Beauty Therapy

Whether you look to open your own beauty salon or aspire to create the make-up looks of the stars, our courses are the place to start. Combining insights into anatomy and physiology with hands-on experience, you will learn innovative techniques to improve, conceal and enhance the appearance of your clients.

 
What next?
A career in the industry as a qualified beauty therapist, spa manager, or in a retail role; or working onboard a cruise ship or as a mobile therapist. You may also continue your studies in further education and become a teacher or assessor.

Potential Careers
Aromatherapist: £10k - £25k per year
Beauty therapist: £12k - £20k per year
Massage therapist: £10k- £20k per year
Nail techinician: £16k - £25k per year
Reflexologist: £20k - £30k per year

Sheena Nahar is a former Redbridge College learner and owner of Defined beauty salon in Ilford Exchange shopping centre.

Through hard work and determination, 24-year-old Sheena has been able to develop her own business from scratch and opened her own salon in 2011.

Sheena says: “There are lots of challenges you face every day when running your own salon, from ensuring clients expectations are met to motivating staff and making sure products are in stock. The thing I love most about beauty is that you are able to make people feel good about themselves – it’s so important to have that passion for what you do.

"The only reason I have got to where I am now is because of the start Redbridge College gave me. I liked how the tutors were really approachable and easy to speak to, and the way that the lessons were delivered – nothing was ever boring.

"It was a lot more chilled than school and the course was delivered at a good pace. The encouragement I received while studying at Redbridge College really helped boost my confidence. I would advise any young people interested in beauty to follow their dreams. It's so important to have passion for what you do." 

"Communication is a really important skill, and you must be comfortable providing treatments. I love my job and my next challenges are to maintain and expand the salon’s client base and to provide my staff with further specialist training.”

Evolution Hair & Beauty Salons
As part of all beauty courses at the College students have the chance to work in our fantastic Beauty Salon where members of the public receive quality treatments from you under full supervision from our qualified tutors. You can view the Evolution Salons web pages by clicking here.

Have you ever started a lesson by dancing to latin-inspired samba beats?

Learners studying Beauty Therapy at Redbridge College have.

A group of students studying VTCT Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Beauty Therapy begin their pedicures lesson by moving from a classroom to a fully-equipped dance studio.

After learning basic zumba moves and steps from lecturer Gemma, the class practices their moves to the beat.

Learners studying Beauty Therapy qualifications at Redbridge College learn practical, real-world skills including treatments like manicures, pedicures, waxing and make-up.

And lessons take place through a mix of practical, hand-on sessions in the college’s Evolution salons and skills-based classroom study.

After heading back to the classroom, learners are ready to go. 

The class watches clips from popular TV show Embarrassing Bodies, and discusses what conditions might prevent a treatment from taking place.

Later, Gemma explains how to carry out assessments of clients before treatments take place and what to do if a client suffers an allergic reaction to a product.

Gemma says: “As a student at the college you are able to learn about a treatment in a classroom one day and then apply the skills in a real salon environment the next.”

She adds: “All our lessons are work-related - it’s so important to prepare learners for life beyond college. 

“Our students don’t just know how to perform a treatment - they know how to perform it to a high standard in a professional salon environment.”

Eighteen-year-old Maddison Swords studies VTCT Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Beauty Therapy.

She says: “The teachers at this college make sure lessons are always fun. They also treat you like an adult.

“You are always really involved. I didn’t know anyone before enrolling but have made loads of friends."

What to study:

• Level 1 Diploma in Beauty Therapy
• VTCT Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Beauty Therapy
• VTCT Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Beauty Therapy

Vicky Cove: Beauty Therapy lecturer

Vicky travelled the world as a beauty therapist on board a cruise ship and worked in a 5-star London hotel before returning to Redbridge College as a beauty lecturer.

How did you get started in the industry?

I was actually a college student here many years ago. While studying I worked in a salon to gain some experience, before applying for a position as a beauty therapist on board a cruise ship. I travelled the world for a year, before returning home and working in a spa at a 5-star London hotel.

What’s it like to work on board a cruise ship?

It’s hard work but an absolutely brilliant experience. I went to the Caribbean, New York and Canada – it allowed me to travel the world while getting paid to do it! Having on my CV the name of the company which own spas on all the luxury cruise liners also opened up lots of career opportunities once I came home.

What are the best things about working in the beauty industry?

It’s a great industry to work in because it’s lively, it’s social and there are a lot of opportunities out there. You could be your own boss or travel - the qualifications we offer are recognised all over the world. It’s also nice to work in luxurious surroundings – some hotels and spas really are amazing!

How can I get there?

To be successful you need be confident, professional and have good communication skills. We work with each of our learners to boost their employability skills in each of these areas, to help them go out there and get jobs in the industry. If you set your mind to it, the opportunities are endless!