According to research conducted by the Australian National College of Beauty (ANCB), more than 97 per cent of Australian women want their beauty treatments performed by a therapist with proper training and qualifications.
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 skintype,” adds 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 per cent), hair removal (42 per cent), facials (31 per cent) and manicures (26 per cent).
“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.
Visit www.ancb.edu.au to find out more.
Femail.com.au poll conducted on behalf of ANCB. The study was conducted among 1492 Australian women in February and March 2012.