What does a Beautician Do?

A beautician is many things. They are trained to provide services in hair, make-up, nail, and skincare services to their clients. Most treatments are tailor-made to the client’s ideal goals and needs.

Another important aspect of beauty therapy is providing a safe environment for clients to relax and beautify. You will be a confidant, an ally, and encourager. A warm and engaging personality is integral to the job. If you are shy by nature, consider challenging yourself to meet new people and holding a conversation. It will help you enormously as you begin your career in beauty therapy.

What Skills Will I Learn?

This depends on what course you choose to pursue. There are some remote learning courses that take you through the full spectrum of skills taught in a diploma of beauty therapy. These include lash and brow services, general and specialty massages, makeup design and application, facial treatments and skincare recommendations, waxing services, and nail technology.

With the option of short courses, you can pick and choose the subjects that appeal most to your goals. However, often these therapies are offered simultaneously in salons or spas, so learning more than one discipline is recommended.

Once completing the fundamental courses in beauty therapy, you may wish to study further. Below is a list of extension courses which can be completed in conjunction with other studies, or as stand alone courses.

This list is an indication of the areas of study you may wish to explore post certification, however it is by no means comprehensive. There are so many ways to specialise as a beautician!

A quick note: Despite involving hair waxing services, beauty therapy does not cover hairdressing, as there are specialist courses specifically catered to becoming a hairdresser.

What Would I Need to Study Beauty?

Each course is different. But, you will often require a combination of internet connection, a work space, text books, products, and equipment. And a level of commitment to your study that relies on discipline. Online courses won’t offer in-class contact, so students will need their own method of completing the course-work effectively.

If you are completing a waxing or massage therapy course, you will need a designated room for your studies. Not only will you need privacy to complete your practical coursework, but the necessary equipment is permanent in nature. You will require a Beauty Bed, waxing / massage related products, and the appropriate ambiance for your potential clients.

This brings us to volunteers! You will need to practice your techniques on willing participants. Beauty therapy is a people led business. Exercise your skills on different skin & body types to elevate your proficiency.

How Much Room Will I Need?

Very little. Most areas of expertise, like nails and make-up, can be practiced on your dining table. If you pursue waxing & massage techniques, however, you will need the space for a beauty bed. Ideally, this would be set up in a room separate to your everyday household, to ensure privacy is respected.

While beauty beds can be expensive, they are a wonderful investment for those who enjoy learning and working from home. You never know, it might be the beginning of your own home salon!

Will I Need to Set Up the Space?

Yes, you will need to set up your products and equipment. We recommend a permanent set up, as it will help with your study practices. A separate, dedicated room is a perfect solution to space requirements and assembly, since your equipment will remain in its designated position.

If you are equipped with a separate room, then you might also consider adding in salon taps or other permanent fixtures. This is a great time to begin sourcing the equipment you will need for a home salon, should you choose to be self-employed.

Do I Need Prior Experience?

For the most part? No!

Most short courses for beauticians do not have any prerequisites. While some advanced courses need prior experience, these are atypical. Standard online courses deliver content in a way that is engaging and assumes no knowledge on the subject.

In this way, remote learning is similar to a TAFE or Beauty School course, which require no experience. What you really need is commitment, enthusiasm, and a strong work ethic to reach your goals. If you have that, you will learn all the skills you need to succeed in beauty therapy!

What are the Career Opportunities for a Beautician?

The beauty industry is unlike most others, because it provides ample opportunity for lateral movement. If you begin your career in a nail salon, you aren’t at all bound to that discipline. You could move into a retail skincare brand, delivering facials and skin treatments. Or massage therapy. Or even into waxing services.

The opportunities are endless. And, you will learn new techniques and treatments along the way. Life as a beautician is one of endless possibilities.

Perhaps you have found your niche and want something more. Who’s to say you can’t open up your own business? Or launch a home / mobile salon? If you have the equipment and the skills necessary to cater to people in your area, home salons can become immensely profitable, and offer the opportunity to dictate your own salary and hours.

It is near impossible to find a beauty salon that has gone out of business due to market forces. Though they aren’t immune to bad management, the demand for beauty therapy is strong and growing. The beauty industry has thrived since early civilisation, through economic and social upheaval. Investing in beauty is always rewarding.

How Long Will it Take to Learn Beauty?

It entirely depends on the course you choose. Some very short courses can be completed in less than a week. Often these are focused on one small skill, which you may wish to complete on top of your general education.

