Beauty therapy and hairdressing qualifications

If you love helping people look and feel their best, consider a career in beauty therapy or hairdressing. You'll find a plenty of opportunities, from traditional employment to the flexibility of freelancing or even owning your own business

The hair and beauty industry at a glance…

The average salary for a beauty therapist in the UK is around £23,400 per year, or £12 per hour.
In 2025, around 224,000 people are directly employed in the hair and beauty services sector in the UK.
60.5% of people working in the beauty and hairdressing industry are self-employed.

What will I learn on a beauty therapy or hairdressing course?

Beauty therapy courses provide a broad foundation in treatments and techniques to enhance personal grooming and skincare. Key areas of study include:

skincare treatments - understanding skin types, performing facials, and mastering advanced skincare procedures.
massage therapy - learning various techniques like Swedish, aromatherapy, and deep tissue massage.
makeup artistry - developing skills in applying makeup for everyday looks, bridal styles, and special effects.
manicure and pedicure - providing nail care treatments, including gel and acrylic applications.
waxing and hair removal - mastering hair removal methods and providing appropriate aftercare.

You'll gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, preparing you for professional practice.

Hairdressing courses equip you with the skills to style, cut, and treat hair. Core topics include:

cutting and styling techniques - learning a variety of cutting methods and styling techniques for different occasions.
hair colouring - applying dyes, highlights, and colour corrections.
hair treatments - providing scalp care, conditioning treatments, and keratin smoothing treatments.
salon management - understanding business operations, customer service, and professional ethics.

You'll usually begin by practising on mannequins before working with real clients under professional supervision, building confidence and competence in your craft.

Professionals skilled in beauty therapy and hairdressing are in high demand in salons and spas. These skill sets often overlap in training in both disciplines, leading to increased employability and broader career prospects.

What qualifications do I need to become a beauty therapist?

Further education

Entry-level programmes are designed to broaden your skill set, making you a more versatile professional in the industry. These qualifications include:

NVQ Level 2 Diplomas - foundational courses covering basic techniques like manicures, facials, hair cutting, and styling.
NVQ Level 3 Diplomas - advanced courses delve into more specialised treatments and techniques, such as facials, massage therapies, complex hair colouring, and advanced styling.

To help you gain essential skills, many Level 2 courses offer functional skills qualifications alongside the main curriculum if you don't have GCSEs in English and maths.

For those starting out, Gateshead College's Beauty Therapy Level 2 offers a foundation in practical skills, including:

eye treatments
facial skin therapy
gel nail application
makeup artistry
manicures
pedicures
waxing techniques.

Building upon this, their Advanced Beauty Therapy Techniques Level 3 explores the commercial aspects of the industry, teaching students how to:

maintain salon safety
promote products and services
work effectively with colleagues.

Accelerated options are also available. For example, The London School of Beauty and Make-Up offers combined Level 2 and 3 qualifications in an intensive 23-week format.

Similarly, Nottingham College provides both a Women's and Men's Hairdressing Level 2, allowing students to progress to more complex procedures with the Hairdressing for Colour Technicians Level 3 Diploma.

Craven Cottage College provides a structured Nail Services Course, progressing from Level 2 with basic nail enhancements to Level 3, which covers advanced techniques like:

airbrushing
business operations
health and safety.

For details on levels and eligibility, see our guide to qualifications.

Specialised courses

Investing in advanced beauty therapy or hairdressing training can significantly enhance your career and personal satisfaction. Focusing on high-demand or niche services often leads to increased earning potential.

Course offerings include:

advanced skincare
barbering
eyelash extensions
intricate nail art
specialised hair colouring.

These advanced courses are typically offered at Level 4, with institutions such as:

Advanced Aesthetic Treatments - York College & University Centre
Beauty Therapy and Salon Management - Inspire London College
Laser and Light Treatments - Stockton Riverside College
Skin Needling - Chesterfield College

Private academies frequently concentrate on specific areas, providing intensive training and access to premium products and equipment. For instance, Beauty Works offers day courses in tape-in, Nanobond, and ring method hair extensions in Manchester and London for £649. Additionally, Tatti Lashes provides online training in lash lifts and eyebrow lamination, with courses ranging from £99 to £225.

For courses in injectables and skin treatments, see our advice on getting started in medical aesthetics.

Can I do an apprenticeship in hair and beauty?

Beauty therapy and hairdressing apprenticeships are a great way to gain practical experience and earn recognised qualifications within the industry. Unlike traditional education routes, apprenticeships prioritise hands-on learning, placing you directly into salon or spa environments.

For instance, as an NVQ Level 2 Beauty Therapist intermediate apprentice, you'll spend your days mastering essential skills like waxing, manicures, and basic facial treatments, while also learning about client consultations and salon hygiene. This direct exposure provides a deep understanding of client needs and the day-to-day operations of a salon.

