Advice - I want to get into Aesthetics

[ProjectPretty]

Hi there,

I'm new to this forum (wehey) and thought connecting with people in the know may be a way to help shed some light on how to get in to my desired field. So here it goes...

I am NOT from a medical background, I'm not a doctor, a nurse, a dentist or anything of the sort! I'm a qualified make up artist and nail technician and I'm continuously enrolling on vocational beauty related courses to offer clients a little something extra along with makeup and nails - eg: eyelash and brow tinting, brow shaping, etc. However, what my passion is to lead into the aesthetics world. I want to be able to give clients facial treatments such as skin peels and treatments to help acne, uneven skin tone, hyper-pigmentation and other problematic skin conditions. I just don't know how to get into this field. Do I continue to do vocational training and courses with VTCT, Habia, City and Guilds etc? I know there are some places like Capital Hair and Beauty Supplies and Ellisons that also do vocational facial courses but not sure if they are accredited by a recognised examining body.

Somebody please do shed some light on what I can do! I am 27 years old and working as an administrative assistant while part-time self employed is not how I imagined life to be! would really appreciate some help and advice onto where to train, where to find courses, who to talk to. Thank you in advance.

x ProjectPretty x

 

[ProjectPretty]

Anyone at all out there that can help shed some light please!?

 

[squidgernetball]

Hi, I would say skin is my passion! I trained as a beauty and holistic therapist, and I love being able to see clients skin bloom and improve, so I know where you're coming from. I would look into facial courses - if that's all you want to do. I don't know many people who make a living solely from skin care/facials, but I do know some. Would it be feasible to do a part time beauty course? It would then give you the scope to earn, not just from skincare? A lot of colleges do evening courses. I'm sure someone will come along and tell of private courses, but I personally think the best way to go is to get your basic training for insurance purposes, then look at different products and the training they offer. Hope that helps x

 

[ProjectPretty]

Hi, I would say skin is my passion! I trained as a beauty and holistic therapist, and I love being able to see clients skin bloom and improve, so I know where you're coming from. I would look into facial courses - if that's all you want to do. I don't know many people who make a living solely from skin care/facials, but I do know some. Would it be feasible to do a part time beauty course? It would then give you the scope to earn, not just from skincare? A lot of colleges do evening courses. I'm sure someone will come along and tell of private courses, but I personally think the best way to go is to get your basic training for insurance purposes, then look at different products and the training they offer. Hope that helps x

Hello!

Thanks for the response and the advice. It is much appreciated how long did you train for to become qualified as a beauty and holistic therapist? I have been looking into basic beauty courses to get certified in basic facials etc. this is something I am hoping to enrol on in September and maybe do some vocational courses with trade warehouses as there are quite a few that offer short 1 or 2 day courses with recognised certificates. I just wasn't sure how to get involved with skin peels and and products such as Neostrata and Medik8. I'm not sure how to go about qualifying to be able to offer these products and these facials to my own growing client base.

If anybody else would like to shed some light you are most welcome too

x Project Pretty x

 

[ukbeauty]

My advice would be to first get at least a level 3, preferably 4 qualification in Facials.
Once qualified, the London College of Fashion are offering a intensive Facial Aesthetics courses and Sally Durrant (if memory serves me, I think that is her name) runs similar courses to further specialist in Medical Aesthetics. However, once you are at least level 3 qualified, many of the skin care houses offer their own in house training.
I make 99% of my living from Facials/Skin Care, so it is possible.

 

[ProjectPretty]

My advice would be to first get at least a level 3, preferably 4 qualification in Facials.
Once qualified, the London College of Fashion are offering a intensive Facial Aesthetics courses and Sally Durrant (if memory serves me, I think that is her name) runs similar courses to further specialist in Medical Aesthetics. However, once you are at least level 3 qualified, many of the skin care houses offer their own in house training.
I make 99% of my living from Facials/Skin Care, so it is possible.

