WORKING IN THE BEAUTY RELATED INDUSTRIES

Working in the Beauty Related Industries

Working in the Beauty Related Industries

Introduction

With the right skills and an eye for style, your prospects for a career in the beauty industry could look as good as the people you pamper. The beauty industry provides advice and treatments for people who want to improve the appearance of their faces, bodies and hair. A lot of people in the beauty industry specialise in one area, such as hairdressing, manicures or tanning. People who perform a range of different treatments, such as hair removal (depilation), make-up and facial massages are known as beauticians or beauty therapists. With extra training, beauty therapists can become qualified in more complicated techniques like aromatherapy, electrical treatments for skin and hair, and nail extensions. Beauty therapists might work in-house for one organisation, or could become freelance beauty consultants.

Working in the Beauty Related Industries

People in the beauty industry work in places like spas, salons and health farms, although there is crossover with other industries. Film, TV and fashion requires make-up artists and hair stylists, some beauty therapists might work in hospitals or alongside cosmetic surgeons, and beauty consultants are called upon to advise cosmetics researchers and manufacturers. Although wages start quite low at around £10,000 per year, beauty therapists and consultants can expect to earn over £20,000 if they manage a salon or run their own business. You can take a number of different qualifications in hair and beauty studies at different levels; such as diplomas, apprenticeships, NVQs and foundation degrees. Many of these courses will be accredited by organisations like HABIA (Hair and Beauty Industry Authority), who also run CPD (Continuing Professional Development) courses so beauty therapists can keep up with the latest techniques and trends.

As well practical skills in hairdressing, make-up and beauty treatments, working in the beauty industry also needs a solid knowledge of and interest in fashion and it's a good idea to learn some accounting and managerial skills needed for business. It's also important to have good people skills, so you can understand what your clients are looking for. And while you need to know what's going to look good on them it's also important to look clean and presentable yourself - no-one's going to take your beauty advice seriously if you look like you've just fallen out of bed, after all

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