Popular Jobs You Can Pursue in Beauty Therapy

Avatar photo Kristen Michaelides
Woman lying down on a beauty bed with her eyes closed getting a facial done by a beauty therapist.

The beauty industry has exploded in popularity over the past few years, with an increasing number of people seeking out beauty therapy, treatments, and services to help them look and feel their best.

 In fact, the Australian beauty market is currently worth almost 10 billion Australian dollars and is expected to grow annually by 2.76% until 2027. With this growth, there has never been a better time to invest in your education and pursue a career in beauty therapy.

We’re exploring the most popular jobs in beauty therapy you can pursue through different beauty courses. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced professional looking to upskill, this is the blog for you. There are many pathways to explore so let’s jump in.


Beauty therapist jobs

Nail technician

Becoming a nail technician is a fun and exciting career choice for those with a passion for nail art and design.

Nail technicians are responsible for providing various nail services, with the most popular being manicures, pedicures, nail art, shellac, and SNS. This requires extensive knowledge of nail products, equipment, and techniques, as well as the ability to maintain a clean and safe work environment. As a nail technician, you can work in a variety of settings including nail salons, spas, and beauty therapy clinics.

In addition to technical skills, nail technicians need to have excellent customer service skills — it’s important to be friendly, approachable, and professional when dealing with clients. Giving advice and guidance to clients on the different nail services available and helping them choose the best option to suit their needs is also beneficial.

Pursuing a nail technician course can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to excel in this field and carve out a successful career in the beauty industry.


Lash technician

Lash technicians are in high demand, especially as the beauty therapy industry has seen a surge in lash extensions over the past few years.

As a lash technician, you’ll be responsible for applying lash extensions, lifting and tinting lashes, and performing lash touch-ups. You’ll also be an expert in specific lash extension techniques such as classic, hybrid, and volume lashes.

To excel as a lash technician, you need to have a keen eye for detail and the ability to work with precision. It’s also important to be aware of different eye shapes, lash styles, and how they can be used to enhance a client’s natural beauty.

A successful lash technician is knowledgeable about lash health and safety, ensuring that the products used are safe for their clients. While a passion for beauty and fashion is important, you’ll also need to be patient and able to handle clients who may be anxious or nervous during the lash application process.

With a variety of short courses available in lash extensions and related techniques, becoming a lash technician is an excellent career choice for those looking to break into the beauty industry or expand their skills.


Eyebrow specialist

In recent years, eyebrow shaping and grooming have become increasingly popular, with many clients seeking out professional help to achieve the perfect arch, thickness, and overall shape.

Eyebrow specialists play a crucial role in the beauty therapy industry by helping clients achieve their desired eyebrow look. As an eyebrow specialist, you’ll not only learn how to shape and groom eyebrows, but also how to advise clients on the best eyebrow shape to complement their facial features. Popular services an eyebrow specialist performs include eyebrow threading, waxing, tinting, lamination, and plucking.

Eyebrows are arguably one of our most important features, so having excellent attention to detail, patience, and a steady hand is super important to achieve the desired result. Being adaptive from client to client and having an eye for symmetry are also important skills to have to produce the desired results for your clients.

With razor-thin eyebrows dominating the 90s and the thick brow making a comeback in recent years, it’s clear that beauty trends are always evolving. So being familiar with the latest trends is important for your clients who are looking for advice.

You can develop and build on all of these skills in an eyebrow course.


Hair stylist

Hair stylists are experts in hair design and are responsible for creating unique looks that suit their client’s personalities, facial structures, and lifestyles.

To become a successful hair stylist, you need to have excellent communication skills to effectively consult with your clients and understand their needs. You also need to have creativity, patience, and attention to detail. A hair stylist should be knowledgeable in hair cutting, styling, colouring, highlighting, and hair extensions.

In addition to providing hair services, hair stylists should also be able to offer advice on hair care and maintenance. This includes recommending hair care products that are suitable for their client’s hair types and educating them on how to properly use them. By doing this, hair stylists build trust with their clients and create lasting relationships. Keeping up-to-date with the latest hair trends and techniques is also crucial for hair stylists to be able to suggest new and exciting looks to their clients.

Completing a hair course gives you the foundational knowledge and skills you need to get started in a salon.


Make up artist

Make up artists are skilled professionals who apply cosmetics and other beauty products to enhance appearances.

A makeup artist’s responsibilities may include consulting with clients to determine their desired look, selecting appropriate cosmetics and products, and applying makeup to create a flawless finish. They also work in a variety of settings, including salons, spas, television and film studios, and freelance.

Makeup artists can specialise in different areas depending on their interests and skills. Some focus on bridal or special occasion makeup, while others work in editorial or fashion photography, creating avant-garde looks for magazines and runways. Additionally, some makeup artists specialise in special effects makeup, creating realistic wounds, scars, and other effects for film and television.

If you’re passionate about make up, a short make up course covers all aspects of makeup application including skincare, colour theory, makeup application techniques, and make up tools and products.


Massage therapist

Massage therapy is one of the most indulgent beauty therapy treatments. It involves hands-on treatment to manipulate muscles and soft tissues in the body to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and relieve pain. It’s essential to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere and ensure that clients are comfortable and at ease throughout the treatment.

As a massage therapist, your role is to assess clients’ needs and use a range of techniques to tailor treatments to their specific requirements. These techniques could include Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, or remedial massage, among others.

To become a successful massage therapist, you need to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to create a comfortable and safe environment for your clients. In addition to hands-on techniques, you’ll also need to have a good understanding of anatomy and physiology to assess and understand your client’s needs.

short course in massage therapy can provide you with the basic skills and knowledge to start your career, but ongoing training and experience are necessary to develop your technique and build a successful career in this field.


Spa therapist

As a spa therapist, you’re responsible for providing a range of beauty therapy treatments and services to clients that promote relaxation, rejuvenation, and overall wellbeing. These services range from body massages and body treatments to skin treatments like facials, as well as basic beautician services like waxing for hair removal.

A good spa therapist should be able to create a calm and relaxing environment for clients, as well as provide professional and personalised services. Some key skills required for this role include excellent communication and customer service skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well in a team.

To become a qualified spa therapist in Australia, you will typically need to complete a Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy, which covers topics such as massage techniques, body treatments, and facial treatments. You may also need to complete additional courses or certifications in specific spa services, such as hot stone massage or aromatherapy.


If you want to explore a career in the beauty industry, there are plenty of jobs in beauty therapy to choose from. Beauty courses not only teach you a range of essential skills, but they also give you the confidence and knowledge to thrive in this competitive industry.

Most beauty courses take a year or less to complete and give you the foundational knowledge and skills you need to get your foot in the door. With online learning becoming the most popular and preferred study method, these days you can learn eyebrow threading, nail art, lash lifts, and more from the comfort of your own home. You’ll get sent your own beauty kit and follow along with experts as they teach you in a simulated working environment.

Short courses unlock opportunities to work in beauty salons, day spas, private practices, or even open up your own small business. Don’t wait any longer to pursue your passion for beauty services – take the first step today and enquire about a beauty course.


With the right education and training, you can join other successful beauty advisors in achieving your career goals in the Australian beauty therapy industry.