Entering the beauty industry can feel incredibly overwhelming, especially with the sheer volume of information available on social media. It’s easy to get lost in the noise, wondering where to begin and how to make the best decisions for your career.

When I started out in 1996, the only option was a traditional 3-year course at college, and even that was only available if you had the right GCSE results. Now, fast forward to today, the landscape has completely shifted. People are told they can learn beauty treatments in a week, start performing complex procedures like fillers the following week, and by the end of the month, they’re even training others.

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I can’t stress enough how against this fast-track route I am. It undermines the trust clients place in “professionals” to carry out treatments with skill, care, and expertise. This approach sets both the professional and the client up for long-term failure. Why? Because without a solid foundation of knowledge and experience, you’re unlikely to perform the service to the highest standards.

When I say fast track, I don't mean private short courses, I mean the kind of course where you are rushed through, with little theory and no follow up study. Some day courses are amazing but it should be more then just attending a quick day. It should involve case studies, additional theory and support.

Very few courses are suitable to be taught online 

When clients see through the initial offers, discounts, and glamorous marketing, they often move on to more qualified professionals. As a result, you might find yourself chasing the next course, trying to patch gaps in your skills rather than building a long-lasting, reputable career.

My advice? Take the time to truly understand the industry before diving in. Look at which aspect of beauty excites you the most—whether it’s nails, skincare, lash extensions, or injectables—and then invest in the best training you can find. Don’t opt for the cheapest option; prioritize quality over quick fixes.

You don’t need to offer a multitude of services. In fact, some of the most successful professionals I know are those who specialize in just one or two treatments. They master their craft, know it inside out, and build a reputation as an expert in that field. That’s where long-term success comes from.

Learn from Others’ Journeys

If you take a look at the career stories featured on this page, you’ll notice that most professionals in the industry have taken quite the journey to get where they are today. Their success didn’t come overnight, and many faced challenges along the way. But by laying the right foundations, they have built careers that are both fulfilling and sustainable.

I’m not saying you need to take forever, but it’s important to set yourself up for long-term success by focusing on quality education and the right training.

Now that you’ve got a clearer understanding of how to approach your career in the beauty industry, what’s the next step?

Click through the sections on this page to find guidance and advice on a variety of topics to help you make informed choices about your training and career path. You’ll find information on different beauty treatments, career stories, and tips for navigating the industry.

You can also use the search facility to find courses tailored to your interests. It’s up to you to do the research, but we’ve made it easy for you to see the important details about each training provider. Everything matters—from the qualifications of the instructors to the reputation of the training company. These details will paint a clear picture of what you’re investing in.