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Beautician

Beauticians provide various forms of beauty treatment to customers.

 

Tasks & duties

Beauticians may do some or all of the following:

  • give clients advice on skin and nail care
  • give clients facial treatments
  • give clients manicures and pedicures, which includes shaping, buffing, cuticle care and applying nail polish to hands and feet
  • massage the face, shoulders, hands, legs and feet
  • shape and colour eyebrows
  • tint (colour) and perm (curl) eyelashes
  • remove any unwanted hair using wax
  • recommend facial treatments and products, including make-up for use at home
  • order stock from visiting salespeople
  • apply make-up for events such as weddings
  • apply spray-tanning lotions
  • arrange appointments with clients

 

Specialisations

Beauticians may specialise in particular facial treatment product ranges, or treatment for certain conditions such as acne.

 

Skills & knowledge

Beauticians need to have:

  • knowledge of various beauty treatments, including manicures, pedicures, and 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

 

Entry requirements

To become a beautician you need to complete a six-month full-time, or a one-year part-time, course at a tertiary institution or beauty school. Most beauty schools offer students the chance to gain internationally recognised qualifications as well as NZQA-approved qualifications.

 

Secondary education

There are no specific secondary education requirements for becoming a beautician. However, Sixth Form Certificate or NCEA Level 2 science and English are preferable.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Related courses

Beauty Therapy
Hairdressing

 

For more information, please refer to Career Services.

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