Frequently Asked Questions

What is a beauty professional?

A beautician is an individual providing treatments for a range of beauty needs, such as skin care, eyebrow and eyelash treatments, make-up, waxing, massages and nail care. A beauty therapist will be able to advise on exercise and dietary control, as well as offer electrical treatments.

Beauticians usually work from a salon, but some may also be willing to come to a location of your choice to provide the treatment. A qualified beautician/beauty therapist will be trained to know if a client should be referred to another professional e.g. a dermatologist for skin problems.

What qualifications and experience should those working within the beauty industry have?

It is not required by law in the UK to register with any trade or professional bodies to practise in most areas of work within the beauty industry. However individuals should be qualified to at least NVQ/SVQ Level 2 or 3 (depending on their area of work). Although qualifications should be visible in salons, it’s normally best to ask the beautician/beauty therapist if they have received training in the particular treatment you are considering before booking an appointment. Generally, individuals working in the beauty industry should have qualification(s) from the following awarding bodies:

  • NVQ/SVQ Levels 2 and 3
  • ITEC
  • ONC/OND
  • HNC/HND
  • BTEC
  • CIBTAC
  • CIDESCO
  • VTCT (VAI, IHBC,IIHHT,IIST)
  • CGLI

Beauticians
Beauticians generally deal with skin care, nail care, applying and instructing on make-up, waxing, eyelash and eyebrow tinting, electrotherapy, face, neck and shoulder massages. NVQ/SVQ Level 2 qualifies an individual as a beautician and education typically lasts between 100 and 350 hours.

Beauty Therapists
Beauty therapists offer the same treatments as beauticians, plus specialist body treatments including body massage, electrical treatments as well as exercise and dietary control. NVQ/SVQ Level 3 qualifies an individual as a beauty therapist and learning typically lasts between 500 hours to two years.

Body Therapy
Body therapy includes Swedish massage, aromatherapy, holistic therapy, reflexology, sports massage, Reiki and Indian head massage. Those offering these techniques should have a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology of the body, and be qualified to NVQ Level 3, or ITEC Diploma level.

Electrolysis
Electrolysis is the only medically approved form of permanent hair removal. Electrolysists should have NVQ Level 3 in Electrical Epilation, BTEC National Diploma with Epilation or BTEC Higher National Diploma with Epilation.

Make-up
Professional make-up artists should have NVQ Level 3, VTCT Diploma or ITEC Diploma. They may also do film and television freelance training to enable them to apply their skills.

Nail Care
Nail care includes manicures, pedicures and nail extensions including silk/fibre wraps, gel, acrylic & sculptured, nail art & airbrushing techniques. Those offering nail care should have NVQ Level 2 or 3, VTCT or ITEC qualifications.

Hairdressing
Salon owners should have NVQ/SVQ Level 3 or 4, hair technicians or freelance hairdressers should have NVQ/SVQ Level 2 or 3 and general stylists/hair-dressers should have NVQ/SVQ Level 2.

Should individuals in the beauty industry belong to a professional association?

Although there are no laws currently requiring those in the beauty industry to register with any professional associations, there are professional bodies that ensure their members work to a strict code of conduct, such as:

  • The British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC)

    BABTAC was formed in 1977 and is the leading trade association for beauty therapists. They ensure their members work to a strict code of conduct and are trained, qualified and insured.

  • British Institute and Association of Electrolysis (BIAE)

    The BIAE demands a high standard of skill and ethical conduct from its members in order to provide a professional and reliable electrolysis service to the public. Individuals must complete the rigorous assessments, both theoretical and practical, of the BIAE Examining Board before being accepted onto the Register.