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Want to try the art of make-up? Learn how to massage? Train to be a beautician and sail the ocean waves?
Beauticians provide personal beauty care treatment for their clients, concentrating mainly on the face, hands and feet.
The first thing a beautician does is talk to their client about what they want from the treatment. This will include both how they look and how they feel about themselves. The beautician uses their knowledge of the different types of treatment available.
Beauticians do a lot of facial work - applying face packs, creams and lotions to cleanse and tone the skin, massaging the face to stimulate blood circulation and exercise facial muscles.
Sometimes the client wants facial hair removed. For this the beautician uses heated wax or, with more training, special electrical equipment. Waxing consists of applying the warm substance to the prepared area, allowing it to cool and then removing it, either by stripping, peeling or rubbing it away. Electrolysis is a method of removing hair permanently - the therapist inserts a fine needle into each hair follicle and switches on a low electric current. This destroys the hair root and prevents further growth.
Beauticians also pluck and shape eyebrows, tint eyelashes and apply make-up to enhance facial features. Sometimes they use cosmetic camouflage techniques to cover skin blemishes.
Beauticians do manicure (hand care) and pedicure (foot care). Depending on what the client wants and needs, the beautician files and shapes their nails, removes hardened skin, applies creams, massages the hands and feet and applies nail polish.
Some beauticians also train in hairdressing or special types of treatments in order to extend the range of their services.
Pay and Opportunities
New entrants to this career can expect to start on the Premium Minimum Wage (or less if under 18 yrs or on a training programme) and to progress from there. Experienced workers would earn more.
A beautician works a basic 39 hour week, Saturday and evening work may also be required to facilitate customers who are working during the week. Part time work may also be available.
Most beauticians work in high-street salons, which may be one-person businesses or employ several people. Some work in hairdressing establishments. Other employers are luxury hotels, leisure centres, health farms and cruise ships. Some become self-employed; either as a 'mobile' beautician - visiting clients in their homes, by renting space in a large salon, or by working from a room in their own home.
Note: Wage and salary figures quoted under Pay & Opportunities are approximate and are for guideline purposes only. These may vary depending on experience or economic and local circumstances. Any variances are outside the control of FAS.
Entry Routes and Training
The most common entry route is through a relevant course at a college of further education or a private, fee-paying college specialising in beauty courses.
The training involves periods of work experience at a beauty salon and covers subjects such as facial massage, skin and nail care and waxing techniques.
Private college courses vary in length and content, and lead to a number of different qualifications such as the Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology's (CIBTAC). Beautician's Diploma or the Comite International d'Esthetiques et de Cosmetologie (CIDESCO) Beautician Certificate.
You should check the cost and the degree of recognition given to the qualifications before deciding where to study.
Training on the job
Skills are gained on the job, and many beauticians also take additional courses once they are working to add to their skills and knowledge. Product suppliers and beauty schools often organise courses and seminars so their clients and students can develop their product knowledge.
Other requirements
A current First Aid Certificate and a driver's license are recommended but not essential.
Useful experience
Useful experience for beauticians includes:
- customer service or retail work
- modelling
- work as a hairdresser's assistant
- volunteer work in a beauty salon.
Most beauty schools prefer students to have some work or life experience.
Some information courtesy of FÁS
Course Directory Ireland is not responsible for the content of any external sites referenced. | Beautician - Personal requirements
Skills & knowledge
Beauticians need to have:
- knowledge of various beauty treatments, including manicures, pedicures, facial, arm and leg massages
- skill in caring for the skin, hands and feet
- knowledge of the body and how it works, including skin, hair and nail health
- knowledge of hygiene regulations
- good knowledge of make-up and beauty products
- excellent communication and people skills
- good sales skills
- organisational and time management skills.
Personal qualities
Beauticians need to be:
- patient and understanding
- good at listening
- tactful
- positive and enthusiastic
- polite
- punctual
- able to inspire confidence in clients
- able to work well in a team.
They also need to have a sense of humour.
Physical requirements
Beauticians need to have a neat and tidy appearance and a high standard of personal cleanliness. They need to be reasonably healthy with good co-ordination, and they should have upper body strength for massaging. They should not be allergic to make-up or beauty products. Mobile beauticians need to lift and carry heavy objects.
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