Spa therapist

Spa therapists provide a wide range of beauty treatments and health therapies which focus on the therapeutic (healing) effects of water. They work in health and beauty centres or spas – which can be day spas, or within hotels, health hydros, holiday resorts or on cruise ships.

Work activities

Spa therapists provide a wide range of beauty treatments and health therapies which focus on the therapeutic effects of water. Something is said to be therapeutic for a person if it is part of a healing process, or if it has a good effect on their body or mind, giving them a sense of well-being. Spa therapists work in spas and health and beauty centres. Spas range from day spas to those in hotels, health farms, holiday resorts or on cruise ships.

Spas are often part of a wider range of health and fitness facilities. Some of the therapies and treatments include:

• Hydrotherapy - involves moving and exercising in water.
• Flotation - weightless floating in either a pool or tank.
• Jacuzzi - a whirlpool tub with underwater jets that massage the body.
• Steam baths and saunas.
• Salt or sea-water pools.
• Mud chambers or applying mud to the body.
• Using warm, dry or moist air to heat up the body.
• Applying salt crystals to exfoliate the body (peel off dead skin).
• Applying oils and creams to hydrate or moisturise the skin.
• Body wraps, scrubs and masks.
• Facials, manicures and pedicures.
• Hot stone therapy.
• Massage.

Spa therapists first find out from the client what type of treatment they want. The client fills out a health questionnaire and they discuss any relevant medical issues the client might have. The spa therapist then explains what the treatment involves and its benefits. Treatments take place in individual rooms, cubicles or wet rooms/areas - which are kept warm and clean. Clients normally wear robes or swimwear. After the treatment, they discuss aftercare and suggest suitable spa products that the client might wish to buy, to maximise the benefits of their treatment.

• Preparing, cleaning and maintaining the spa environment and facilities.
• Setting up, monitoring and shutting down water, temperature and spa facilities.
• Maintaining a supply of stock in the treatment rooms.
• Selling spa products and possibly handling cash and taking enquiries or bookings.

Personal qualities and skills

As a spa therapist, you need:

• The ability to put clients at ease and create a relaxing environment.
• Good communication skills, to explain treatments to clients.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• A sympathetic and caring attitude.
• The ability to work as part of a team.
• A neat and tidy appearance.
• To be aware of health and safety requirements.
• Stamina - you could be on your feet all day.
• To pay attention to detail.
• A confident and calm personality.
• To be highly dextrous.

Pay and opportunities  

The pay rates given are approximate. Spa therapists start on £16,000, rising to £25,000 with experience. Possible benefits might include free meals and uniform. Spa therapist salaries can be boosted by commission on products sold, and by tips.

Spa therapists work up to 37-40 hours a week, which can include working weekends. Late finishes on one or two evenings a week might also be required. Spa therapists who work in hotels or resorts might be offered live-in accommodation.

Employers include spa centres, luxury hotels, health hydros and day spas. Other work might be available in high-street salons, where spa and associated beauty treatments are offered.

Opportunities occur for experienced spa therapists to work as self-employed, freelance therapists, either as a consultant or as the owner of a spa, though this can require substantial initial investment.

What’s happening in this work area?

This is a fast-growing industry with many opportunities for employment. Spa therapists can develop their career in a number of ways. In addition to offering spa treatments, they can broaden their skills to include beauty therapy procedures such as manicure/pedicure, or specialise in complementary therapies, such as aromatherapy or reflexology. They could also take on lecturing roles or progress to supervisory/management posts.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local/national newspapers and trade industry magazines, on job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job and Find an Apprenticeship services. Vacancies can also be found on the websites of spa centres, large hotels, health farms and cruise companies.

Entry routes and training

A level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship in the role of wellbeing and holistic therapist could be a good way into this career path. Whether or not you take an apprenticeship, training involves learning how to give massage and spa treatments, how to use spa equipment and facilities, health and safety issues, and business and selling skills. You’ll also learn about human anatomy and physiology. You will learn how to assess clients’ needs and provide clear recommendations to them. Some courses lead to diplomas or certificates from awarding bodies such as:

• City & Guilds.
• Confederation of International Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (CIBTAC).
• ITEC (formerly known as the International Therapy Examination Council).
• Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT).

New therapies, techniques and products are being introduced all the time, so you need to be prepared to keep your skills up to date with Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Many suppliers of spa therapy products, preparations and equipment also offer short courses in the use of their products.

Spa therapists with beauty therapy qualifications might progress to broader beauty therapy work. Foundation degrees in subjects such as spa management are also available. A few universities offer degrees in spa management at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Qualifications

To get onto an advanced apprenticeship, you’ll usually need English and maths GCSEs at grades 9-4.

For progression to a relevant higher education (HE) qualification such as a foundation degree, the usual requirement is:

• One to two A-levels.
• GCSEs at grades 9-4 in 4 subjects.

For entry to a degree course, the usual minimum requirement is:

• Two to three A-levels.
• GCSEs at grades 9-4 in two to three other subjects.

Alternatives to A-levels include:

• Edexcel (BTEC) Level 3 National qualifications.
• International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.

However, course requirements vary so check prospectuses carefully.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

A background in hospitality/customer service is useful.

Colleges will usually consider applications from candidates who don’t meet their usual entry requirements. You should check the admissions policy of individual colleges. Other relevant courses in spa therapies, beauty subjects and complementary therapies, at various levels, are widely available. These are often run as short courses, over a few days, or by evening attendance. Spa product manufacturers sometimes offer short courses in the use of their particular products.

Related careers

• Aromatherapist
• Beauty consultant
• Beauty therapist
• Nail technician
• Reflexologist