Some courses may run for months (akin to a diploma in beauty therapy), and involve ongoing work for an extended period. These will likely cover the essential skills for beauticians.

And then, there are online courses that have an unlimited time allowance. This means that the time it takes is entirely up to you.

Ensure you do your research before signing up to any course. They are not all made equal!

Are there any Age Limits?

For the most part, you will need to be over the legal working age in your area to complete your course. However, if you purchase a book guide, or learn through YouTube tutorials, there are no minimum age requirements.

So, if you are coming to beauty therapy at an early age, search YouTube! It is your greatest friend in learning tips and tricks from beauty gurus. Once you are of age, you can put those skills to practice.

There is no upper age limit to beauty therapy courses or becoming a beautician. If you are able to complete the work, then the industry would love to have you! Many clients feel more at ease in mature hands, as they bring so much life experience and compassion. Don’t let your age keep you from pursuing your passion.

A Secure, Recession Proof Career.

When life gets difficult, people seek comfort. The beauty industry offers the average person an opportunity to feel pampered, relaxed, and taken care of. It is not only important, but crucial to the happiness and contentment of many people.

Because of this, the beauty industry is an extremely secure career choice. It has been labelled ‘recession-proof’ by many, because of its ability to withstand economic crises.

In fact, the beauty industry has been around for over 7,000 years.

Everybody takes a hit during economic insecurity, however a career in beauty therapy gives you an income that is largely protected.

Why Study Beauty at Home?

Learning beauty at home means that, not only can you create a schedule that suits the other commitments in your life, but you are pursuing a career that can provide a stable and enviable income for your household. And, though it will still cost you money, remote learning opportunities are often less than a tenth of the cost of a Diploma of Beauty Therapy at TAFE.

The other big draw card of learning beauty at home is that you don’t have to travel anywhere. Again, this saves you a whole lot of time and money and allows you to be at home if you need to be – for instance if you are looking after children.

If I can Learn at Home, can I Work at Home?

The benefits of learning from home are a huge drawcard for remote learning: Setting your own schedule, creating processes that work for you, cost-effective courses, a comfortable environment, and the space to create as you please.

With all the benefits so clear, wouldn’t it be a viable option to also work from home? Yes, you will have to equip a dedicated area with salon equipment, however much of that was likely established during your education. And the advantages? You can set your own salary, run the salon to your values and ethics, fit your schedule, and ensure a safe and happy working environment.

If you aren’t interested in a career, perhaps you just want to understand beauty better. You can learn to do your own nails, assess your own skin and provide treatments, or thread and tint your own brows. The skills gained in beauty therapy courses are endlessly applicable into our day-to-day life. With the know-how under your belt, you can let your creativity shine!

Appendix 1: Explanation of At-Home Learning Options

Accredited Distance Learning

Accredited Distance Learning is a remote course qualification that has been approved by a professional or government body. For Beauty Therapy, it is not a necessity in Australia since our beauty industry was deregulated in 1986. However, beauticians in other countries may need to complete an accredited course, and should check their national regulations.

Short Courses

Short courses are skills-based career pathways that are removed from the traditional higher education system. They often do not require any entrance prerequisites, and are taught as upskilling opportunities for career hopefuls or hobbyists.

Online Courses

Online courses provide an opportunity to learn your subject from any remote location, via internet connection. They utilise textbooks, relevant links, presentations, and video demonstrations to best communicate course content. Online courses involving certifications will also administer testing and assessments according to their course guidelines.

Youtube Channels

YouTube is an online resource that hosts videos for almost every interest and hobby. It is a perfect starting point for those hoping to work within the Beauty Industry. An Important Note: YouTube does not offer any courses that provide an assessment of competency. It should be used as an additional resource, not in place of a course certification.

Beauty Blogs

The internet is a wealth of information regarding beauty practices and therapies. Beauty Blogs are one of the best ways to keep up to date with current trends and celebrity beauty treatments. They also provide an industry specific archive of articles, opinion pieces, anecdotal evidence, and research. A wonderful reserve of information for any beauty career hopefuls. An Important Note: Beauty Blogs do not offer any courses that provide an assessment of competency. They should be used as an additional resource, not in place of a course certification.

