Beauty Technician Courses

What is a Beauty Technician?

A Beauty Technician is a professional who can perform a range of facial and body treatments to help their clients to look and feel better. They offer treatments such as makeup application, eyelash and brow shaping, manicures, pedicures, body massage, hair removal, and non-surgical facial therapies.

There can be some confusion over the term beauty technician or ‘beautician’. Some employers use it interchangeably with beauty therapists but this can also depend on which country you are working in and that it will largely come down to personal preference what you call yourself.

What 3rd level courses are available?

Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering Beauty Technician courses in the following subject areas:

• Diploma in Beauty Technician: Level 3 – Gain practical beauty therapy skills and knowledge, and study exciting beauty topics, like how to properly use makeup tools, how to give a manicure, how to style hair, how to create makeup kit, and how to give eyelash extensions.
• ITEC Beauty Specialist Diploma – Study the theory of all treatments as well as the anatomy of the skin, hair, and nails.
• ITEC Level 2 Beauty Specialist Skin and Eye Certificate Day Course – This Skin and Eye Certificate is for a candidate who wishes to gain a qualification to specialize in facial, skincare treatments, and eye enhancement.
• ITEC Beauty Specialist with Trending Techniques Package -ITEC Beauty Specialist Diploma Includes Skincare & Eye Treatments, Makeup, Waxing, Manicure & Pedicure, and Professional Conduct & Business Awareness.
• Beauty Therapy – The Beauty Therapy course aims to enable the learner to develop the knowledge, skill, and competencies to work effectively as a beauty therapist.
• Diploma in Cosmetology: Level 3 – Cover amazing topics such as how to give a good manicure, how to perform various beauty treatments, how to style hair, and how to advise clients on skincare.

Studying Beauty Technician courses in college

Many Beauty Technician courses take place over 1 year to 4 years depending on the course and modules selected. There are also part-time courses and night courses available so you can be sure to fit in your studies no matter what your schedule is like.

Courses will cover theory work through lectures, assignments, tutorials, and taught modules. Assessments will take place continuously with written examinations and practical assignments combined to achieve a qualification. You could also consider work experience or a work shadow in the industry. By job shadowing and carrying out work experience assisting a professional in the field you’ll gain valuable insight, develop your portfolio, build a network of contacts and demonstrate your commitment to the profession. Observation is one of the best ways to learn skills and techniques.

Career options

After completing a Beauty Technician course you will be able to get started in a career that uses specific knowledge of beauty, hair and skin treatments, and techniques.

Typical standard beauty treatments that a beauty technician might be expected to perform are:

· Skincare facials

· Waxing

· Nail treatments – Manicures, pedicures, gels

· Eyelash and eyebrow tinting

· Spray Tanning services i.e. Fake Bake

· Makeup including special events like bridal makeup

With further study, you will be able to advance from Beauty Technician to a beauty therapist and will be able to carry out more advanced body treatments such as:

· Various types of body massage (i.e. Indian head, Swedish, stone therapy)

· Body electrical treatments

· Facial electrical treatments

· Hair removal procedures i.e. Electrolysis

· Intimate waxing treatments

Working in the field of beauty opens up many more opportunities to continue expanding your training. There are many professional beauty products that each has their training and application guidelines that will enable you to deliver further treatments once you have completed your studies such as:

· Body treatments i.e. slimming, toning, and cellulite

· Eyebrow threading

· IPL laser

Working hours will depend on whether you are employed by a salon with set business hours or if you are contracted to various facilities or companies. Most beauty technicians find work within a beauty salon either on a part-time or full-time basis. You should expect to be flexible with your hours to cover such periods and work according to a shift schedule as most salons will have evening opening hours and weekend hours.

Related jobs include:

• Beauty Technician
• Beauty Therapist
• Cosmetologist
• Cosmetology Educator/ Instructor
• Aesthetician
• Esthetician
• Skincare consultant
• Makeup Artist
• Theatrical and Performance Makeup Artist
• Skincare Specialist
• Beauty Copywriter
• Artistic Director for Salons or Brands
• Salon Owner or Manager

Further study

After completing a Beauty Technician course you may choose to pursue further study in a specialist field to increase your knowledge base and skillset. Postgraduate study can also be used as a means to change career focus or to gain professional qualifications required to practice in certain career areas such as cosmetology, hairdressing, media, and theatrical make-up.

FAQ

What is the difference between a beautician, beauty therapist, esthetician, aesthetician, and dermal therapist?

·         Beautician

Beauticians can be trained on the job with no formal qualification or training, most do however go to college or do a course in beauty treatments. Beauticians mostly perform beauty services such as spray tanning, waxing, tinting, nails, makeup, and lash extensions. They may be allowed in some salons to do basic express facials, body treatments, and massage under the supervision of a suitably qualified beauty therapist.

·         Beauty Therapists / Estheticians / Aestheticians

Beauty Therapists are also known as Estheticians or Aestheticians depending on the country you are in. The general term of Beauty Therapist is used for anyone who is certificate or diploma qualified; however, there are differences in what treatments they can perform.

In addition to beauty services performed by beauticians, qualified beauty therapists are trained in performing various facials and massage and study anatomy & physiology and basic cosmetic chemistry. Beauty therapists usually work in beauty salons and spas.

·         Dermal Therapists

Dermal Therapists have engaged in further studies at a university level and achieved an Advanced Diploma, a Graduate Diploma, or Degree qualification. Dermal Therapists have extensive training in skin anatomy & physiology, skin conditions, cosmetic chemistry and are trained to analyze and treat skin through a variety of advanced techniques. They typically work in medical settings such as Medi Spas, Skin Rejuvenation Clinics, and Cosmetic Clinics. Working alongside doctors specializing in Cosmetic Surgical and non-surgical treatments, they have advanced training in laser, IPL, skin peels, photo rejuvenation, cosmetic tattooing, and micro-needling.

Where can I study to become a Beauty Technician?

Explore your options here

Did You Know?

· Clara Bow an American actress from the 1920s was responsible for the ‘cupid’s bow’. Her signature look named after her is still a sort after lip trend.

· Keratin is a protein and each strand of your hair is made up of it. Whatever your hair is exposed to; the elements, styling, washing, etc. can affect the keratin. 

· The average person’s skin covers an area of 2 square meters, skin accounts for about 15% of your body weight.

· The average person has about 300 million skin cells. A single square inch of skin has about 19 million cells and up to 300 sweat glands.

· Pores can store dirt and oil up to 20 years old.