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Fashion & Beauty

From snapping pics to creating the next must-have lipstick, there are endless cool ways to break into the fashion and beauty world.

👚 What is fashion and beauty?

Fashion and beauty is all about creating, styling and looking your best. It’s big business too, with endless jobs for trendsetters and innovators who want to make their mark.

Need more info? Ask an Apprentice

Considering an apprenticeship in this area of work? Or just unsure about uni? Our Ask an Apprentice community is made for you! Be mentored and chat with real apprentices, get application tips, and ask all your burning questions through our new platform.

What jobs can I do?

Beauty therapist

Helps clients feel fab with facials, massages and waxing. Some get into aromatherapy, using essential oils to create a chill vibe.

Cosmetic chemist

Science meets beauty. Cosmetic chemists create and improve makeup, skincare and perfumes. They’re behind that perfect foundation or long-lasting lip colour.

Dressmaker

Creates unique, made-to-order clothes like wedding dresses or festival fits. Dressmakers turn fabric into something one-of-a-kind.

Fashion designer

Turns inspiration into styles you actually want to wear. Fashion designers work on everything from high-street looks to luxury pieces.

Fashion journalist

Keeps you in the know about what’s trending. Fashion journalists write for magazines, websites and blogs about the latest looks and hot takes.

Fashion photographer

Makes fashion look fire through stunning images. They shoot everything from runway shows to editorial spreads, turning clothes into art.

Fashion PR officer

Creates hype for brands and keeps them in the public eye. Fashion PR pros know how to get everyone talking.

Hairdresser

Cuts, colours and styles hair to help people express themselves. Hairdressers can work in salons, on sets or run their own business.

Makeup artist

Turns faces into masterpieces. Makeup artists work on shoots, runways or even theatre, creating everything from glam looks to movie makeup magic.

Model

Models are the faces of fashion, from runway to Instagram shoots. They make the clothes come alive.

Spa therapist

Helps clients relax with massages and treatments in luxury spas. Spa therapists know how to create the perfect chill-out experience.

What are the top skills?

💬 Communication

Essential for making clients happy and collaborating on big projects. It’s all about getting your message across.

🖌️ Creativity

Helps you bring new styles and solutions to life. Fashion and beauty are all about standing out.

📞 Customer service

Keeps clients coming back. Whether in a salon or retail, great service makes all the difference.

😊 People skills

Fashion and beauty is about connecting with clients and teammates. Good vibes matter.

🧑🏾‍🤝‍🧑🏽 Teamwork

Working with others is key, whether you’re backstage at a show or in a salon. Collaboration makes everything better – and easier!

How can I start a career in fashion and beauty?

🛠️ What apprenticeships can I do?

Get paid to learn through apprenticeships like advanced beauty therapist (level 3) or hairdressing professional (level 2). Hands-on experience can really pay off.

🎓 Is uni an option?

Uni’s a good choice for jobs like fashion design, journalism, or cosmetic science. It gives you skills and makes your CV stand out.

📜 Are professional certifications available?

Yep! Get certified through groups like the Chartered Society of Designers or the National Association of Screen Make-up Artists. It helps you level up in the industry.

⭐ How can I stand out?

Start a TikTok, Insta or blog to show off your skills. Competitions like the Young Fashion Designer Awards are also great for getting noticed.

What qualifications can I get?

What degree options do I have?

Degrees like fashion design, journalism or cosmetic science mix creative projects with theory. They’re perfect for building a portfolio and boosting your career.

What qualifications can I get through a fashion and beauty apprenticeship?

With a fashion and beauty apprenticeship, you can earn qualifications like level 2 and 3 diplomas in beauty therapy, hairdressing and nail services.

5 fun facts you didn’t know

Brits spent £63 billion on clothes in 2023

That was an increase of £5 billion on 2022. The figure is going up every year, although there was a blip during the pandemic.

David Beckham pays $6k for a trim

When he became the face of Brylcreem, Becks paid $6,000 for the perfect do.

Kurt Cobain’s jeans were sold for £332k!

In 2023, a pair of blue denim jeans formerly belonging to Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain went for £332,166 at auction!

Second-hand is in!

More and more people are going second hand as more of us try to be eco-friendly while savings £££s. Two in five items in a Gen Zer’s closet are used!

The average Brit owns 118 items of clothing

Yes, that includes your pants and socks! And we tend to keep each item of clothing for about four years.

Need more info? Ask an Apprentice

Considering an apprenticeship in this area of work? Or just unsure about uni? Our Ask an Apprentice community is made for you! Be mentored and chat with real apprentices, get application tips, and ask all your burning questions through our new platform.