Jobs in Holistics, Hair and Beauty

The stresses and strains of everyday living and working can take their toll on the average person. So it's no wonder that we like to escape for a while to indulge in some beauty therapy or treat ourselves to a nice new haircut. Similarly, many people are recognising the Detrimental Effects Of Stress on our overall health and wellbeing, with many regularly visiting a holistic therapist to offset the challenges of balancing a social life, career and family all at once.

If you've ever considered a career in holistic therapy, or hair and beauty, there's no better time to change career and take up a new challenge. But what does it take?

Qualifying and Training

First, to make the change to a career in holistic or complementary therapy, hairdressing and beauty therapy, you'll need to get yourself qualified. The qualification is specific to the vocation you wish to follow, and the length of studying depends on the type of qualification.

For instance, osteopathy is regarded as a complementary therapy, and requires that you qualify in order to practise. This involves undertaking a gruelling three year undergraduate BSc (Hons) degree course, as well as long hours in practical clinic work. Entry requirements onto an osteopathy course are quite stringent, with A-Levels in subjects such as biology looked upon favourably. This sort of training is also applicable to professions such as Alexander Technique, Chiropody and Nutritional Therapy.

In contrast, another example of holistic therapy is massage. A course in massage can be undertaken at a local college as a part-time or Evening Class course over the period of one or two years, resulting in an entry level, or foundation recognised qualification. The right course for you is dependent on the time and dedication that you can afford – there are many flexible ways to study towards a new career in holistics, hair and beauty while continuing with your existing job (see our article Pursuing a New Career While in Employment).

Hair and beauty courses are some of the most popular college courses currently available, and you can start by attending a basic introductory or entry-level course that lasts from a few weeks to a year. This then prepares you to take your studying to the next foundation or intermediate level. This is because, in some cases, in order to undertake a specialist course or qualification, you'll need to have prior experience or have already gained some level of qualification in order to take the next step.

You may also be able to work as an apprentice, which means that you gain practical work experience alongside your studies. Apprenticeships are great ways to work towards a technical certificate, such as a BTEC or City & Guilds award, as well as contributing towards the practical and skill-based elements of an NVQ.

Personal Skills

Because you'll be continually working with clients and other team members, you'll have fantastic communication skills, as well as an adept multi-tasker. Holistic therapies, beauty therapy and hairdressing can involve long and strenuous working hours, so you'll also need to be fit and in good health, good at practical work and motivated.

Career Development

There is a lot of scope in holistic therapy, and the hair and beauty industries to develop your career. Promotion is frequent and widespread, and the opportunity to work for yourself is also widely available. Holistic therapists can and do tend to set up their own successful practices, which can result in impressive salaries and a flexible work schedule.

There are also many ways to continually develop your skills, particularly within the arenas of beauty therapy and hairdressing or barbering. There are an abundance of one-day courses designed to increase your portfolio of skills and specialisms, each adding to your employability factor. There are also many other additional qualifications that you can work towards, such as Level 2 or 3 NVQs, HNCs and HNDs, as well as a degree or foundation degree. During this time you can work develop your skills in specialist areas, such as becoming a hair colour technician for a top salon, or even working in theatre and film production. The opportunities available are extensive, with some very exciting prospects. So what are you waiting for?!

Gaining Work Experience

Although most people associate work experience with younger people, it can be extremely beneficial to adults, too. Read our article Finding Work Experience As An Adult to learn how it can help you to decide whether a particular career change is right for you.