For anyone with an interest in beauty, there’s no shortage of incredible career opportunities in the beauty industry. Beauty is an extremely high-demand sector, with endless career choices and chances to deliver top-quality services.
Not only that, but there are a lot of jobs in the beauty industry that pay well, so if you want to get creative as well as earn a great salary – this could be the industry for you!
But if you’re not sure which direction to head in, don’t sweat it! We have put together a list of some of the most super exciting careers in the beauty industry for you to peruse:
1. Hairstylist
Let’s kick off our list of beauty industry jobs with the role of hairstylist. Hairdressers are always in demand. You can work in a salon, set up your own, or work as a mobile hairdresser for the ultimate in flexibility.
If you really want to show off your creativity, you can move into photoshoot or film hair styling. You could even do hair for high fashion shows! It’s a competitive world but one that offers good earnings and the excitement of ever-changing briefs.
2. Beauty therapist
Beauty therapists can specialise in lots of different skills and services. Eyebrow henna, spray tanning, lash treatments…there are so many skills to learn and paths to follow!
Like hairstylists, beauty therapists can pursue beauty salon careers. They can also work in spas, resorts and even travel the world on cruise ships.
And don’t just settle for one string to your bow – the more skills you have the more services you can offer, and specialising in more than one technique will broaden your business and customer network.
There is also the option to take a more scientific route within beauty therapy, with jobs such as spa treatment specialists and dermatology experts opening a whole new set of doors to the beauty industry. If you have a big appetite for knowledge, these could be the perfect careers for you.
3. Beauty PR specialist
Another of the best beauty industry careers is working as a beauty PR specialist. You’ll work for a beauty brand, promoting their products and shouting about their achievements.
This usually involves marketing, event planning, writing press releases, and conducting market research – basically everything you can do to get the press and public interested in what your brand has to say.
To excel in this role, you need good communication skills, confidence and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Hard work in this field pays off. PR offers a beauty career salary well above the average.
4. Makeup artist
If you love experimenting with new makeup styles and perfecting the latest looks, a career as a makeup artist might be just what you’re looking for.
As an MUA you can do makeup for weddings and other special occasions, helping your clients to look and feel their best.
You could take your career in a different direction, doing theatrical makeup or makeup for television. And, if complete transformations are your thing, you could even specialise in the weird and wonderful world of special effects makeup.
5. Nail technician
For those with a creative flair for creating gorgeous nail looks, one of the most fun and flexible jobs in the beauty industry is nail tech.
You’ll need to learn the ropes first, getting to grips with all the latest treatments and styles, from gels and acrylics to nail and cuticle care and maintenance, and then when you have enough experience under your belt, you get to be your own boss!
Nail tech is perfect for self employment – create your own nail business that you can take with you on the go and create magic nail looks wherever you are!
6. Beauty writer
Got a way with words? Love sharing new beauty products, treatments and styles? Then why not work as a beauty writer and indulge your passion for all things beauty?
Set up by yourself and become a beauty blogger. You can monetise your blog by selling advertising space on your website. Or by promoting products as an affiliate.
Alternatively, build up your beauty writing portfolio and approach the beauty publications you’ve been reading all your life! Great beauty knowledge and excellent writing skills will give you the best possible chance in this competitive field.
7. Personal stylist
Personal stylists love helping people look their absolute best. We’ve all heard of celebrity stylists prepping their clients for the red carpet. But stylists are also proving popular amongst those of us who don’t happen to be A-listers.
A personal stylist can work in a department store or set up their own business. They give advice on makeup and fashion, helping a client to discover their own style or find the perfect look for a special occasion.
8. Beauty tutor
Once you’ve acquired all that incredible beauty industry knowledge, why not share it with the next generation of aspiring beauty stars?
Moving into beauty training careers requires a unique skill set. You need to be patient, a good communicator and enjoy seeing others succeed.
If you tick all of these boxes – and have a high level beauty industry knowledge – you may have what it takes to be a beauty school tutor.
9. Product developer
Combining science and creativity, a product developer helps to bring new cosmetic and beauty products onto the market.
A product developer usually has a degree in a science subject. This helps them when talking to labs and chemists responsible for formulating new products.
They also test products. And spend lots of time with a brand’s marketing team, working out timelines and accurate product descriptions.
As beauty industry careers go, product development pays well and offers a really varied workday.
10. Photographer
If you’re a talented photographer with an interest in beauty, becoming a fashion and beauty photographer could provide the perfect niche.
The possibilities are endless: you can photograph promotional images for salons and spas, style and snap beauty products or, if you really want to chase those dreams, you could even work as a photographer on fashion shoots for glossy magazines!
Want to find beauty industry jobs in New Zealand? Make sure you’ve got the training to improve your skill set and your employability.
At New Zealand Beauty School, we provide flexible training provided by beauty industry experts – precisely what you need to take your beauty career to the next level!