Careers in Beauty

The beauty industry is constantly growing and evolving, and there is a constant flow of new products and procedures being introduced into the market place.

A career in beauty offers incredible flexibility in terms of location – you can work virtually anywhere – in salons, day spas, hotels or even from home.

If you have an interest in make-up, personal grooming and beauty and enjoy interacting with people, then this could be the career for you.

Some of the job roles available include:

• Beauty Therapist
• Nail Technician
• Makeup Artistry
• Retail Cosmetic Assistant or Cosmetic Consultant

Beauty Therapists

Beauty therapists provide a wide range of face and body treatments. They have high level of public contact, so need to be well-presented with good communication skills. Their work requires a thorough understanding of the human body and its key systems, including skin biology, anatomy and physiology, nutrition and cosmetic chemistry.

Beauty therapists may perform the following tasks:

• Carry out skin analysis and give advice about skin and body care 
• Use a variety of treatments and electrical equipment to treat skin and body conditions 
• Remove facial and body hair 
• Provide aesthetic aromatherapy treatments 
• Apply make-up 
• Recommend skin care products 
• Perform manicures, pedicures, nail enhancements and eyelash and eyebrow tinting 
• Receive payments and arrange appointments 
• Maintain client records 
• Sell cosmetic products and related beauty equipment.

Nail technicians

Nail technicians provide a wide range of hand and foot treatments, including manicures, pedicures, massage and nail enhancement. They have a high level of public contact, so need to be well-presented, enjoy working with people, and have good communication and listening skills.

In addition to some creative flair, nail technicians also need to have a good knowledge of skin and nails and a commitment to cleanliness.

Nail technicians often work in nail salons, beauty salons, department stores, hairdressing salons, or from home.

Nail technicians may perform the following tasks:

• Manicures and pedicures 
• Hand and foot massage 
• Apply nail enhancements including artificial nails, nail art, nail jewellery and nail painting 
• Use electrical equipment to clean, shape and buff nails and airbrush nails 
• Receive payments and arrange appointments 
• Maintain client records 
• Advise clients on caring for their nails 
• Sell nail products and related equipment.

Make-up Artist

Make-up artists may perform the following tasks:

• prepare the skin for make-up application and remove make-up as required
• demonstrate cosmetic products to clients
• instruct clients about make-up application 
• apply a wide variety of professional make-up products
• design wigs, beards, masks and 'prosthetics' (artificial body parts) and apply them to achieve an appropriate character appearance
• use make-up to produce effects such as ageing, illness, scars and bruising
• alter or maintain make-up during productions to ensure the continuity of a performer's appearance

Retail Cosmetic Assistant

Retail cosmetic assistants are specially trained sales assistants who promote one or more brands of cosmetic products in department stores, specialty stores or pharmacies. They help people to make decisions by providing advice on the purchase and on the application of cosmetics.

Most retail cosmetic assistants work in pharmacies, department stores or specialist cosmetic stores. They may be employed by a retail organisation, or by an individual cosmetic house.

• Retail cosmetic assistants may perform the following tasks: 
• Consult with clients to discuss their needs and identify skin type, colouring, age and facial structure 
• Demonstrate skin care and make-up products to clients, including applying products 
• Design and apply make-up 
• Recommend skin care products to clients and advise them on their use 
• Receive payments and arrange appointments 
• Arrange and display products 
• Sell cosmetic products, related equipment and services.

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What training do you need?

The standard requirement to work as a beauty therapist is either the Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy or the Diploma of Beauty Therapy. 

Other nationally recognised qualifications available within the industry:

Certificate II in Nail Technology provides training for individuals wishing to work as nail technicians.

Certificate II in Retail Make-Up and Skin Care provides training for individuals wishing to work in a retail environment providing advice to customers through the demonstration of make-up and skin care products.

Certificate III in Beauty Services is designed for those wishing to work as a beautician.  It includes a limited range of treatments, such as eyelash and eyebrow tinting, manicures and pedicures.

Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy is the minimum qualification for work as a qualified beauty therapist.  It includes the standard range of beauty treatments, including facial and body treatments.

Diploma of Beauty Therapy is designed for those wishing to work in a senior position in a beauty industry workplace, providing both standard and specialised services to clients, and it also includes options for those who may lead, supervise or train others.

Diploma of Salon Management is designed for thos wishing to work in a senior position in a beauty industry workplace, providing both standard and specialised services to clients, and it also includes options for those who may lead, supervise or train others.

Vocational Graduate Certificate in Intense Pulsed Light and Laser Hair Reduction is designed for therapists who specialise in the use of IPL and laser for hair reduction, to develop a high level of knowledge enabling them to analyse skin and hair characteristics when designing and performing a hair reduction treatment plan, using appropriate technology in a safe and compliant manner.

The training may be undertaken in the following ways:

Australian Apprenticeship - combines paid employment in the industry with structured training, leading to a recognised qualification.

Some qualifications may be available as part of a full-time or part-time course, available through registered training organisations.

More information

The Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Association (HBIA) may be a useful source of information for those wishing to work within the beauty industry. The HBIA website provides information on the industry, competitions and events, information regarding membership with HBIA, education and training, and contact details. The website can be viewed at: www.hbia.com.au

The Australian Association of Beauty Therapists (AABTH) is another industry body covering the beauty industry. Information can be found on their website regarding membership, industry news, and further links to useful information and industry articles. More information can be found at: www.aabth.com.au

Beauty Therapist and Nail Technician Career Videos