Is Beauty Therapy the Career For You? 5 Reasons to Consider It

July 30th, 2021 Beauty Careers

Beauty therapy has been in practice since ancient times, such as when the ancient Greeks and Egyptians started using skin creams and oils. Today, it’s a thriving industry worth £27 billion in the UK alone. Given this, it’s not surprising that many people view it as a promising career pathway with plenty of demand and opportunities. If you’re exploring the prospect of becoming a beauty therapist, what other factors should you be taking into account? Beyond the potential for growth and strong demand, what are the other reasons to consider beauty therapy? Here’s what beauty therapy as a career entails, relevant qualifications, and the different career options available.

Beauty therapy as a career

Beauty therapy entails the application of a wide range of techniques and treatments for cosmetic purposes. Makeup, manicures and pedicures, nail art, hair removal, tan applications, facials, eyelash extensions, and eyebrow tints are some of the common treatments beauty therapists do daily. Others can include botox, skin peels, and designing and applying makeup for special occasions or photography shoots. Some beauty therapists might specialise in wellbeing treatments like hot stone and oil massages, reflexology relaxation, and spa treatments. 

In terms of qualifications, you could do a college course like ICI UK’s accredited diploma, an apprenticeship, or a specialist course offered by private training providers. A formal qualification could accelerate your career. As a beauty therapist, you might expect to earn a salary ranging from £15,000 to £20,000 a year. 

So what kind of personality traits would make beauty therapy a suitable career for you? If you thrive on variety and love dealing with people, beauty therapy could be an ideal career pathway. Ideally, you’ll be positive, outgoing, caring, and attentive. You should have a genuine passion for beauty treatments and take pride in providing quality, healthful, and safe services for customers. Finally, successful beauty therapists are those who are open to learning about new techniques and skills, and they have a strong work ethic and a high level of professionalism.

Beauty therapy: diverse career options

Beauty therapy offers a diverse range of career options. The different jobs under this umbrella term can include beautician, makeup artist, massage therapist, manicurist, nail artist or technician, hairdresser, lash technician, and spa assistant. Dermatologists, facial therapists, and aromatherapy, and holistic therapy specialists could be the other job specialisations coming under beauty therapy as a sector. 

For beauty therapists, a common progression path is completing a level 2 or 3 Diploma in beauty therapy or other accredited certification before finding employment. An alternative to this is undertaking an apprenticeship with vocational training so you can learn as you work. 

Why consider becoming a beauty therapist?

These are some of the key reasons to consider pursuing beauty therapy as a career path.

1. Growing demand – The size and value of the beauty industry in the UK suggests it’s a thriving, growing sector even in a less stable economic environment. People seem willing to – or perhaps are even more inclined to – find the money for essential beauty treatments to make them feel better and lift their mood. As such, you could enjoy growing demand for your services. 
2. Career security – Experts suggest during the COVID era consumers are still spending money on beauty but with an emphasis on skincare products such as moisturisers, hand lotions, and body lotions. With remote working likely to stay for the longer term, people are prioritising self-care and health over cosmetic products like makeup and fragrances. Offering online and virtual services in addition to in-store services could ensure security and demand for beauty therapists. For example, Charlotte Tilbury offers live chat, virtual consultations, and online try-on services.
3. Support clients – As a beauty therapist, you could gain a lot of satisfaction in supporting clients in looking their best, boosting their confidence, and facilitating wellbeing. Your work could directly impact clients in feeling better and living happier, healthier lives.
4. Variety – Beauty therapy offers diverse career and work options. You could work in glamorous industries like fashion, theatre, and media make-up.
5. Flexibility and choice – As a beauty therapist, you could be an employee, progress to senior roles like salon manager, or become self-employed and operate your own beauty centre. You could freelance by working from home and traveling to client sites. 

For those who enjoy variety and helping people look and feel their best, beauty therapy could be the right career choice. If you’re weighing up whether to become a beauty therapist, you now have a good understanding of what qualifications could help accelerate your pathway. Upon completing a qualification (or vocational training while pursuing an apprenticeship), you’ll likely have a wide variety of options available to you, whether it’s in makeup, wellbeing solutions like massage, or something other specialisation. The UK beauty industry is likely to grow, and even during COVID, there could be ways to provide offerings and services to ensure career security. 
The work of beauty therapists is always in demand in one form or another, even in an age when people are working from home. A formal qualification could help you get started on your journey, so explore ICI UK’s make-up courses today.

by Gladys Mae

Gladys Mae serves as the General Manager and Head of Student Services at the International Career Institute. Gladys holds a degree in Mass Communication - Broadcast Media from the University of San Jose-Recoletos. She joined ICI in 2010 and has over the past 12 years been instrumental in providing leadership and guidance to staff and students alike. Prior to joining ICI Gladys led a multifaceted career with key roles in the banking and business process outsourcing industries.