Beauty Jobs

The beauty business is booming. It’s not just about make-up; beauty salons now offer a wide range of treatments, which need trained staff to carry them out.

There are good prospects in this type of work if you’re prepared to work hard and can get on well with the public. Self-employment is a good possibility.

Beauty Therapist

Beauty therapists carry out facial and body treatments to improve people’s personal appearance. They decide on the treatment by talking to the client first.

Sometimes, the treatment takes several sessions over a period of a few weeks. An example is electrolysis – a method of removing unwanted hair using an electric current. Other clients might only want a one-off session – being ‘made-up’ for a special occasion such as a wedding, for example.

Other common treatments include face and body massage, leg waxing, eyebrow plucking and ear piercing. Beauty therapists are usually expected to be able to carry out a range of treatments, which may require a steady hand and a patient attitude.

Nail Technician

Nail technicians offer a range of nail (hand or foot) treatments to customers.

Some of the treatments they offer include:

  • Applying nail extensions and doing repairs.
  • Applying nail art techniques.
  • Trimming and polishing nails.
  • Conditioning the skin around the nails.
  • Giving hand, foot or arm massages.
  • Strengthening nails.
  • Giving treatments to stop people biting their nails.

If a customer wants nail extensions, the nail technician first checks the customer’s nails to make sure they are healthy. The nail extensions are put on top of the natural nails using chemicals.

Once the extensions are in place, they can be painted or pierced with small jewels. They can also be painted in specific designs, such as stripes or flowers.

Spa Therapist

Spa therapists provide a wide range of beauty treatments and health therapies that focus on the healing effects of water.

Some of the therapies and treatments include:

  • Hydrotherapy (involves moving and exercising in water).
  • Flotation (weightless floating in either a pool or tank)
  • Jacuzzi (a whirlpool tub with underwater jets that massage the body)
  • Steam baths and saunas
  • Salt or sea-water pools
  • Mud chambers or applying mud to the body
  • Body wraps, scrubs and massage
  • Facials, manicures and pedicures.

Spa therapists first find out from the client what type of treatment they want. They then explain what it involves. The treatment offered can depend on what the client wants to get out of it. For example, it may be for pure relaxation or to improve a particular health problem.

Spa therapists also prepare and clean the spa environment, and set up and shut down water, temperature and spa facilities.