Tutors (online tutors in beauty)

Online tutors have opened an exciting world of remote 1-on-1 coaching. For Beauty Therapy, there are multiple platforms to find the most highly rated tutor to take you through the fundamentals of your skill. Online tutoring uses webcams to show the skills in practice, and allow students to follow along. An Important Note: Online tutors may not all be professionally trained in beauty therapy. Many courses are provided in a hobby-friendly manner, and do not offer assessments of competency.

Books

Books in the beauty services industry can be an incredibly useful guide for current skills and trends. Though it is recommended to utilise textbooks alongside a thorough course, the books themselves can be as thorough and in depth as classroom teaching.

The reason they cannot be relied upon to provide top level instruction, is due to the inability to perform critical assessments of competency. You will need a tutor or course instructor to give the necessary feedback.

Appendix 2: Explanation of Services

Facial Treatments

A facial is a high-impact skin treatment designed to address different concerns: Hydration, fine lines and wrinkles, acne, pigmentation, exfoliation or deep cleansing. They are often offered in conjunction with one another (A Hydrafacial is a deep hydration and pore cleanse). You can find facial treatments at most spas and skin clinics.

The ingredients widely differ, depending on the spa or clinic you attend. Common options include seaweed masks, hyaluronic acid masks, clay masks, or any manner of brand specific serums.

When creating facial treatments for clients, ensure you are aware of all ingredients and potential allergens.

Skincare Recommendations

Clients come to spas and beauty brand representatives to learn how to fix their skin. From redness & blemishes to fine lines and wrinkles, you will be an authority in the world of skincare.

To recommend a routine for different skin issues, you will need a thorough and whole-encompassing understanding of the effects of different ingredients on the skin. These are often positive effects, but some serums cannot be used in conjunction with each other, (For example, AHA acids can counteract the benefits of some peptides and niacinimides).

Waxing Services

Waxing is the removal of hair using hot wax that hardens on the skin. It is then ripped back, taking the entire hair follicle with it. Different waxes are used for the most sensitive areas, to ensure the most painless experience.

Common waxing procedures include: half-leg, full-leg, bikini line, brazillian, half-arm, full-arm, arm pit, upper lip, eyebrows, back, and stomach. These are all customizable, and depend on the client’s needs.

Make-up

Make-up Artists design and apply different mediums in order to accentuate certain aspects of the skin and face. This includes costume makeup, glam, everyday etc. The role of a Make-up Artist is to interpret the needs of every client and tailor each look to their requirements & facial structure.

Nail Technology

Nail Technicians maintain the appearance of nails by methods of polishing, trimming, buffing, and filing. They employ a wide array of treatments including; manicures, pedicures, the application of fake nails & extensions, dead skin removal, polish, gel, shellac etc.

Manicures & Pedicures

A manicure or pedicure is the full nail treatment. It involves trimming and shaping the nails, removal of cuticles and dead skin, and nail colour or french tips.

Massage Therapy

A Massage Therapist uses parts of their hands and arms to alleviate muscular tension in the body. This is generally achieved by applying pressure and varying techniques to the soft tissue. Massage therapy is used for general relaxation, sports injuries, rehabilitation, and general wellness.

Lash Lifts & Extensions

Lash technicians enhance natural eyelashes by applying artificial lash extensions and lifts. Extensions can be made from varying materials including synthetic hair, and are applied to make lashes appear longer, thicker, and fuller. Lash extensions are applied using a semi permanent adhesive.

An Eyelash lift is a perm for lashes. It uses a chemical solution to give a nice shape and curl to the lash fibers.

Brow Treatments

The most common brow treatments currently on the market include: waxing, threading, tinting, microblading and tattooing. These treatments differ in application, however they all require the technician to shape the brow according to facial structure.

Eyebrow waxing removes the errant hair using a sensitive hot wax, which is then ripped back to reveal a defined brow. Threading follows the same principle, however pinches two threads together over the hair follicle. This allows high precision in brow shape and definition.

Brow tinting is the application of semi permanent pigment to the brow shape to create a full coloured eyebrow. This should reflect the client’s hair colour.

Microblading is an evolution of eyebrow tattoos. A microblade applies pigment to the brow using a tool with 9 tiny blades. This ensures the brows appear to be filled with natural hair fibers. It is a fairly permanent procedure, and can last up to 3 years. With this in mind, the shape must compliment the client’s facial structure.

