What qualifications do I need to be a beauty therapist?
To become a beauty therapist, you must first figure out which courses and study options are available for you to take advantage of. This could mean taking a general beauty therapy course, before specialising in a particular area. Once you have finished the general course, you become qualified to engage in a vast array of beauty treatments which do not require techniques like facials, feet and hand massages.
Taking a specialised course expands your knowledge and enables you to undertake treatments that are more professional. Some of these professional courses are nail applications, eyelash and eyebrow treatments, spray tans and waxing.
If you are interested in becoming a beauty therapist and would like to know the skills and qualifications that are required, then this article is for you. To be a qualified beauty therapist, you have to complete both an NVQ Level Two and Level Three in Beauty Therapy.
While you are studying these courses, it is possible to begin gaining experience by working as a salon assistant. This role ensures that you gain the appropriate knowledge and skills required to become a beauty therapist.
There are certain beauty salons that actually allow individuals interested in becoming beauty therapists to join as junior trainees. This however, only possible if those individuals have earned their Level Two NVQ. There is also the possibility of being able to continue their study for the NVQ Level Three whilst being employed.
That being said, it is important to note that there are beauty salons that only employ therapists that have fully qualified, meaning they have attained their Level Three.
The only way to attain a Level Two qualification, you will have to have done the beauty courses listed below:
- Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Beauty Therapy Services
- Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Beauty Technique and Style
- Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Beauty Salon Reception
- Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Beauty and Hair Services
The moment you gain these qualifications, it is then possible for you to continue your education whist working to qualify.
Where do you get to study these courses?
These courses can typically be studied either on a part time or full time basis at college. Nevertheless, if you feel that you would rather not study at college, it is possible for you to privately train at a beauty school.
A beauty school course is great for individuals that are looking for courses that are not only quicker but suited to their lifestyle. That being said, if you choose to go through this route, it is important that you ensure you get certificates that are recognised.
If you are searching for an apprenticeship, then it is possible to join on at a beauty salon to get trained whilst on the job.
This path enables aspiring beauty therapists to not only gain an award that is acknowledged but also get vital work experience. These are the pathways in which you can become qualified as a beauty therapist.
