Beauty Therapy

I have been working as a Beauty Therapist for 8 years now and I have to say I still really enjoy it. It is a very rewarding Job which allows you to take your training in many directions of work.

**Training**
I went to Bromley College for my training.
NVQ level 2 covered the following:-
*waxing using hot wax, warm wax and sugaring
*facials
*tinting
*manicure/pedicure
*Health and safety in the work place
*reception duties

I managed to complete level 2 in a year and a half, this meant going to college 3 days a week and a day in a salon environment.

NVQ level 3 covered the following:-

• Swedish Body massage
• Electrolysis
• Facial and Body electrical
• Body wraps
• Sauna and Steam treatments

I completed level 3 in a year which I found very hard as I was working full time alongside this course so I was still using my skills I had learnt in Level 2 and also to start earning some money!.

In each of the courses you learn the method of the treatment, the before and aftercare advice for each treatment, and also the theory of each treatment. Anatomy and Physiology is a big part in beauty therapy understanding how the body's functions work, the name of each and every muscle and bone, knowing the blood and lymphatic system and the effects treatments can have on the body.

**Work**
It is so hard to come out of College and get a job as every salon will say they want at least 3 years work experience. There are many routes you can take in beauty therapy such as working in a salon or a spa, working as an occasion makeup artist, working on film and music sets, become a mobile therapist, work on the cruise liners or going abroad to work in hotels.

I started of working in a small local salon, I was there for 6 years and progressively worked my way up until I was running the salon (unfortunately not on any extra money!!). I then felt confident enough to open up on my own so I now have my own Beauty Business which is my little baby! I love the fact that working my small salon you get your regular clients come in every 4-6 weeks and you get to see your clients grow up and change. It is very hard not to get too attached to your clients as many of them come in to unload on you, you feel like an agony aunt. I love when you see clients getting married and having children but then there is also the downside of when you have elderly clients and they don't arrive for a treatment and you are later informed they have passed away. I have lost 5 clients and I find this a hard part of my Job.
Hours are unsociable usually evenings and weekends as this is when people are off of work.

**Pay**

Unfortunately the pay is not good in Beauty Therapy unless you work for yourself or you work in a spa and can do the hard sell on products. Most beauty salons offer minimum wage which I think is wrong as it is such a demanding Job, and all the training you have to do should count for something. Depending where you work you usually can top your wages up in tips or in commission on products you sell.

**Stereotypes**

Ok so say the word Beauty therapist and what usually is thought of is Blonde, dumb, painting pink nails, and wears a lot of make up!! This is so disheartening to a beauty therapist to hear after all the hard work that has gone into training. Beauty therapy is an artistic job which requires you to have good stamina, a water off a ducks back attitude and a welcoming manner to make the client feel at ease.

**Keeping up with the times**

There are always new treatments coming out so it is always best to keep up with the times. There are beauty shows for professionals up and down the country every year where you will see new treatments and you can try these treatments out. I try and do a new course every year. Last year I done a Spray Tan course and this Year I have just completed a semi-permanent eyelash course.

**Advantages **

Interesting Job
Meeting new people daily
Make people feel better about them selves
A rewarding Job
Many different directions you can take

**Disadvantages**
Pay is low
You get varicose veins as you are on your feet for 12 hours flat usually
The stereotype that goes with the job
Hours
When you get to close to clients and they pass away.

**Finally**
As you can tell I am very Passionate about my job, and I would recommend Beauty Therapy as a career as long as that person was aware of the hard work, time and commitment that goes with the job. I can honestly say I have never had a day at work where I feel I don't want to be here. Yes you do get the odd hard work client but the other lovely ones make up for that one bad nut!!.

This is also on dooyoo under realisticbeauty