Continuing with our feature to profile different careers to help children and young make important decisions about their future career, this week we are featuring some of the various roles in the hair and beauty industry.
In 2021, there were more than 46,000 hair and beauty businesses operating across the UK, with salon numbers increasing year on year. The sector is predominantly represented by small businesses and 63% of people are self-employed.
We’ve highlighted some of the careers you could get into if you’re interested in this industry below. You can find out even more via the National Careers Service www.nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
Barber
A barber is a hairdresser who specialises in men’s hair and beards. Day to day, a barber will give advice on hairstyles and grooming, cut and style hair and beards, and keep up with the latest styles and techniques.
Find out more
You could get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
College
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
Apprenticeship
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
Nail technician
Nail technicians carry treatments such as manicures and pedicures. The role can be very creative with many customers wanting decorative nails which require artwork, transfers, gems or glitter.
Other day to day tasks include business management, following hygiene rules and safely storing chemicals.
Find out more
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
College
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
Apprenticeship.
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
Beauty therapist
Beauty therapists provide face and body treatments to help clients look and feel better.
Day to day tasks include providing a range of beauty services such as facials, makeovers, massages, manicures, pedicures and eyebrow treatments.
Find out more
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
College
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
Apprenticeship
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship