Australian Women Seek Qualified Beauty Therapists

Australian Women Seek Qualified Beauty Therapists

More than 97 per cent of Australian women want their beauty treatments performed by a therapist with proper training and qualifications, according to research conducted by the Australian National College of Beauty (ANCB).

Of these, 61 per cent actively seek out qualified beauty therapists and request proof of qualification on appointment. The remaining 36 per cent of respondents would prefer to see a beauty therapist with formal qualifications but do not routinely check credentials.

"Women look for beauty therapists with formal training because it gives them confidence when choosing a new salon," says Petra Sliney, Acting Head of College, ANCB.

The research also revealed that women look for trained therapists who can offer tailored advice and information about beauty treatments.

"Nearly half of women return to beauty therapists who are knowledgeable and offer good advice," says Sliney.

As demand increases for treatments requiring specialist techniques and machinery, such as hydrotherapy tubs and laser, Sliney says proper training is more important than ever.

ANCB offers a Diploma of Beauty Therapy with pathways in electrolysis, spa treatments, aromatherapy and relaxation massage. ANCB surveyed 1492 Australian women about the importance of professional qualifications in beauty salons.

"We have all seen the horror stories in the headlines about salon treatments gone wrong. Women need to make sure that their beauty therapist has the skills and training to operate specialist machinery and advise them on appropriate treatments for their skin-type," says Sliney.

When choosing a salon, it's important to understand the distinction between a beauty therapist and a beautician, and the training required for both standard and speciality treatments.

"A beautician is trained to work on the face, hands, and feet and remove hair with wax. A trained beauty therapist will possess more technical knowledge about skin science, skin biology, anatomy and physiology, nutrition and cosmetic chemistry.

"Look for certificates and industry awards that confirm your therapist is qualified, and don't be afraid to ask about their qualifications before your treatment begins," says Sliney.

According to the survey, the most common reason women visit the salon is for massages (42%), hair removal (42%), facials (31%) and manicures (26%).

"Women are confident doing their own beauty treatments at home, with only two per cent citing bad DIY experiences. However, the survey reveals women prefer the professional finish that a trained therapist provides," says Sliney.

One in three women also say they feel more confident about themselves when they've been to the salon, and 62 per cent say their beauty upkeep is important in making them feel good about themselves.

ANCB beauty poll results:
61 per cent actively seek out qualified beauty therapists and request proof of qualification on appointment
36 per cent of respondents prefer to see a beauty therapist with formal qualifications but do not routinely check credentials
48 per cent of respondents return to beauty therapists who are knowledgeable and offer good advice
42 per cent of respondents specifically go to a salon for hair removal including waxing, epilation, plucking and electrolysis
42 per cent of respondents specifically go to a salon for massage
52 per cent of respondents visit the salon for beauty treatments because the staff are professionally trained and know what they are doing
62 per cent of respondents invest in beauty upkeep because it makes them feel good about themselves.

On-campus at Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney include:
Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy
Diploma of Beauty Therapy (in electrolysis, spa treatments and aromatherapy/ relaxation massage) - offered online also

ANCB also offers students studying the Diploma of Beauty Therapy an opportunity to undertake the prestigious and internationally recognised CIDESCO and ITEC examinations, to allow them to work in beauty careers overseas.

Australian students applying for the Diploma of Beauty Therapy may apply forVET FEE-HELP. For more information please call ANCB on 1300 885 385 or visit www.ancb.edu.au

Femail.com.au poll conducted on behalf of ANCB. The study was conducted among 1492 Australian women in February and March 2012.