Which qualifications do beauty therapists need?

Most salons look for an NVQ or equivalent at Level 2 or 3 in Beauty Therapy, plus insurance for the treatments you offer. Check the advert for anything specific.

What if I trained a while ago?

List your qualification and the year, then add any newer courses. Show what you have done since, even if it was part time.

Do I need to list every treatment I can do?

List the ones you do confidently and that match the advert. A short, clear list reads better than a long one.

Should I mention hygiene on my CV?

Yes, briefly. Patch tests, consent forms and cleaning between clients show you work safely.

Beauty therapist CV example

A strong beauty therapist CV shows your qualifications, the treatments you carry out with confidence, and how you look after clients while following hygiene and consent rules. It should also show that clients rebook with you and that you never push a treatment they do not want.

Daniel Reyes

Beauty therapist

daniel@example.com | 07700 900185 | Glasgow

Profile

Caring beauty therapist with an NVQ Level 3 in Beauty Therapy and three years of experience in a busy salon and day spa. Skilled in facials, waxing, lash and brow treatments and manicures, with careful consultations and patch tests. Known for helping nervous clients feel at ease and for keeping treatment rooms spotless.

Experience

Beauty Therapist

a salon and day spa

Carried out up to six treatments a day, including facials, waxing, brow shaping and manicures

Ran consultations and patch tests, and checked consent forms and client records before each treatment

Turned treatment rooms around between clients, changing couch roll and cleaning equipment to salon standards

Recommended skin-care products that suited each client's skin and explained how to use them

Booked return visits and sold gift vouchers at reception during quieter spells

Junior Therapist

a high-street beauty salon

Completed an NVQ Level 3 in Beauty Therapy while working three days a week on the salon floor

Assisted senior therapists with waxing and facials, then took on clients independently once signed off by the salon manager

Restocked treatment rooms and kept the retail display tidy

Greeted clients, offered drinks and explained aftercare at the end of each treatment

Key skills

Facials and skin careWaxingLash and brow treatmentsManicures and pedicuresClient consultationsPatch tests and consent formsHygiene and room turnaroundRetail product adviceBooking and payments

Example · fictional candidate · Timeline design · Use this design

Tips for a beauty therapist CV

List each qualification with its level, such as NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Beauty Therapy, and the year you finished
Name the treatments you are signed off to do, because salons need to know what you can start on day one
Mention patch tests, consent forms and record cards to show you work safely
Show how you look after nervous or first-time clients, as this matters as much as technique
If you work self-employed or rent a room, mention your insurance and how you find your own clients
Keep the CV to one page, with your treatments and qualifications clear near the top

Applying with a cover letter? See our beauty therapist cover letter example.