Best Courses for Starting a Beauty Business

By Nadia Jibril, Education & Certification | International Institute of Beauty

Starting your own beauty business is an exciting and empowering step. Whether you dream of opening a salon, launching a mobile beauty service, or becoming a freelance skin specialist, your qualifications and business knowledge will lay the foundation for your success.

The beauty industry in the UK is growing rapidly, with more people seeking expert led treatments from passionate professionals. But passion alone isn’t enough. To stand out, build trust, and grow a loyal client base, you need the right mix of technical skills, qualifications, and business know how.

In this article, I’ll guide you through the best courses for starting a beauty business from essential beauty therapy qualifications to specialist training and business management programmes that will help turn your vision into reality.

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Why Courses Matter When Starting a Beauty Business

Starting a business is a big leap and in the beauty industry, it's not just about looking the part. Clients want to know that you’re fully trained, insured, and qualified to deliver safe, effective treatments. High quality courses offer more than just certificates.

They give you:

• Confidence in your skills and service delivery

• Credibility with clients and insurers

• Legal and safety knowledge to stay compliant

• Practical training with real world experience

• Business skills to manage and grow your brand

  
  

Let’s look at the different types of courses that are ideal for aspiring beauty entrepreneurs.

1. Level 2 Beauty Therapy Diploma (Foundational)

This is the perfect starting point if you’re new to the industry. A Level 2 Beauty Therapy qualification covers the basics of beauty services, including:

• Facials and skincare

• Manicures and pedicures

• Waxing

• Eyebrow shaping and tinting

• Health, safety and hygiene

  
  

It lays a strong foundation and is often a minimum requirement for insurance and further training. Courses accredited by VTCT, ITEC, or CIBTAC are widely recognised and respected across the UK and internationally.

Best for: Beginners who want to build a solid base before specialising.

2. Level 3 Beauty Therapy Diploma (Advanced Treatments)

Once you've completed Level 2, a Level 3 Diploma allows you to offer more advanced and profitable treatments, such as:

• Electrical facial treatments

• Body massage

• Microdermabrasion

• Anatomy and physiology

• Client consultation and care

  
  

Level 3 is often required for advanced courses like laser, aesthetics, or skin rejuvenation. It also helps build your confidence and qualifies you for senior or freelance roles.

Best for: Beauty professionals ready to expand their services and prepare for high level treatments.

3. Specialist Treatment Courses

To stand out in a crowded market, it helps to specialise. Consider courses in trending or high demand treatments such as:

• Lash extensions and lash lifts

• Dermaplaning

• Microneedling

• Chemical peels

• Laser and IPL

• Semi permanent makeup (SPMU)

  
  

These courses are often short and intensive, but must be done with an accredited and insured provider. Make sure you meet the entry requirements some may require Level 3 qualifications.

Best for: Adding high value services that attract repeat clients.

4. Aesthetic Training (For Medically Qualified Professionals)

If you're medically registered (e.g. nurse, doctor, or dentist), aesthetic training in Botox, dermal fillers, and skin boosters can be incredibly rewarding. Courses in this area should be carefully chosen to ensure full compliance with UK laws and ethical standards.

Best for: Medics looking to move into or add aesthetics to their beauty business.

5. Business & Salon Management Courses

Having the technical skills is only one part of running a successful beauty business. You also need to know how to:

• Manage bookings and finances

• Understand business law and insurance

• Market your services (online and offline)

• Lead a team, if you're hiring staff

• Deliver excellent customer service

  
  

Look for accredited courses in Salon Management, Business Administration, or even short CPD certified workshops in marketing, pricing, and branding.

Some popular options include:

• Level 3 Certificate in Salon Management

• VTCT Level 4 Diploma in Management Practice

• Online business start up courses tailored to beauty professionals

  
  

Best for: Anyone planning to run or manage their own salon or freelance business.

6. Online Learning Options

If flexibility is important to you, many reputable institutions now offer online beauty courses for theory based modules or CPD (Continuing Professional Development).

These can include:

• Health & safety

• Infection control

• Business planning

• Skin science and consultation training

  
  

However, always make sure any practical training is hands on and assessed in person where required especially for treatments involving skin, tools, or electrical devices.

Best for: Busy learners looking to build knowledge alongside other commitments.

7. Courses in Marketing and Branding

A beauty business is only successful if people know about it! Courses in digital marketing, branding, Instagram for business, and SEO for beauty professionals are excellent tools to help you grow your online presence.

These skills are especially important for freelancers and mobile therapists who rely on social media and reviews to attract clients.

Best for: Building visibility and attracting ideal clients online.

Where to Find the Right Courses

Here are a few trusted options for finding accredited training in the UK:

• The International Institute of Beauty: offering accredited and career focused training

• VTCT or ITEC approved centres: for industry standard qualifications

• Habia and BABTAC: for recognised beauty CPD and guidelines

• Online learning platforms: such as The CPD Group, FutureLearn, or Skillshare (for soft business skills)

  
  

Always choose providers that are:

• Fully accredited and recognised by insurers

• Transparent about course content and outcomes

• Offering real assessments and qualified tutors

• Compliant with UK health and safety regulations

Final Thoughts: Empower Your Beauty Career with the Right Training

Launching your own beauty business is one of the most empowering moves you can make. But success comes from preparation both in your technical ability and business strategy.

Whether you’re starting with a Level 2 qualification, expanding into advanced skin treatments, or brushing up on your business skills, the right course can set you apart and give you the confidence to grow.

Start where you are, use what you have, and learn what you need. The beauty industry is full of opportunity when you’re qualified, passionate, and prepared, you’ll be ready to thrive.