Beauty therapist job description (duties and skills)

The beauty industry isn't slowing down any time soon, with demand for skilled beauty professionals growing as more people invest in self-care and wellness. From luxury treatments to everyday routines, today's clients seek high-quality services that help them look and feel their best, creating a thriving market for beauty therapists.

In this guide, we'll dive into the core responsibilities, skills and qualifications that define a great beauty therapist, along with a beauty therapist job description template to help you find the perfect fit for your salon – or inspire your next career move.

What does a beauty therapist do?

If you've ever wondered about the ins and outs of a beauty therapist's role, you're in the right place! Beauty therapists are skilled professionals who work directly with clients to help them look and feel their best – whether in a spa, salon, beauty clinic, or the comfort of their home. Depending on a beauty therapist's qualifications, they can offer a range of treatments that cover everything from skin to nails to brows and beyond.

A typical day for a beauty therapist first involves consulting clients to understand their needs and recommending treatments. For example, if a client comes in for a facial, a beauty therapist will assess their skin type and concerns – like dryness or acne – to select the right products and techniques. For lash or brow treatments, this might look like a quick colour analysis to determine the perfect shade of tint or assessing the client's face shape to create a custom look.

As well as hands-on treatments, beauty therapists handle essential tasks like managing appointments, conducting patch tests, and cleaning up between clients to maintain a safe and hygienic environment. Many therapists also cross-sell beauty products, recommending skincare items or makeup products to enhance their in-salon results.

Staying on top of the latest beauty trends and advancements in treatments is important too. Whether it’s the latest facial, eco-friendly skincare or innovative hair removal techniques, being in the know helps therapists deliver the best treatments, keeping them coming back for more.

What skills and qualifications does a beauty therapist need?

So, what does it take to be a great beauty therapist? Whether you’re considering this career or looking to hire a therapist for your salon, these are some of the must-have skills and qualifications:

Relevant certifications and training

Depending on the treatments a therapist wants to offer, they'll need the appropriate certifications. For example, someone performing laser treatments will need specialised training, or someone offering brow lamination must have completed a brow lamination course.

Excellent customer service skills

Beauty therapy is all about client interaction. A good therapist doesn't just perform treatments—they create a welcoming and comfortable experience. This helps build trust and establish long-term client relationships, turning a one-time visitor into a loyal client.

Attention to detail

Delivering precise treatments is key, especially in areas like eyebrow shaping or nail art. A beauty therapist must be able to pay attention to each client's unique needs to deliver the best results.

Time management

Treatments are typically booked back-to-back, so therapists need to stay on schedule to ensure every client receives their full allotted time. Good time management also helps prevent delays and keeps the day running smoothly.

Sales ability

Recommending products or suggesting complementary treatments is all part of being a beauty therapist. A bit of sales know-how can enhance a client's experience and help them maintain their results at home.

Industry knowledge

Finally, a strong understanding of the latest treatments, products and industry trends is essential. Clients look to their therapists for advice, and being able to answer their questions and queries can enhance the client’s experience and treatment.

What experience does a beauty therapist need?

Experience levels can vary widely, with each beauty therapist bringing different skills to the table. Here’s a quick breakdown of what different experience levels bring to the profession:

Entry-level

For beauty therapists just starting out, hands-on experience is invaluable. Many beginners can gain experience through part-time jobs or work placements during college, where they can learn the ropes and build up their confidence. Those new to the industry may not have a packed treatment menu just yet, but their enthusiasm and willingness to learn make them a great addition to the team.

Mid-level

With 1–3 years of experience, mid-level therapists often begin to hone their skills in specific areas of interest, like skincare or lashes. At this stage, they've perfected their technique, built client relationships, and become more comfortable recommending additional products or services.

Senior

With over five years of experience, senior therapists are pros who have truly mastered their craft. With extensive experience in a range of treatments—and sometimes even managerial responsibilities—they can be trusted to handle complex treatments and lead a team of therapists.

Beauty therapist job description template

Below, you’ll find a template for a beauty therapist job description, which you can use as an example to guide your own job description or amend as needed for a job posting.

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Beauty Therapist to join our team! We’re a friendly, close-knit bunch looking for someone who’s not only professional and personable but is also genuinely passionate about the beauty industry. You’ll be a great fit if you’re detail-oriented, results-driven and love going above and beyond to deliver the best possible experience for our clients. If you have a knack for making clients feel valued and cared for, we’d love to hear from you!

Your responsibilities:

• Perform treatments such as facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing and other beauty services in line with your qualifications.
• Conduct consultations to assess each client's unique needs, offering personalised treatment plans and advice.
• Foster a friendly, welcoming environment that encourages clients to return and trust us with their beauty needs.
• Keep up with the latest beauty trends to offer clients the best service.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety in the workspace, adhering to all health and safety regulations.
• Offer a seamless client experience from start to finish, ensuring clients feel pampered and well-cared for.
• Provide clients with information on post-treatment care, routines and product recommendations for best results.
• Be mindful of salon targets and key performance indicators (KPIs) and contribute positively towards achieving them.

Requirements:

• NVQ Level 2 in Beauty Therapy.
• Be able to work seamlessly within a team environment, supporting colleagues and contributing to a positive salon atmosphere.
• A genuine love for beauty, with a dedication to delivering outstanding results.
• A positive, can-do attitude that shows you’re ready to take initiative, tackle challenges and approach each day with enthusiasm.
• Be confident in recommending additional services or products to benefit the client and enhance their treatment.
• Maintain a polished, professional approach at all times.
• Have an in-depth understanding of beauty products, their benefits, and how to use them effectively.
• Good commercial awareness to understand salon goals, sales targets and the ability to contribute to overall success.
• Willingness to engage in further training as needed.

Benefits:

• Every other weekend off, so you can recharge and enjoy work-life balance.
• Commission pay opportunities.
• Tips from grateful clients who appreciate the care and attention you provide.

Additional information

• Salary: Starting from £12.00 per hour, with increases based on experience.
• Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week.
• Schedule: Must be able to work on a rotating schedule of days, evenings, and weekends. Every other weekend is guaranteed off.
• Location: [Location of the salon].
• How to apply: [Provide application instructions, whether it’s sending a CV to an email address or an online application link].

Specialist hair and beauty insurance through Ripe

Building a career in the beauty therapy industry can become a lucrative business, and insuring your business through Ripe can help provide financial protection and peace of mind should the worst happen.

Ripe specialist hair and beauty insurance includes Public and Products Liability cover as well as treatment risk cover, with the opportunity to build your own policy so you’re never paying for more than you need.

Find out more about specialist hair and beauty insurance through Ripe or get a quick online quote today.