16 Jun 2014

What’s it all about?

Beauty therapy is an exciting, versatile career path. Students study with an accredited registered training organisation and can choose between the traditional apprenticeship pathway (where you work in a salon and complete your theory studies with a public institution or private college, which usually takes about 4 years) or a fast tracked qualification (which combines your practical and theory work in a shorter time frame, typically 12 -24 months). You can study full time or part time, depending on where you choose to enrol, and start working in salons as a trainee when you begin your course. Beauty therapy and hairdressing are often found together and are classed in the same industry, but studying beauty therapy doesn’t mean you have to study hairdressing.

Will it suit me?

Beauty therapy is all about making people look and feel good about themselves. A typical day in a salon will involve performing facials, massage, waxing, manicure/pedicure and tanning treatments on your clients. You’ll talk to clients about their skin and skincare concerns; holistic treatments like aromatherapy, body wraps and spa treatments are also hugely popular. If you love working with people and being ‘hands-on’, you’ll love working in the beauty industry.

What will I learn?

Depending on the course you study, you will learn everything from facials, waxing, basic makeup, manicures and pedicures, to anatomy and physiology, the layers of the skin, therapeutic massage, spa and body treatments. You will also learn about equipment, cleaning, sterilisation, retail and business skills, so if you have ever dreamed of working for yourself, you will have the knowledge and confidence to set up your own salon.

How long will my studies last?

Course length will vary depending on which qualification you choose to study; fast track courses run  from 4 to 12 months full time, whilst an apprenticeship will take approximately 4 years. Providers may also offer part-time or flexible study options as well.

What careers will there be for me?

Studying a qualification in beauty therapy opens so many doors; graduates aren’t limited to working in salons, but have the opportunity to work in day spas, in retail sales, as representatives or trainers for various skincare brands, sales and marketing, as beauty writers and bloggers, and of course, to own their own successful salon or spa.  Beauty therapists and beauticians can also work from home, with full time/ part time or casual hours in salons.

What will I earn?

As a fully qualified beauty therapist, you can earn anywhere from $550 to $750 a week, or as a business owner, anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 a year.

Working in this industry can involve long hours on weekdays and weekends, but the industry has continued to grow over the past few years. Many people now see beauty and grooming services as necessities, which means you will always have appointments and new clients.