Cosmetic Tanning

Cosmetic tanners apply artificial pigment to skin using a spray tanning gun. This method is useful for its even tone and application, however can present challenges for the technician. Every skin colour has different undertones, and a technician could run into trouble if they don’t have a robust understanding.

Spa Treatments

Spa treatments include facials, massages, manicures & pedicures, specialised brand treatments, body treatments & wraps, exfoliating treatments, baths & saunas. As well as the generalised spa treatments, there are many specialty & luxury services offered, depending on the spa of choice.

Eyelash Extensions (basic)

Lash technicians enhance natural eyelashes by applying artificial lash extensions and lifts. Extensions can be made from varying materials including synthetic hair, and are applied to make lashes appear longer, thicker, and fuller. Lash extensions are applied using a semi permanent adhesive.

Body Scrubs

Body scrubs have long been heralded for their incredible impact on the texture and tone of skin. Spa scrubs are an elevated version of the sugar scrub many have performed on their own skin. They utilise specialised exfoliating scrubs or tools to buff away dead and flaky skin, and are followed up with oils or serums to hydrate. Many spa and salon scrubs are infused with extra ingredients to help the skin glow.

Dry Brushing

Dry brushing is used to exfoliate and enhance blood flow to areas of the body. This is achieved by rubbing a stiff-bristled brush in circular motions in target areas. The treatment is applied without water or serums, so the bristles rotate on dry skin.

Body Wraps

A wrap is a body treatment that usually involves an exfoliating treatment, followed by the treatment. Once the treatment is lathered on the skin, the client is wrapped in specialty blankets, plastic or bandages. There are many varieties of body wraps to treat specific skin concerns. These include detox or slimming wraps, hydrating wraps, cellulite wraps, herbal wraps, and mud wraps.

Ear Candling

Ear candling is an ancient alternative medicine practice used to treat wax build up, headaches, cold & flu, and ear infections. It is performed by lighting a hollow, cone shaped candle and placing it over the ear canal. The heat from the candle draws out wax and promotes general health and wellbeing.

Hot Stone Massage

A hot stone massage is a deep tissue relaxation technique that uses thermal energy. Water heated stones are placed in specific places along the spine to relax key areas, and allow the massage therapist to penetrate deeper layers of muscle tension. It is more effective than traditional massage therapy to diffuse tension and muscular pain.

Appendix 3: Explanation of Advanced Beauty Services

IPL & Laser Therapy

Both IPL and Laser therapies use light to penetrate hair follicles and cause long lasting damage. This is done in order to get rid of unwanted hair and regrowth.

Skin Needling

Skin Needling is the application of micro needles to the face using a roller. This stimulates collagen production and reduces fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, stretch marks or thermal burns.

Advanced Lash Extensions

Advanced Lash Extension courses expand on the fundamental training in Lash Extension courses, and furthers techniques and artistry.

Eyebrow Threading

Eyebrow Threading follows the same principle as waxing, however pinches two threads together over the hair follicle. This allows high precision in brow shape and definition.

Electrolysis Hair Removal

This is a method of hair removal from the face and body, inserting a very fine probe into the hair follicle and removing it with tweezers. Almost all areas of the body can be treated with electrolysis. Electrolysis is also the only FDA (American) approved method of permanent hair removal.

Appendix 4: List of Suggested Materials

This is a list of some of the materials an items you may need to study to become a beautician at home.

• A Designated Work Space
• The Professional Beauty Therapy text by Lorraine Nordmann and Andrea Day
• Beauty Therapy Textbook, Reference guides
• Mirrors
• Beauty Bed
• Waxing & Hair Removal Equipment
• Lash Extension Equipment
• Brow Treatment Equipment
• Nail Gels, Shellac, Polish
• Nail Files, Buffers, Polishers
• Nail Polish Removal Equipment
• Nail LED lamps
• Skincare Products
• Layering products for Facial Treatments
• Facial Treatment Equipment (Mixing bowl, brush, towel etc)
• Massage Oil
• Blankets
• Makeup Equipment (Brushes, sponges, pads, appropriate lighting)
• Makeup Kit

Appendix 5: Services You Can Provide From Home

This is a list of some of the services you can provide from home once you have the skills.

• Makeup recommendations
• Makeup artistry
• Facial treatments
• Waxing (Will need a separate room)
• Massage Therapy (will need a separate room)
• Nail Treatments and Polish Removal
• Lash Extensions
• Brow Treatments
• Lash Tinting and Lifting
• Ear Candling