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Beauty Therapist

Beauty therapists apply face and body treatments, and provide advice about skin care and cosmetics.

TASKS

Beauty therapists may perform the following tasks:

carry out skin analysis and give advice about skin and body care
perform facial or body massage and aromatherapy treatment
analyse body type and advise on exercise programmes and nutrition
use a variety of treatments and electrical equipment to treat skin and body conditions
renove facial and body hair by electrolysis or waxing
provide advice and support to clients following cosmetic surgery
recognise problems and refer clients to medical practitioners such as dermatologists, plastic surgeons, endocrinologists, podiatrists, chiropractors and physiotherapists
apply make-up
perform manicures, pedicures, nail extensions and eyelash and brow tinting
perform reception duties (such as receiving bookings and arranging appointments)
maintain client records
provide advice about and sell cosmetic products and related beauty equipment

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

neat personal appearance at all times
no allergies to beauty products
pleasant and tactful when dealing with customers
genuine interest in people
good hand-eye coordination
sensitive when dealing with clients for body and facial treatments

Good Outlook for this career!

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Beauty Consultant - an experienced senior sales assistant who promotes one or more brands of cosmetic products in department stores and pharmacies by providing advice about the purchase and application of cosmetics.

Beautician - provides waxing, manicure, pedicure, eyelash and brow tinting and make-up application services.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a beauty therapist you usually have to complete a VOC qualification in beauty therapy. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.

You can also become a beauty therapist through an apprenticeship or traineeship in Beauty Therapy.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

Before selecting a course, check with a number of potential employers to make sure that the course is what they require. Employers are less likely to consider people who have completed a short course or who have qualifications that are not recognised by the industry. Beauty therapists with nationally accredited qualifications may work throughout Australia.

Working as a sales assistant in a pharmacy or retail store can provide relevant experience and familiarity with products for those wishing to train as beauticians or beauty therapists.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Beauty therapists work mainly in private salons and hairdressing establishments, and many are self-employed. Some beauty therapists are employed by cosmetic companies to work in large department stores that have sections specialising in skin care and cosmetics.