It is easy to think of the beauty industry as simply being made up of massages, facials and a bit of nail painting in between. However, the treatments available stretch much further than this, and can offer you different paths as a therapist.
Many people working in the industry choose to identify themselves as beauty therapists, but an increasing number are now training as holistic therapists or nail technicians. These each require a range of specific skills and can help you to carve out a niche in the market.
Beauty Therapists
Beauty therapists cover a wide range of treatments that can cross over into the holistic and nail categories, as well as what are considered the standard beauty treatments such as waxing, massage, facials and tanning.
Nail Technicians
Nail technicians may just specialise in manicures and pedicures or also encompass gel nails, acrylic nails, gel polish, sculpting and nail art. Some of these can be learnt as part of a wider beauty course, as individual short courses or through a supplier.
Holistic Therapists
Holistic therapies tend to focus on treating the mind as well as the body. Many of the treatments are based in ancient Eastern traditions and concentrate on the cleansing of the soul as well as the physical treatment. These treatments can include aromatherapy, reflexology, hot stone massage, reiki, ear candling and Indian head massage. Again, some of these can be learnt within a beauty qualification, however, many will require specialised courses. These can develop further into treatments such as flower remedies, crystal healing, the Bowen technique, colour therapy and Thai massage.
Choosing Your Identity
How you choose to be recognised will depend on you and your qualifications. Have a look at where your passions and enthusiasm lies. For example, if you have more creative and artistic tendencies, then nails may be the path for you, whilst a more spiritual therapist may prefer holistic treatments.
If you choose to specialise in a particular range of treatments then you may find certain insurance packages will be cheaper. You can also find specific trade associations such as the Federation of Holistic Therapists, the Guild of Holistic Therapists or the Guild of Nail Technicians who can represent you and your field.
Should you decide to specialise in certain treatments, make sure they are treatments you have a real love and excitement for. Whilst only offering a limited number of treatments may restrict your business, it may also make you an expert in your field and help to forge a professional reputation.