6 reasons why you should become a beauty therapist

Are you an artistic, chatty person? Do you enjoy meeting new people? Perhaps you want a career where you can tailor your work hours to suit your lifestyle. If so, you may want to consider a career as a beauty therapist. 

A beauty therapist can be many things. From aestheticians to nail techs, the industry is always looking for professionals who love to make a difference. 

So, if you’ve just finished your A-Levels or are changing career paths, consider taking a beauty and nails course to start your journey. 

1. Diverse career opportunities

The UK beauty industry is flourishing! 

According to the Value of Beauty report from 2023, the sector contributes around £20 billion to the economy each year. 550,000 individuals are qualified to deliver personal care, and each person has a skillset unique to their career path. 

From hands-on positions (like makeup artists and skin care specialists) to roles in brand management, the industry's variety accommodates a wide amount of interests. 

The rise in digital platforms and e-commerce has made the scope of industry positions even more varied! We’re now seeing people in roles like digital content creators, e-commerce strategists, and social media managers, specifically promoting beauty products and services. 

Take an aromatherapy course and broaden your skill set! If your main speciality is makeup, and you want to branch out into nails, why not take a nail technician level 2 course? The best part about a career in beauty is that you can continually learn and grow as an artist.

2. Flexible work hours

One of the great things about life as a professional beauty therapist is the flexibility it offers in terms of work hours. As an independent artist, you decide how much you work and can maintain a healthy work-life balance. The UK beauty industry embraces flexible working practices. These can range from traditional part-time roles to more modern arrangements. 

Many beauty therapists choose the self-employed or freelance route, which allows them to set their own hours and choose their clients. Whether you offer mobile therapy services, private clinics, or home-based setups, therapists can tailor their business models to suit their needs.

3. Meeting new people

The nature of beauty therapy involves close communication with clients, which means you’ll get to chat with a range of individuals every day. 

Exposure to people of different backgrounds and lifestyles can significantly improve your customer service skills! Over time, you’ll develop professional relationships with regular clients who will enrich your practice. 

If you work with colleagues in a salon, engaging with like-minded individuals can also foster a strong sense of community. Many therapists find lifelong friends in the field: colleagues who share your values, interests and can relate to your experience as a beauty therapist.

4. Creative expression

If you’ve previously taken an interest in Art, whether as a GCSE course, at A-level, or just as a hobby, beauty therapy is a wonderful career for developing your creative expression. 

Therapists can experiment with colours, shapes, and styles to enhance a person's appearance. Whether through makeup artistry or nail art, each client is a new opportunity to put your skills to the test!

Best of all, in beauty therapy, learning never stops. Therapists continually update their skills with the latest techniques and trends, from airbrush makeup to advanced chemical peel treatments. 

The industry’s constant innovation not only keeps day-to-day work interesting but also allows you to expand your knowledge.

5. Empowering others

As a personal care provider, you’re delivering more than just aesthetic treatments to clients: beauty therapists can also offer therapeutic relief. Many services, like massages, facials, and aromatherapy, are designed to help people relax.

Services offered by makeup artists and facial therapists can also calm the mind. By addressing skin issues, creating beautiful make-up looks, or giving a client the perfect haircut, beauty therapists help clients see the best version of themselves. 

The role of a beauty therapist can be immensely empowering, both for the client and the therapist. It’s a career path that offers the unique opportunity to enhance others' lives through expert care.

6. Rewarding financial prospects

Beauty therapists in the UK earn varied incomes that reflect their experience, location, and the specific services they provide. 

Typically, starting salaries for qualified beauty therapists range from £12,000 to £17,000 per year, but with experience and additional skills, this can quickly rise. In more affluent areas or high-end salons, therapists can earn up to £20,000 annually. 

Specialising in high-demand treatments such as advanced skincare, luxury nail art, or bridal makeup significantly boosts a therapist’s earning potential. 

For instance, specialists in luxury nail services or those who offer bespoke bridal services can command higher rates, sometimes earning around £55 per hour for their expertise!