Creativity comes in many forms. It’s the ability to come up with new ideas and ways of doing things. We are all creative to an extent.
For some, it could be as simple as figuring out how to use random ingredients to make a tasty dish or throwing together a costume for a party.
For others, creativity runs deeper. It might translate as the ability to write a poem or draw a beautiful piece of art.
If you’ve always been on the creative side and enjoyed the company of others, a career in the hair, beauty and make-up industry could be the perfect fit for you. Chisholm Hair and Beauty Manager Lauren McCurley explains.
Why choose to work in the hair, beauty and make-up industry?
There are loads of perks to working in the hair, beauty and make-up industry, according to Lauren. Top of the list is being able to create something original or unique for your clients.
“You can get very creative in hair, beauty and make-up,” she says. “In terms of hair, you can be creative with colour, cut and styling. You can link it to fashion, events, and social media.”
With make-up, you can also pursue different pathways that allow you to express your creativity. “You can do glamour looks, weddings, stage and film make-up, special effects and camouflage,” says Lauren.
Another reason people choose to work in the hair, beauty and make-up industry is the social factor. “If you like making other people feel good about themselves, then this could be the career for you,” says Lauren.
“You can see the impact it has on them when they walk away and it fills you with joy, knowing you’ve made a change to someone’s physical and mental health. When you look good, you feel good.”
Other perks can include flexible hours (depending on the type of work), and opportunities to travel. “You have transferrable skills that you can use wherever you go,” says Lauren. “We find that the Australian qualification is highly recognised overseas.”
What attributes do you need?
Lauren says being a good communicator and listener is beneficial. An ability to work well under pressure and as part of a team is also important.
“It is a high-paced industry,” says Lauren. “It can be hard, because you’re trying to meet someone else’s expectations, so you need to be resilient.”
Lauren says the work can be taxing on the body, so you need to be physically able. As a hairdresser, for example, you’re on your feet all day and your arms are up at shoulder height most of the time.
Integrity is also important, as often clients share personal information with you, and you need to be passionate.
What’s involved in being a hairdresser?
Hairdressers wash, cut, colour and style hair, and provide advice about hair products and care. They can work for salons or in their own hairdressing business.
To become a hairdresser, you can do a hairdressing apprenticeship, which usually takes three years.
Another option is to complete a Certificate III in Hairdressing. This course takes 15 months full time.
What’s involved with being a barber?
Barbers offer hair cutting, styling and hair care services to clients, as well as general grooming services such as face shaving and beard and eyebrow trimming. Usually, they work in specialised barbershops.
There’s a common misconception that only men become barbers, but many females pursue barbering careers, says Lauren. “In fact, three of our barbering teachers are females,” says Lauren. “Normally they are hairdressers who want to learn those extra skills to expand services.”
Chisholm offers a Certificate III in Barbering (non-apprenticeship) (12 months), as well as a Certificate III in Barbering apprenticeship (three years).
What’s involved with being a make-up artist?
Make-up artists enhance and change their clients’ appearances with make-up and other cosmetics. They can work with cosmetics companies, for themselves, on television sets or do special occasions such as weddings.
Chisholm offers a range of make-up courses, including a Certificate III in Make-up (six months, three days).
Discover more about how to start a make-up artist career in our recent blog, as well as what it’s like to work as a make-up educator.
What’s involved in being a beauty therapist?
Beauty therapists perform cosmetic face and body treatments to help clients look and feel great. These can range from skin analyses to facial therapies and nail treatments.
Chisholm’s Certificate III in Beauty Services (nine months, three days a week) is a great way to get started in the industry. It teaches you about everything from make-up and waxing to manicures and pedicures, lash and brow treatments and spray tanning.
The Diploma of Beauty Therapy (18 months) branches into spa therapies. Think hot stone massage, facial treatments and aromatherapy.
Job opportunities
Lauren says the job opportunities in hair, beauty and make-up are promising.
The Australian Government’s Labour Market Insights website lists the following industry outlooks:
- Hairdressing future growth: Strong at 9.6% or 6,100 jobs by 2026
- Make-up artists (data not available, but for performing arts technicians, it’s 4.3% growth, or 800 jobs to 2026)
- Beauty therapists future growth: Strong at 12.2% or 4,600 jobs by 2026.
Tips for applying for your first role
There are different pathways through Chisholm to help you reach your dreams of entering the hair, beauty and make-up industry.
Chisholm offers apprenticeships for hairdressing and barbering, while the beauty and make-up courses are on campus full-time (with simulated salons to enhance the learning experience).
Lauren says employers want a good skillset, people who are reliable, friendly and hardworking.
She offered the following tips for those looking to get started in a career in the hair, beauty and make-up industry:
- Be proactive about reaching out to prospective employers. Chisholm offers support with resume writing and interview preparation.
- Build a solid portfolio of work while studying.
- Create a strong social media following showcasing your skills.
- Enter awards. Your teacher can steer you in the right direction.
Approximate salaries
You can find pay rates for hair, beauty and make-up apprentices and first year graduates on the Fair Work website.
According to seek.com, the average annual salaries are as follows:
- Hairdresser: $35,000 to $55,000, or $25 to $35 an hour.
- Make-up artists: $45,000 to $60,000, or $25 to $30 per hour.
- Beauty therapists: $60,000 to $70,000 or $30 to $35.
Ready to get started?
Overall, a career in the hair, beauty and make-up industry can be extremely rewarding, allowing you to win awards for your work, travel, get creative and socialise.
To find out more, check out Chisholm’s hair, beauty and make-up courses.
