Total Newbie Here..... Help Needed Please

[Laura2186]

Hello,

I would like some advice please. I'm not sure I'm in the right place (sorry if I'm not)

I really want to become a beauty therapist and work from home on a self employed basis. Firstly I need to train. I'm sure its not ideal but I would like to do this online as I have been out of education for quite a few years now (I'm 37) the thought of going back to college scares me!! I've done some research and I have found an online course that fit my budget that I think is suitable. Its with NCC Home Learning - Complete beauty diploma.

Has anyone used NCC before or even doing/done this course? I am lead to believe that this course is accredited and insurable, am I right in thinking that this is all I need to become a beauty therapist?

Thanks

 

[TheDuchess]

Hi Laura 2186 and welcome.

You need to learn to read all the information before you sign up for courses. This is what it says on the page about the accredited level 2 beauty course “This is an unregulated qualification and is not a nationally recognised qualification”

Buyer beware!

There is a lot of information on here about training - you’re not alone in asking this question. Search through the threads.

There are no short cuts to being employable. If you find the idea of training face to face with other students terrifying - how much harder will it be to provide commercial standard services to a client? Beauty is a hands on industry. If you train with 10 fellow students you will learn 10X faster and be 10X better. Being in a class, practising on each other, helping each other and observing each other will improve the quality of your learning experience exponentially.

Cheap training sounds very attractive but it’s basically you tube. If you can’t hold down a “normal” job paying minimum wage then it might be worth having a go because there are always people that want cheap bits and bobs and aren’t too fussy - but you’ll never earn as much as if you held proper qualifications and found a job in a salon.

If you want to set up in business you will need equipment, insurance and a great deal of self belief and determination - as well as a budget to put yourself through training. If you feel anxious about going to college then I’m afraid that you are unlikely to succeed in a business venture.

I suggest that you try a mindfulness training course and practice techniques to improve mental focus and clarity. A visualisation of yourself in five years time, working in your own, beautiful home salon and loving your life will support and sustain you. Beauty training is perfect for those who have been out of education for a while. There’s a good mix of practical and theory and a proper training course will also brush up foundation maths and english. Every business person needs competent core skills, there are HMRC and Council websites to navigate, price lists to design and proof read and new treatments to learn about.

There are some good private colleges that offer face to face training as well as the local college. You have to weigh up the benefit of having a government student loan to fund your training against the convenience of a private course, but make sure you start with a level 2 and 3 nationally recognised qualification otherwise you are probably wasting your money.

 

[Lizziefin]

Sound advice from The Duchess. I would also add that when you have qualified it’s a very good idea to gain some experience working in a salon if possible. That way you will gain confidence before you set out on your own. I retrained at the age of 38, and I worked in 2 salons before opening up my salon. I have recently retired after 25 years in the industry which I have loved. Good luck

 

[Beauty Therapy Focus]

Sound advice from The Duchess. I would also add that when you have qualified it’s a very good idea to gain some experience working in a salon if possible. That way you will gain confidence before you set out on your own. I retrained at the age of 38, and I worked in 2 salons before opening up my salon. I have recently retired after 25 years in the industry which I have loved. Good luck

You made me smile.

Retired. Have you really?

I've been saying that for a decade if not longer.

I still get clients with sob stories to convince me to come to them or they to me for a treatment.

Seriously it's only since the lockdown that I've managed to shake off the bulk of hanger ons. I know that doesn't sound nice, I was, and am grateful for their acknowledgement. I use to get clients that rang with complaints re their new salon, and end their rant with '... only you can fix this...'

Anyway enjoy your retirement.
All the best for 2025

 

[Beauty Therapy Focus]

Hello,

I would like some advice please. I'm not sure I'm in the right place (sorry if I'm not)

I really want to become a beauty therapist and work from home on a self employed basis. Firstly I need to train. I'm sure its not ideal but I would like to do this online as I have been out of education for quite a few years now (I'm 37) the thought of going back to college scares me!! I've done some research and I have found an online course that fit my budget that I think is suitable. Its with NCC Home Learning - Complete beauty diploma.

Has anyone used NCC before or even doing/done this course? I am lead to believe that this course is accredited and insurable, am I right in thinking that this is all I need to become a beauty therapist?

Thanks

As usual I agree with The Duchess on some points made.

Meanwhile I do believe that the industry is moving into the 21st century so learning online is an option.
These can be group online sessions so you are still hearing the opinions of others, they may ask a question you didn't think of or was going to ask.
The practical sessions are broken down into detailed videos that you can watch over and over again. Unlike in the class room the tutor does one demonstration and you have to remember the steps and refer to your notes and course book.

You practice on models and this builds your confidence so when you do go out amongst other learners at your level you don't feel like you're competing or peddling fast to keep up.

For client care and communication I advise you do a placement in a salon or a position where you have to interact with people.

Definitely choose a course that is accredited.


Please do keep me in the loop regarding which direction you decided on.