The benefits of becoming a beauty therapist
What is a beauty therapist? A beauty therapist is a specialist in skin, hair and body treatments. Beauty therapists are trained to offer a wide variety of appearance and well-being treatments, from manicures to spray tans. Many beauty therapists are trained in a range of skills, while others specialise in one particular treatment.
Many routes to becoming a beauty therapist
Becoming a beauty therapist for many may seem like a daunting prospect, akin to taking the first steps into international private banking. However, there are many ways to become a beauty therapist, so you can choose the best route for you. You can take a college course or apprenticeship to qualify as a beauty therapist. Alternatively, you can get a job as a beauty therapist's assistant and work your way up, learning on the job.
Some more advanced beauty treatments do need specialised training. For example, training is required to perform electric treatments which improve muscle tone and highlight features on the face or body. Heat treatments such as sauna, hot rock massage and tanning beds also need specialised skills.
Career progress as a beauty therapist
There are many routes your career can take as a beauty therapist. You may decide to rent a chair or room in a beauty salon. There is always an opportunity within beauty to progress to salon management or even run a chain of salons! Some beauty therapists also enjoy the opportunities to take jobs in unusual places, such as in international hotels or cruise ships.
High demand in the beauty industry
Another benefit of becoming a beauty therapist is that the demand for beauty treatments is constantly increasing. Fortunately, there is no shortage of work for trained beauty therapists in spas and salons.
Beauty therapists typically earn between £10 and £12 per hour and up to £25,000 annually. However, this should increase as you gain experience and progress to management roles. If you specialise and are talented in one treatment, you could make money by becoming an expert beauty therapist. For example, luxury nail artists in the UK make around £55 per hour. Bridal services are also a top-rated and often lucrative route for beauty therapists.
Option to work freelance
As a beauty therapist, you can also choose to work freelance as your own boss. Although some people may be put off by the irregular income associated with freelance work, starting your own beauty business could be a fantastic step in your career. If you are becoming a freelance hair or make-up artist, you'll need to establish which services you'll provide. Following your passion is always the best advice when deciding how to focus your beauty business.
Connecting with clients
Beauty therapists work directly with clients, meeting new people every day and forming relationships with regulars. If you're a people person, you will enjoy chatting and developing these relationships in your daily work. It can also be incredibly rewarding to help your clients feel positive through your treatments. Whether achieving radiant skin, a new hairstyle or bridal make-up, you are providing a meaningful service that can leave you with an immense sense of satisfaction.