Skip to content. | Skip to navigation

Personal tools

Navigation

Beauty Therapist

Beauty therapists provide facial and body care treatments including massage and electrolysis (the application of an electric current to hair-roots).

 

Tasks & duties

Beauty therapists may do some or all of the following:

  • study clients' skin and treat conditions such as acne or dry skin
  • apply and sell make-up and skincare products to clients 
  • give massages and other body treatments
  • remove unwanted hair
  • tint (colour) eyelashes and eyebrows
  • advise clients on face and body care
  • give manicures and pedicures
  • provide other treatments such as waxing or spa therapy
  • keep records of clients' treatments

 

Skills & knowledge

Beauty therapists need to have:

  • knowledge of the body, including skin, hair and nail health
  • knowledge of face and body treatments, including massage and electrolysis
  • an awareness of industry hygiene regulations
  • familiarity with beauty products
  • skill in applying make-up
  • skill in caring for the skin, hands, feet and body
  • excellent people and communication skills
  • good sales skills
  • organisational and management skills

 

Entry requirements

To become a beauty therapist you need to complete a qualification in beauty therapy. However, most beauty therapy training schools prefer their students to have some form of work or life experience.

 

Secondary education

Sixth Form Certificate or NCEA equivalent science and English are useful. However, study in these subjects to Bursary or NCEA equivalent level is preferred.

 

Tertiary education

Most beauty therapy training schools offer students the chance to gain internationally recognised qualifications as well as New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) approved qualifications. Postgraduate study can also be completed to gain further skills and knowledge.

 

Training on the job

Many skills are gained on the job, and newly qualified beauty therapists are often supervised and trained by senior beauty therapists. Beauty therapists may also attend training courses offered by product suppliers.

 

Useful experience

Work as a beauty consultant or beautician is useful experience for beauty therapists. Previous jobs involving contact with people, such as retail, reception, nursing, counselling or pharmacy work may also be helpful.

 

Related courses

Beauty Therapy
Hairdressing

 

For more information, please refer to Career Services.

Document Actions