Sounds interesting. Are the level 3 and 4 facial courses quite long? my passion definitely lies with facial skin treatments and products. I feel that there are so many people roped into high street gimmick products that really do nothing so want to train in what really works.

Thanks for the help

 

[ukbeauty]

Hi
I trained many many years ago, but I think it is now mainly NVQ's up to Level 3, then HND 2 years full time to level 4, or HNC part-time to level 4 (if you already have level 3), or you could consider a private course like CIDESCO for an intensive. If any geeks have more current training experience, maybe they can correct me.
Speak to your local college to see what they are offering and also google CIBTAC and CIDESCO for courses in your area and see which ones suit your requirements. I often find doing an evaluation sheet when considering several options, makes the choices easier.
Once you have the Level 3/4, you can then continue with further short intensive courses in the areas you wish to specialise. For product training, usually you would need to either set up an account with the skin care company or work for a salon, who will send you on the course.
My personal advice for skincare/facials is get good general training, then as much experience with many different ranges as possible.
Over the years I have worked with the majority of the big beauty houses and the experience is invaluable, when choosing your own range and advising Clients.
Good luck

 

[ProjectPretty]

Hi
I trained many many years ago, but I think it is now mainly NVQ's up to Level 3, then HND 2 years full time to level 4, or HNC part-time to level 4 (if you already have level 3), or you could consider a private course like CIDESCO for an intensive. If any geeks have more current training experience, maybe they can correct me.
Speak to your local college to see what they are offering and also google CIBTAC and CIDESCO for courses in your area and see which ones suit your requirements. I often find doing an evaluation sheet when considering several options, makes the choices easier.
Once you have the Level 3/4, you can then continue with further short intensive courses in the areas you wish to specialise. For product training, usually you would need to either set up an account with the skin care company or work for a salon, who will send you on the course.
My personal advice for skincare/facials is get good general training, then as much experience with many different ranges as possible.
Over the years I have worked with the majority of the big beauty houses and the experience is invaluable, when choosing your own range and advising Clients.
Good luck

Thanks for all the help and advice! Really do appreciate it I'll get googling and ringing up some places. have a lovely day.

 

[squidgernetball]

I did the more traditional route - nvq 2, elements of nvq 3 then training with Environ - I also didn't want to use bland high street brands that do nothing, so chose with care. If you have the qualification, the company that you want to work with will train you - maybe with a cost. You don't need to spend a fortune to start your journey. Good luck x

 

[skingeek78]

Hi
I trained many many years ago, but I think it is now mainly NVQ's up to Level 3, then HND 2 years full time to level 4, or HNC part-time to level 4 (if you already have level 3), or you could consider a private course like CIDESCO for an intensive. If any geeks have more current training experience, maybe they can correct me.
Speak to your local college to see what they are offering and also google CIBTAC and CIDESCO for courses in your area and see which ones suit your requirements. I often find doing an evaluation sheet when considering several options, makes the choices easier.
Once you have the Level 3/4, you can then continue with further short intensive courses in the areas you wish to specialise. For product training, usually you would need to either set up an account with the skin care company or work for a salon, who will send you on the course.
My personal advice for skincare/facials is get good general training, then as much experience with many different ranges as possible.
Over the years I have worked with the majority of the big beauty houses and the experience is invaluable, when choosing your own range and advising Clients.
Good luck

Excellent advice, get at least a level 3 therapist national qualification with anatomy and physiology, study anatomy of the skin then take a specific course in facial therapies, there isn't really a short route to doing this, you need the background knowledge, there is so much to take in, 2-3 years is approx I think. A CIDESCO is the ideal if you want an intensive course in all therapies and road to aesthetics. Also BTEC, Higher Nationals or VTCT ITEC level 4. As the poster I quoted said, speak to your local college or even nearest private beauty school, OFQUAL is great to check and ensure qualifications meet with national requirements. I wish you the very best of luck in your journey, I love my job and don't regret a second of the road I chose xx

 

[ProjectPretty]

