Beauty therapist

You could study for a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Beauty Therapy.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You can do an intermediate or advanced beauty therapist apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You could start out as a beauty therapy assistant in a salon or spa. You could then study for a qualification on the job.

You could also train with a private beauty school.

Professional and industry bodies

You may find it useful to get professional recognition by joining a register like the Guild of Beauty Therapists.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in beauty therapy from the Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Authority and the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology.

You can also find out more about working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers

You'll need:

• customer service skills to put clients at ease
• sensitivity and understanding towards your clients’ needs
• the ability to work well with your hands for giving treatments
• excellent verbal communication skills to explain treatments
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to sell products and services
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

In your day-to-day tasks you may:

• give a facial by cleansing, massaging and toning a client's skin
• do a makeover by applying and advising on make-up
• shape eyebrows and colour eyelashes
• give a manicure, pedicure or other nail treatment like extensions and nail art
• remove unwanted facial and body hair
• give electro-therapy treatments to improve body tone and shape
• do non-surgical skin improvement treatments
• offer UV (ultraviolet) and spray tanning

You could work in a salon, at a health spa, on a cruise ship, in a hotel or from home.

You may need to wear protective clothing.