What does a beautician do?

Beauticians analyse client needs, give advice, and perform beauty treatments and services. Those services vary depending on the environment that the beautician works in but could include applying make-up, performing facials, hair removal, hair styling, and body treatments. Beauticians also often have a role in selling beauty products and handling sales transactions, as well as booking appointments and keeping client records.

Tasks:

  • Analyse client needs and provide advice
  • Deliver beauty treatments and services
  • Sell beauty products and recommend appropriate treatments
  • Handle sales transactions and perform other client-based administration tasks

What skills do I need to be a beautician?

Beauticians need to be well presented, with excellent interpersonal skills. They must have tact, empathy and a strong focus on customer service. It is helpful for beauticians to have some administration skills so they are able to efficiently handle record keeping and cash handling, and an attention to detail is also important for those wishing to be succeed in this industry.

Skills/attributes
  • Well presented
  • Creative flair and ability to keep abreast of industry trends and styles
  • Strong people and customer service skills
  • Administrative skills
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Specialisations

Due to the diverse and dynamic nature of the beauty therapy industry, there are numerous specialisations for beauticians to pursue. One of the most popular paths beauticians choose is to specialise in a particular type of service or treatment, such as make-up artistry or nail treatments. Others choose to become spa therapists and work exclusively in day spas. Many experienced beauticians also decide to utilise their customer service, sales and administration experience to move into management roles or to even start up their own beauty salon.

Specialised beautician

Specialising in a particular type of treatment means that beauticians can become experts in their chosen field. Rather than providing a variety of basic services, they are able to develop an in-depth understanding of techniques relevant to their area of focus, which can make them more employable and improve salary prospects. Specialisations can include hairdressing, nail technology, facials, waxing and make-up.

Spa therapists

Day spas tend to be sophisticated beauty therapy spaces that provide high-end and luxurious services, which appeal to many beauticians as ideal places to work. Spa therapists are expected to have a higher level of understanding of the products and services they are selling, as well as having the most up-to-date knowledge of new approaches and techniques that clients may wish to try.

Salon management

Salon management is often a speciality that can be pursued by senior beauticians who wish to take advantage of their years of experience and apply their managerial skills to the daily operations of a salon. Salon managers and owners have a wide range of responsibilities on top of the day-to-day tasks a beautician completes. These include staff rosters and payroll, training, budget management, responding to customer complaints, as well as managing leases and building maintenance.

Study pathways for beauticians

Becoming a beautician requires a minimum of a certificate III level qualification in beauty therapy. Most beauticians choose to complete a longer course of study, generally a certificate IV or diploma.

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Getting Started

For those wishing to make a start in beauty therapy, a certificate can be a valuable way to learn the foundations of beauty therapy is and an basic understanding of how the industry works.

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Skill Building

Beauticians wishing to build on their existing skill set can complete a range of certificate level qualifications that would give them additional understanding of particular types of treatments.

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Professional Development

Senior beauticians who are interested in taking on management responsibilities or owning their own salon would benefit from studying the business side of salon management.

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Industry Recognition

It is not essential to be industry-certified to work as a beautician in Australia, but joining professional bodies can open up more employment opportunities for you.

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Getting a job after graduation

Put your training to good use and get the best professional head start in your beauty therapy career. Emphasise your personal strengths and achievements in your resume and target your cover letter to beautician jobs.

Job Prospects and Salaries

Beauty therapy is a large industry and this means there are jobs throughout the country. The industry is projected to continue growing steadily over the next few years and, although it doesn't pay as well as some other industries, there is significant flexibility in the hours and location of work, which many beauty therapists find beneficial.

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