Excellent advice, get at least a level 3 therapist national qualification with anatomy and physiology, study anatomy of the skin then take a specific course in facial therapies, there isn't really a short route to doing this, you need the background knowledge, there is so much to take in, 2-3 years is approx I think. A CIDESCO is the ideal if you want an intensive course in all therapies and road to aesthetics. Also BTEC, Higher Nationals or VTCT ITEC level 4. As the poster I quoted said, speak to your local college or even nearest private beauty school, OFQUAL is great to check and ensure qualifications meet with national requirements. I wish you the very best of luck in your journey, I love my job and don't regret a second of the road I chose xx

You have all been fantastic with your advice. Thank you so much! I hope it really is never too late I should have done this when I was younger. Guess I never had the knowledge or direction to go into it BOO!

 

[ProjectPretty]

LADIES I NEED MORE ADVICE!

I've been researching so much about aesthetics courses etc and facial courses which I will be getting involved with because it's something I'm deadly serious about and really do want to do. I came across a course at my previous University called Foundation in Aesthetics Practices or something and have been liaising with the course tutor about this. It's pretty much theoretical side of stuff and because I've already completed a degree in 2008 they say I qualify to do this course and this course opens up avenues into aesthetics. Along side this I'd like to be doing my practicals etc.

Take a look at the course context etc and let me know what you all think. Worth it? cost isn't an issue as I'm sure you have to invest to get the best out of your capabilities and what your desires are!

http://www.coventry.ac.uk/course-st...tice-399cpd/?theme=main&visitor=international

any feedback on this would be fantastic it's something I really do want to get involved with. Do you think it's worth it?

please do respond! xxx

 

[ProjectPretty]

Aaaany feedback welcome x

 

[lores]

Hello,
Personally looking at the course content I don't think you would need to do this to specialise in aesthetic facial treatments.

I think you need to find out the best way gain your facial qualification to level 3 (NVQ) and then look at training with a specialist aesthetics skincare company.

The course you have looked at seems more suited to those wanting to further their education as a healthcare professional. So in effect a course designed to give you knowledge to study for a healthcare based degree.

I personally have level three and CIDESCO, which I studied a long time ago and on top of that I have a BSc Hons in Human Biosciences (A bit like Biomedical science), but it is my level three NVQ, CIDESCO and industry experience which gives me my all round understanding of facial treatments....the degree gives me only further insight into general medical/human genetics, biochemistry and cellular and molecular biology, so not essential to my beauty work, but helps me with my undertanding of human skin function at a cellular level.

You would learn all the science detail of a product from any product company you train with.

hth and good luck xx :hug:

 

[MisstyB]

Hi,
What was your degree in? You say that you arent from a medical back ground and that you are not yet level 2/3/4 trained? This course from what I can see is aimed at people who already have a nursing or aesthetics qualification, I am not sure what you would gain from doing this course. If you are serious about aesthetics then unfortuately you will need to start at the basics, which yes takes time, but imo you would be wasting your money on a course like this, spend your money on doing level 2, then start treating clients whilst studying for your level 3 and 4, the truth of the matter is that the best aesthetic practicioners are those who have spent many years building their skills and experience. I am also interested in more advanced training, I am looking at doing some of the Sally Durrant courses over the next couple of years, (I am level 2 trained and also an aromatherapist and massage therapist) but I am working full time and like some of the other geeks have mentioned, I to do mainly facials.
I understand your enthusiasm and dont want to appear negative but unless you already have some skill base then a course like this would just give you a piece of paper but not really any substance, spend the time and money on level 2, if you are this enthusiastic you will absolutely love it, and never regret the fantastic knowledge base that you will gain, it will give you a great foundation to a really rewarding career.
hugs Tinaxx

 

[MisstyB]

Hello,
Personally looking at the course content I don't think you would need to do this to specialise in aesthetic facial treatments.

I think you need to find out the best way gain your facial qualification to level 3 (NVQ) and then look at training with a specialist aesthetics skincare company.

The course you have looked at seems more suited to those wanting to further their education as a healthcare professional. So in effect a course designed to give you knowledge to study for a healthcare based degree.

