to put clients at ease tact, diplomacy and the ability to listen and communicate well the ability to explain procedures clearly to clients commercial awareness and the ability to sell products and earn commission a high standard of personal hygiene and grooming enough stamina to be on your feet for most of the day some knowledge of chemistry, anatomy and human biology, an artistic flair for applying nail art and make-up.

What opportunities are there?
Vacancies are advertised in local or national newspapers, on the websites of employers such as spa, fitness and health, and leisure groups, and in specialist magazines such as Health & Beauty Salon, Professional Beauty and International Therapist.

You could also choose to become self-employed, owning your own salon, working from home or travelling to clients' homes.

You could develop your career by training to offer a wider variety of treatments, or to move into fashion, theatre or media make-up. With experience, and possibly further training, you could progress to becoming a salon manager or move into training.

Sign Up Online for the NCFE Level 2 in Beauty Therapy