Hi geeks

I was just thinking about why salon owners are keen on therapists having Level 3...

Am I right in thinking that Level 3 covers "electrical stuff" and maybe some massage-type body stuff (gosh I'm articulate today )?
Not that many salons seem to offer these treatments, so I was curious - obviously if you want to offer electrolysis or something you would want Level 3 therapists, but if not is the Level 3 requirement because it shows commitment and perhaps a certain level of theoretical knowledge?

Just wondering! I'm not about to sign up for an NVQ unfortunately.

Well firstly Its not just 'electrical stuff' and massage type stuff

Level 3 in beauty therapy is like a level 3 in any other qualification it is more advanced. Therefore you not just learning new treatments like massage (which is a very popular treatment) you are building on your existing level 2 qualifications......Anatomy & Phsiology, Advanced Facials, Salon Management etc.

Although electrolysis may not be as popular as it once was you are still learning more in depth knowledge about hair removal, same for body/face electrics. Amongst the other treatments included in level 3.

My opinion is that most salon owners require a therapist to have level 3 as this broadens there skills and knowledge and obviously that they have dedicated another year of training to their choosen profession.

Took this from Habia website

Level 2
Level 2 is junior level and covers basic skills and knowledge. It is the minimum standard required to work effectively in a salon or spa. Level 2 is available in hairdressing, beauty therapy, nails services, spa therapy and barbering.
Level 3
Level 3 is the target qualification for anyone wanting to be a truly proficient professional in their chosen field. It expands upon the basic skills of Level 2 and is aimed at those wishing to enter the top level of their professional or go on to become salon managers and owners. People who have been in the industry for some time but are looking to update or accredit their skills can also take it. Level 3 is available in hairdressing, beauty therapy, nails services, spa therapy and barbering.

When i trained in hair (many moons ago)i went from svq level 2 to HNC. It was quite a big jump as there were loads of people in the HNC class who had been hairdressing for years and had far more experience. I dont know wether there wasnt a level 3 at the time, or wether my college just didnt offer it but i thing it would have been beneficial.

Different colleges cover different aspects on NVQ level 3. When I did Level 3, It included, Electrical Body and Face Treatments, Sweedish Massage and then furthered onto Aromatherapy, Camouflage make up, Electrolysis.

My friend did Level 3 at a different college and didnt cover camouflage make up or aromatherapy, but instead covered eyelash perming, which I didnt.

I think from an employers point of view, a Level 3 therapist will have more knowledge of the treatments available and to be honest, If I was looking to employ someone, Id chose a Therapist that had Level 3 over someone that only had level 2.

Well if you don't do level 3 you won't be able to do level 4 ..and yes there is such a thing.

I am just starting level 3 and it doesn't include aromatherapy or camouflarge, although we did eyelash perming in level 2., we do electrolosis, st.tropez tanning, electrical face and body massages. I started today and it was brill

whats level 4?

Level 4 is a Hnd.Usually a lot more business for people that want to go into the areas of managing and owning larger salons,health farms, spas etc.It can also include cosmetic science,advanced electrolysis,laser light hair removal and other advanced techniques but it varies.
There is also level 4 in holistics.Hnds are seen as equivalent to a university degree and involve 2 more years study.

I'm liking the sound of level 4...although I've never seen any courses around my area/college advertising them. Have you done the lvl 4 Gillian?
Sorry for hijacking your thread mcmog

No i haven't im not that ambitious and i don't like going to school but i am trying to steer my daughter in that direction she just started her nvq 3 yesterday.

I haven't done level 4, but I did do a BTEC HND (albeit a long time ago!), after having done the national diploma. It was very in depth with a lot of emphasis on the theory of nutrition, dermatology & so forth as well as including classes in law & management, and training in more advanced treatments. We also had to complete a thesis which ran concurrent with the final year.

hi, im about to start a foundation degree in spa management, which covers running and managing a spa and also i still get to do all the treatments and of course the all important practical placement which will prove invaluable by the time i finish my degree.. hth

Good for you both.I think its fantastic that people do take this career as far as they can.This is why i get so tetchy when i read a do it all in a week post.
We all have the opportunity of going a lot further and a lot more in depth and i don't think many people realise it.

I think I'll stick with the qualifications I have now come to think of it I don't think my old brain will stretch that far and I'm like Gillian...I don't like going to school either. The best of luck for your daughter if she chooses to go in that direction though

Hi
Just read your comments and as a salon owner and an independent college owner I know there are several reasons why level 3 therapists are more popular as employees. You are right that they have more knowledge and a wider skills base. Although some of the content within the full NVQ may not be relevant in a salon the majority e.g. massage, electrical, wraps, body masks are really good skills to have and these treatments are used a lot in salons. You may be interested to know that it is not necessary to take the full NVQ levle 3 diploma, you can train in any of the individual units. Be happy to advise anyone. Kim, Cottage Training Centre.