Beautician - Career Advice - Retail and Hospitality

Beauty or Hair Salon Assistant
Nail Technician

Helping or Advising

Beauty therapists undertake a range of therapeutic facial and body care treatments and aim to improve their clients’ appearance and well-being. Their skills are required by both women and men. They apply and sell make-up, skincare and other cosmetic products, treat skin conditions and provide Future Growth Very Strong beauty treatments such as electrolysis, massage, facials, manicures and pedicures, waxing and spa therapy. They may also undertake some administrative work and should keep records of clients' treatments.

ANZSCO description: 4511 Provides skin analyses, facial therapies, skincare treatments and body treatments such as massage to clients.

Alternative names: Beautician, Paramedical Aesthetician, Pedicurist, Beauty Therapist,

Specialisations: Beauty Consultant, Electrologist (Hair Remover), Manicurist, Nail Technician

Beautician
A beautician provides waxing, manicure, pedicure, eyelash and brow tinting and make-up application services.
Beauty Consultant
A beauty consultant an experienced senior sales assistant who promotes one or more brands of cosmetic products in department stores and pharmacies by providing advice on the purchase and application of cosmetics.

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Beauty therapists need:

a friendly and caring demeanour
a well-groomed appearance
an interest in people
good stamina - therapists need to stand for long periods
an eye for detail
to be sensitive to clients' needs

Duties and Tasks

Beauty therapists may perform the following tasks: Beauty Spa

carry out skin analysis and give advice about skin and body care
perform facial or body massage and/or aromatherapy treatment
analyse body type and advise on exercise programs and nutrition
use a variety of treatments and electrical equipment to treat individual skin and body conditions
remove facial and body hair by electrolysis or waxing
provide advice and support to clients following cosmetic surgery
recognise problems and refer clients to medical practitioners such as dermatologists, plastic surgeons, endocrinologists, podiatrists, chiropractors and physiotherapists
apply make-up
perform manicures, pedicures, nail extensions and eyelash and brow tinting
perform reception duties (such as receive bookings and arrange appointments)
maintain client records
provide advice on and sell cosmetic products and related beauty equipment.

Working conditions

Beauty therapists may work in department stores offering cosmetic and beauty-related therapies, beauty salons where they may specialise in one or a range of therapies, from home or as a mobile beauty therapist providing services in clients’ homes. Some beauty therapists may work part-time.

Tools and technologies

Beauty therapists work with a range of products including waxes, gels, lotions, balms and creams. They may apply these to their clients on treatment tables, chairs or couches. They may also use electrolysis and ultrasonic equipment, vaporisers, magnifying glasses and exfoliating machines. For manicure and pedicure treatments they may use acrylic nails, scissors, files, buffing and polishing equipment. This is usually stored at individual nail stations. They may also use massage chairs or tables.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a beauty therapist you usually need to complete a formal qualification in a beauty related area.

The Certificate II in Retail Make-Up and Skin Care, Certificate II in Nail Technology, Certificate III in Beauty Services and Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy are widely available at TAFE Colleges and other registered training organisations throughout Australia.

You can become a beauty therapist by completing a traineeship in beauty services or beauty therapy. The beauty services traineeship usually takes 18 months to complete. The beauty therapy traineeship usually takes 36 months to complete.

Did You Know?
The Cosmetic Physicians Society of Australasia (CPSA) state that Australians now spend more per capita on cosmetic medicine [including treatments like Botox] than any other country in the world.

Australians spent an estimated $560/6 million on non- and minimally-invasive treatments in the past 12 months.
(Source: Mybotique)

Nail technicians perform manicures and pedicures, which may include nail art, application of artificial nails, nail repair and other specialised hand and foot treatments. Future Growth Very Strong

ANZSCO ID: 4511

Knowledge, skills and attributes

neat personal appearance
no allergies to products and chemicals used
pleasant and tactful manner
a genuine interest in people
good interpersonal skills
excellent hand-eye coordination
patience
able to cope with the physical demands of the job
creative and artistic ability

Nail Technician

Duties and Tasks
Nail technicians may perform the following tasks:

apply gel and acrylic nail enhancements and extensions

perform manicures and pedicures

use specialist tools and electrical equipment on nail enhancements

apply decorative and airbrushed nail art

maintain safe work practices and hygiene standards

read and interpret product information to make safe and appropriate recommendations to clients

conduct financial transactions

perform reception duties (receiving bookings and arranging appointments, for example)

perform routine housekeeping duties

maintain client records

provide advice about and sell nail products

maintain knowledge of current industry standards and practices

Working conditions

Nail technicians work in nail salons or beauty salons alongside beauty therapists. Employment prospects in these salons may be improved if you have beauty therapy qualifications.

Many nail technicians are self-employed and may visit clients' homes, work from mobile vans or work from home. Nail technicians have a high level of public contact.

Working as a nail technician can be physically demanding. Repetitive activities and sitting for long periods can cause strain.

Tools and technologies

Chemicals such as those used in acrylics and polish removers may pose a health risk if not used correctly.

Personal protective equipment such as gloves, aprons, dust masks and safety glasses may be worn to minimise risk.

Safety considerations include the welfare of both the technician and the client.

Education and training/entrance requirements

You can work as a nail technician without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job.

Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications.

You may like to consider a TAFE qualification in nail technology, beauty services or beauty therapy.

You can also become a nail technician through a traineeship in Nail Technology, Beauty Services or Beauty Therapy.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Before selecting a course, check with potential employers to make sure the course meets their requirements. Employers are less likely to consider applicants who have completed a short course or have qualifications not recognised by the industry. Nail technicians with nationally accredited qualifications may work throughout Australia.

Local councils have specific requirements regarding the establishment and delivery of mobile or salon beauty services, including adhering to occupational health and safety regulations and state guidelines relating to skin penetration.

Hair or Beauty Salon Assistants assist Hairdressers or Beauty Therapists by performing routine tasks in hairdressing or beauty salons. Future Growth Very Strong

ANZSCO ID: 4511

Alternative names: Hair Dresser Assistant,

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Product Knowledge: Salon assistants should have a strong knowledge of the products and services offered by their employer. This allows them to answer questions from clients about different treatments, styles and other topics related to the salon industry. It also helps them make informed recommendations when clients ask for suggestions on what service or product they should try.
Makeup Application: A strong makeup application skill can help you support clients by suggesting the right products and techniques for their skin type. For example, if a client has dry skin, you might recommend using moisturizer before applying foundation to avoid flaking or irritation. You can also use your makeup skills to demonstrate how to apply certain products so that clients can recreate the look at home.
Interpersonal Skills: are the abilities to communicate with others and understand their emotions. Salon assistants often work directly with customers, so it’s important for them to be friendly and welcoming. They also need to listen carefully when a customer is describing what they want done to their hair. This requires active listening skills, which are another example of interpersonal skills.
Flexibility: is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. As a salon assistant, you may need to change your schedule or work with different clients than originally planned. Being flexible can help you meet these challenges and ensure that you provide excellent service to all of your customers. It’s also important to be flexible in your duties as an assistant so that you can learn new skills and take on more responsibility when needed.

Hair or Beauty Salon Assistant
(Source: Your Career)

Duties and Tasks

Discusses client needs, analyses skin characteristics and advises on suitable skin care, treatments and application of make-up.
Applies general cosmetic and corrective make-up.
Performs manicures and pedicures such as decorative nail art, application of artificial nails, nail repair, and other specialised hand and foot treatments.
Performs facial and body treatments such as massages.
Treats unwanted hair through waxing, bleaching, tinting, depilation and electrolysis.
Evaluates beauty therapy processes and products.
Receives bookings, arranges appointments and maintains client records.
Provides advice on and selling cosmetic products.

Education and training/entrance requirements

You usually need a certificate II in a personal services field to work as a Hair or Beauty Salon Assistant. Hair and Beauty Salon Assistants often complete a certificate III or IV.

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