You’ve decided that you want to pursue a career in the beauty industry and are wondering how to choose a beauty course? You’re unsure what route you want to go down without limiting yourself? Or maybe you want to update your skills and looking for the best beauty course to do that?
But… how do you know which is the right beauty course for you?
We’re here to help! We’re giving you some tips that we use to help prospective students choose the right beauty course for them!
That sounds like the best place to start, right?
Before you can start looking at courses, you should know what area of beauty you are interested most interested in pursuing. Are you looking to become a nail technician, facial massage, skincare expert, or a well-rounded beauty therapist?
It’s easy to think that most roles within the beauty industry are similar though they are all very different.
The nail industry seems to be ever-growing and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. This growth is definitely down to the creativity and increased skills of nail technicians. Being a nail technician is more than just doing painting nails. You should know the hygiene, health and safety laws behind doing nails. A good nail tech can recognise nail disorders, the anatomy and physiology of the nail.
A facialist or skincare expert assists their clients in bettering their skin and treating their problem areas. These skin problems can include but are not limited to acne, rosacea, dry and textured skin. Those who study skincare will learn skin theory and skin analysis teaching them to address these issues. Whilst many of us have a strong interest in skincare, it is only with proper training can you become qualified to practice skincare and facials on others.
As a Beauty Therapist, you are able to offer a variety of treatments:
Learning a variety of beauty treatments puts students in a better position for employment as they’re competent across beauty practices.
From the list above, you can see the importance of knowing your interests before you choose a beauty course!
Now you know the area of beauty that you want to qualify for, what kind of school should you complete your beauty course?
Colleges:
If you are a school leaver, this might be the best option for you. Straight after you complete your GCSEs, you can enrol in your local college. A lot of colleges now offer beauty courses for students between 16-18. The benefits to these are that they are usually government-funded, so no cost to you! However, most colleges can’t offer practical beauty training due to larger class sizes and lack of facilities.
Studying a beauty course at College is worth it if you are unsure of what you want to study after school. They also help students learn the theory elements of the beauty industry.
Private Beauty Schools:
Whilst at first, they can seem expensive, we recommend this route for those committed to working in the beauty industry. You will quickly make the costs back once you enter employment.
These schools more often have an on-site salon that students can practice inside, ensuring you learn the practical elements. Students will also find that class sizes are smaller, allowing for more contact time with tutors. Finally, students will learn more relevant and modern treatments as courses are designed by beauty teachers rather than an awarding body with no beauty experience.
Regardless of what type of beauty school you choose, ensure that the courses are accredited! Reputable beauty schools will offer beauty courses that are accredited. The awarding bodies to look out for in the beauty industry are VTCT, CIBTAC, and CIDESCO. These certifications are longstanding and internationally recognised. So, remember that when looking to choose a beauty school.
You should also arrange a tour of the schools you are interested in just to make sure it is the right fit for you and meet the tutors beforehand.
The different courses can promise you the same end goal, but they do not take the same route. Doing your research on what the different schools offer will help you focus on what you want to gain. You might find that some beauty courses focus on the practical elements whilst others concentrate on theory.
Experience is everything when it comes to beauty training and will most likely help you find employment quicker. However, learning the theory side is just as important to ensure that you practice safely and correctly. Look for courses that offer a balance between both practical and theory-based learning to guarantee you are getting the most out of your course!
When enrolling for a course, they always talk about their requirements from you. But what are your requirements from the course, school, and tutors?
Maybe you’re currently working and looking for a part-time beauty course? Or you want a course that will allow you to become qualified in a few months so you want a fast-track beauty course. If you already have some training in the beauty industry and want to develop, you should look for a course that will teach you the latest beauty innovations. Ask about the machines you will be learning on, how the school is keeping up with new industry practices. At the end of the day, you should know what you want to achieve from your beauty course and find the right program that meets your requirements.
There is a stigma around vocational courses such as beauty. We often hear that they are easy to complete. This belief could not be farther than the truth. Beauty courses require a strong interest to complete as there is a lot of information to take in. If you are not determined, it is easy to fall behind and not achieve high grades – you don’t want that!
As with any training, there is a lot of studying to be done, inside and outside your school. Having a strong interest in your chosen subject will guarantee you put in the time and effort needed to succeed.
The beauty industry is a highly competitive and large market. If you choose a reputable school, a certified course and succeed in your chosen course you are putting yourself in the best position to do well! We hope these tips will help you choose the right beauty course for you!
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