The US Beauty industry is booming, with over $98 billion’s worth of beauty product sales in 2020 alone. Women and men across America are more invested in their beauty treatments than ever before and, as a consequence, beauticians are in hot demand. 

But what exactly does as beautician do? And how can you find professional beauticians for all your beauty needs? Read on to find out. 

What is a beautician?

A beautician is someone who is licensed to provide beauty treatments. There is a bit of debate over the definition of a beauty treatment, but most experts agree that non-surgical cosmetic work to the skin, hair, or nails is what counts. Minor cosmetic procedures like Botox are also considered a beauty treatment by some, and many beauticians are able to carry out this work. 

Beauticians don’t just carry out different treatments – they also have to make sure that their customers feel comfortable and are happy with the results. Their ability to do this well is often what distinguishes a good beautician from a mediocre one. 

Depending on their individual training, there are lots of different things that a beautician can do for you. Some study in a specific area, like hairstylists, but others are generalists offering a wide range of treatments. Here are some of the most popular reasons to go to a beautician. 

To become a beautician, one typically must complete a training program in cosmetology, which can range from a few months to over a year. The curriculum covers various beauty treatments and techniques, as well as safety, sanitation, and business practices.

Hair treatments 

Whether your hair needs a trim, you want it styled for a big event, or you’re getting it dyed for the first time, hairdressers are a type of beautician that pretty much everyone’s visited at least once. As well as knowing how to cut hair, some offer specialist services like perms or chemical curl relaxers, while others are experts in hair extensions. 

Hair treatments don’t just extend to the hair on your head, though. Eyebrow shaping and dying services are on the menu at almost every beauty salon, as are eyelash treatments such as lash extensions or a lash lift. Hair removal makes up a massive part of the beauty industry, with everything from waxing, plucking, and threading, to creams and laser hair removal available. 

Makeup and nails 

Not many things make you feel as special as getting your makeup done by a professional. From bridal party makeup to night out glam, a beautician trained in the art of makeup can get you ready for any occasion. 

While you’re at the salon, you might also want to treat yourself to a manicure or pedicure. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a beautician that doesn’t offer these services, as well as plenty of other nail-related treatments. From acrylics to gels to a basic polish, there’s a manicure to suit everyone. 

Skin treatments

Good skin is the holy grail for most beauty addicts, but skincare is complicated with problems differing from person to person. A beautician will advise you about taking care of your specific skin type and which facials are most suitable. They might recommend exfoliation, moisturizing wraps, or skin-firming therapies. Spray tans and sunbeds are also available at a lot of salons, for those who like to keep their tan up year-round.

Relaxation therapy is often incorporated into these beauty treatments or offered as a separate treatment altogether. Massages, aromatherapy, and reflexology will help you unwind and look after your mind as well as your body.

This is just the top-level overview of what a beautician does, and there’s plenty more in the job description. Beauticians are experts in customer service, have vast admin experience, and often run their own business. The beauty industry is evolving all the time and there are always new treatments and trends to stay on top of, so the specifics of what a beautician does are always changing.

Tips for Starting a Career as a Beautician

• Education and Training: The first step in becoming a beautician is to complete an accredited beauty school program. These programs typically take between nine months and two years to complete and will cover a wide range of topics, including hair cutting and styling, color theory, skin care, and makeup application. After completing your education, you'll need to pass a state licensing exam to become a licensed beautician.
• Building Your Skillset: Once you've completed your education and passed your licensure exam, it's time to start building your skillset. This is an ongoing process that will take time, practice, and patience. One way to do this is to take additional courses and workshops, which will help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques. Additionally, you can also gain experience by working as an assistant in a salon or spa.
• Building a Client Base: One of the most important aspects of being a beautician is building a client base. This can take time and effort, but it is essential to your success. One way to start building a client base is to offer discounted services to friends and family. Additionally, you can also attend networking events and join professional organizations to meet other beauty professionals and potential clients.
• Marketing Your Services: Marketing is key to building a successful beautician career. As a beautician, you'll need to find creative ways to promote your services to potential clients. One way to do this is to create a website or social media account where you can showcase your work, post reviews, and offer promotions and discounts. Additionally, you can also work with local media outlets to get your business featured in local magazines, newspapers, and on television.
• Setting Your Rates: One of the most important decisions you'll make as a beautician is setting your rates. Your rates will depend on a variety of factors, including your location, experience, and the services you offer. It is important to research the rates of other beauticians in your area and to set your rates competitively. Remember, you can always adjust your rates as your experience and client base grows.
• Continual Learning: The beauty industry is constantly evolving, and as a beautician, it's essential to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques. This means continually learning and expanding your skillset. This can be achieved by attending workshops, taking online courses, or reading industry publications.

Becoming a beautician is a great way to tap into the ever-growing demand for hair, skin, and nail services. It takes time, effort, and patience to build a successful career as a beautician, but with the right education, skillset, and marketing strategies, you can achieve your goals. Remember to continue learning and expanding your skillset to stay current in the industry.