If you’re someone who lights up when helping others feel confident, loves the magic of skincare and makeup, and finds joy in genuine human connection, then beauty therapy might just be your calling. More than just a career, it’s a chance to make a real difference in people’s lives every day. And with the Australian beauty industry booming — projected to be worth $8.6 billion by 2025 — there’s never been a more exciting time to turn your passion into a purpose.
But how do you become a beauty therapist? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the qualifications, career paths, and how top-tier training providers like The French Beauty Academy can help you shine.
What Does a Beauty Therapist Do?
Let’s start with the basics: what does a beauty therapist do?
A beauty therapist is so much more than someone who performs treatments they’re a trusted guide on a client’s journey to feeling confident, radiant, and empowered in their own skin.
- Skilled in a wide range of non-medical services, beauty therapists offer treatments such as:
- Advanced facial treatments and personalised skin therapies
- Waxing and professional hair removal
- Relaxing body massage and exfoliation
- Lash lifts, tints, and brow shaping
- Manicures, pedicures, and expert nail care
- Makeup application and tailored skincare advice
Beyond the treatment room, beauty therapists create moments of connection, offering clients not just results but reassurance, education, and a genuine sense of self-confidence. They work in salons, spas, clinics, or on their own terms, many even go on to launch thriving freelance or mobile beauty businesses.
What Is a Beautician and How Is It Different?
So, what is a beautician, and how does it differ from a beauty therapist?
A beautician usually offers basic grooming and beauty services, such as waxing, makeup, and nails. A beauty therapist, however, is trained in more advanced techniques and holistic treatments, including specialised skin therapies and body treatments. Beauty therapists often have higher-level qualifications and can work in a wider range of professional environments.
If you’re aiming for a long-term, flexible career with growth opportunities, becoming a qualified beauty therapist is the ideal path.
Do I need to be qualified to Become a Beauty Therapist?
Becoming a certified beauty therapist through an accredited provider is one of the most important steps on your journey into the beauty industry. Not only does it ensure you’re gaining the right skills and knowledge in line with industry standards, but it also gives your future clients and employers confidence in your abilities. Accredited training equips you with both the technical expertise and the client care skills needed to truly make a difference, from understanding skin conditions and treatment plans to creating a safe, professional, and nurturing experience. Plus, having a recognised qualification opens the door to more job opportunities, advanced training pathways, and even the chance to start your own business down the track.
Find the Right Beauty Education Provider
The first step to becoming a successful beauty therapist is choosing the right education provider, one that not only teaches the skills, but also nurtures your passion and potential. Look for a nationally accredited academy or college with a strong reputation in the industry, experienced educators, and hands-on training opportunities in real salon environments. It’s also important to find a provider that offers support beyond the classroom, like career guidance, industry connections, and pathways to further study or specialisation. Most importantly, choose a place that feels inspiring, empowering, and aligned with your goals where you’re treated not just as a student, but as a future industry professional.
Here at The French, we’re proud to say that we tick all those boxes!
The French Beauty Academy’s Dual Diploma of SHB50121 Beauty Therapy and SHB50216 Salon Management, known as “The Future of Beauty,” offers a comprehensive and skin focused education for aspiring beauty professionals.
- Comprehensive Dual Qualification
This program combines the nationally accredited SHB50121 Diploma of Beauty Therapy and SHB50216 Diploma of Salon Management, equipping students with both advanced beauty therapy skills and essential business acumen to manage or establish their own salons or clinics. - Skin-Focused Curriculum
At the heart of the program is a strong focus on skin — from advanced facial treatments to dermal therapies and skin analysis. Students graduate with deep knowledge of skin health, conditions, and advanced technologies, preparing them for careers in clinical aesthetics and skin-focused beauty roles. - Industry Collaboration with Leading Brands
The curriculum is co-developed with global industry leaders, incorporating the latest technologies, clinical protocols, and professional-grade equipment such as Hydrafacial, EmSculpt, and Observ 520x. - High Employment Outcomes
Thanks to the “Futures for Frenchies Job Fair” initiative, students have the opportunity to network and interview with top-tier beauty and dermal employers. With 9 out of 10 students securing employment offers before graduating.
This dual diploma program is designed to prepare students for the evolving beauty industry, combining practical skills with business knowledge to foster the next generation of beauty entrepreneurs.
Beauty Industry Outlook in Australia (2025)
The beauty and wellness industry in Australia is showing no signs of slowing down. By 2025, it’s forecast to hit $8.6 billion, with over 40,000 beauty professionals working nationwide. Key trends include:
- Growth in dermal and skin-focused treatments
- Increased demand for lash, brow, and makeup services
- A rise in mobile and freelance beauty businesses
- Ongoing popularity of French-inspired skincare and minimalist beauty
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Find the perfect course for you from our range of nationally accredited diploma, certificate and short courses.
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In the spirit of reconciliation, The French Beauty Academy acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country on which our Campuses stand today. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners of the land, their Elders past, present and emerging, and to their connections to land, sea and community. Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.
Read The Uluru Statement here.