Providers offering the one-year full-time programme include:

Moving beyond foundational skills, advanced apprenticeships, like the Level 3 Advanced Beauty Therapist or the Level 3 Advanced and Creative Hair Professional, delve into specialised techniques.

In beauty therapy, this might involve advanced facials, electrical therapies, and complex massage techniques. For hairdressing, apprentices progress to advanced cutting and styling, intricate colour corrections, and even hair extension applications.

Institutions offering the 18-month full-time beauty professional apprenticeship include:

You can enrol in the one-year advanced hair professional apprenticeship at:

To find an apprenticeship provider near you, visit Find an apprenticeship - GOV.UK.

Pay for apprentices in the UK is governed by the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for apprentices, which is set at £7.55 per hour for the 2025/26 year. However, employers may offer higher wages based on factors such as:

location
the salon's size and reputation
your developing skill set.

After the first year, apprentices aged 19 or over typically transition to the NMW applicable to their age group. While the minimum wage provides a baseline, you should discuss specific pay details with your potential employer.

For more general information, see apprenticeships.

Who are the courses designed for?

Beauty therapy and hairdressing courses are designed to suit a range of individuals, including school leavers, career changers, and aspiring entrepreneurs:

Minimum age - most courses accept students aged 16 and above.
Educational requirements - diploma courses typically require GCSEs in English and maths.
No prior experience needed - most intermediate courses are designed for complete beginners, while advanced courses require prior knowledge.

What skills do I need to be successful in hair and beauty?

To thrive in the hair and beauty industry, you'll need more than just qualifications. Employers look for individuals with:

attention to detail - accuracy and precision are necessary for achieving quality results.
customer service - excellent communication and interpersonal skills are crucial.
hygiene and safety - a thorough understanding of health and safety protocols is vital.
practical skills - dexterity and precision are essential for performing treatments.
sales skills - the ability to promote and sell products and services is often required.

Discover what skills employers want.

How do I choose the right course?

To ensure you're making the best choice, look for courses with:

accreditation - ensure the course is accredited by recognised bodies such as The Hair and Beauty Industry Authority (Habia).
career support - inquire about career guidance and placement assistance.
industry connections - choose providers with strong links to salons and spas.
practical experience - look for courses that offer plenty of hands-on training.

Explore our tips on choosing a course.

What are my employment prospects in the industry?

A beauty therapy or hairdressing qualification opens doors to a variety of exciting career opportunities. You could become a:

beauty consultant - offering skincare and beauty advice in retail settings.
freelance makeup artist or hairstylist - providing mobile services for weddings, photoshoots, and events.
salon or spa therapist - working in beauty salons, wellness centres or on cruise ships.
salon owner or manager - running a beauty or hairdressing business.
TV, film, and fashion industry artist - working behind the scenes to create looks for models and actors.

While large beauty product companies like L'Oréal, Unilever, and Estée Lauder offer opportunities in areas such as product development, marketing, and sales, the industry is largely driven by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This include:

beauty therapy clinics
freelance professionals who provide services in local communities
independent hair salons
nail bars.

Is a hair and beauty course right for me?

Enrolling in a beauty therapy or hairdressing course can be a worthwhile investment, depending on your career goals and dedication to the industry.

There are several advantages to pursuing this path:

high demand - the beauty and hairdressing industries continue to grow, ensuring steady job opportunities.
career flexibility - graduates can work in salons, spas, film and TV, cruise ships, or even start their own businesses.
creativity and passion - if you love working with people and have a passion for beauty, this career allows you to express creativity.
potential earnings - experienced professionals can earn a lucrative income, particularly in high-end salons or through self-employment.

However, it's important to acknowledge the challenges of the industry:

initial low pay - entry-level positions often have lower salaries, with earnings increasing through experience and reputation.
physical demands - the job requires standing for long hours and dealing with chemicals and tools that may cause strain.
competition - the industry is competitive, requiring professionals to stay updated with the latest trends through continuing professional development (CPD).

For help making a decision, see how to choose a career.

How much can I earn in the hair and beauty industry?

Earnings in the sector can vary significantly depending on factors like:

experience
location
whether you're employed or self-employed
your specific role.

Starting salaries for apprentice beauty therapists or nail technicians in the UK might begin around the NMW, at roughly £18,000 annually. However, with experience and specialised training in areas like advanced skincare or hair colouring techniques, salaries can rise to between £25,000 and £35,000 per year.

Senior stylists or therapists in major salons in cities like London can earn upwards of £40,000. Those who build a strong clientele and open their own salons or mobile businesses can earn upwards of £50,000, especially if they offer sought-after treatments or products. Similarly, successful freelance makeup artists working on high-profile events or with celebrity clients can earn £80 to £300 per day or project.

Find out more

Explore our tips on starting a business.
Check out what else the leisure and tourism sector offers.