I personally have level three and CIDESCO, which I studied a long time ago and on top of that I have a BSc Hons in Human Biosciences (A bit like Biomedical science), but it is my level three NVQ, CIDESCO and industry experience which gives me my all round understanding of facial treatments....the degree gives me only further insight into general medical/human genetics, biochemistry and cellular and molecular biology, so not essential to my beauty work, but helps me with my undertanding of human skin function at a cellular level.

You would learn all the science detail of a product from any product company you train with.

hth and good luck xx :hug:

lol...we were obviously typing at the same time!

 

[skingeek78]

Hello,
Personally looking at the course content I don't think you would need to do this to specialise in aesthetic facial treatments.

I think you need to find out the best way gain your facial qualification to level 3 (NVQ) and then look at training with a specialist aesthetics skincare company.

The course you have looked at seems more suited to those wanting to further their education as a healthcare professional. So in effect a course designed to give you knowledge to study for a healthcare based degree.

I personally have level three and CIDESCO, which I studied a long time ago and on top of that I have a BSc Hons in Human Biosciences (A bit like Biomedical science), but it is my level three NVQ, CIDESCO and industry experience which gives me my all round understanding of facial treatments....the degree gives me only further insight into general medical/human genetics, biochemistry and cellular and molecular biology, so not essential to my beauty work, but helps me with my undertanding of human skin function at a cellular level.

You would learn all the science detail of a product from any product company you train with.

hth and good luck xx :hug:

I have also looked at the course content and agree with the previous posts, it looks to be a very interesting course but would not appear to give the skills, knowledge or qualification you expressed an interest in. x

 

[ukbeauty]

Hi
Thank you for your pm. Only had a chance to have a quick look at the course, but will try and look in more depth over the next few days.
At first glance, it appears to suit Therapists who are already qualified, but want to do more theory and specialise. Many years ago, I did a similar part-time course to gain a professional qualification level 4, but that was after originally studying all aspects of beauty up to level 3 and 8 years experience in the field, working in Health Farms, and different salons.
It is only my opinion, but my advice would be to do a full-time level 3 or 4, get as much experience as possible in different salons/spas/beauty centres etc. Maybe try and get a position with a large salon, with plenty of different equipment and several product ranges. Work with as many products and equipment as possible and get the practical experience on many different skin types/problems. In a few years time, then start to look at these short intensive more theory based courses.
I agree with the other post, you do not necessarily need this course to get into aesthetics. The old fashioned route, of experience, experience, experience can stand you in very good stead and help you decide on which companies/products, equipment manufacturers to go with in the future. A few years invested now, can save many mistakes in the future and with a Career in Beauty Therapy, you are always learning and nothing is ever wasted...............:biggrin:

 

[ProjectPretty]

Hello!

great posts from you all. Advice taken on board

I've been having email conversations with the course leader who has stated that it is a beginners course, it isn't necessarily aimed at anyone from a nursing/medical profession but there will be a handful of nurses looking to change career etc or further in a specified field and that she believes I meet the criteria for the course as I've already worked at degree level (It was a marketing degree for all those asking). She did confirm it was a theory based foundation level and is only a short course but there would be "other avenues available for discussion" after the course but I've heard that at the moment colleges and universities are currently all about he statistics of "bums on seats" (politics everywhere).

on the side of working in various temporary admin roles since graduating in 2008 I have been doing beauty and photography on the side, this is more makeup, nails, hair, brows and eyelashes related. Although I enjoy what I do I feel that facial aesthetics is my missing link and something I am determined to qualify in as I want to specialise in a field rather than be so broad (but currently this is working fine for me at the moment too).

I'm a results driven person and from suffering with my own skin issues it only determines me more to help anyone else out there that have any skin issues and I want to be able to see results from work I've carried out

I'm lucky enough to have become really good friends with my college tutor and will get emailing her about level 2,3 and 4.

Thanks again everyone the advice has been great and you've all been encouraging. xx