A guide to aesthetics qualifications and starting a practice

So, you’re thinking about moving into the world of aesthetics.

It’s a booming industry. In 2023, it was valued at over £45bn globally. There’s never been a better time to open an aesthetics practice.

But, like many things, it’s easier said than done.

Depending on what treatments you want to offer, and the business goals you have, setting up an aesthetics practice can be a long and difficult process.

This whistle-stop tour should give you somewhere to start. Because knowing how to become an aesthetician in the UK isn’t easy, with so many training providers, governing bodies, and sources of info out there.

The basics

To start, let’s take a look at the basics of setting up your own aesthetics practice.

Like any other business, there are a lot of up-front costs you’ll need to deal with. And a lot of work that needs to be done before you can start treating clients.

Here’s a quick rundown:

• Equipment and supplies – these are all the things you need to actually provide treatments. As well as your PPE, stationary, and all the other everyday stuff.
• Training and qualifications – we’ll cover what qualifications you need later, but these will cost you a fair amount, depending on what kinds of treatment you want to offer.
• Insurance – like your training and qualifications, we’ll cover this in detail later. But it’s a must-have.
• Company set-up – getting your company registered and ready to go. You’ll need to do this even if you’re a sole trader.
• Accountancy fees – you don’t have to use an accountant but it will save you a lot of hassle and money, especially if you’ve not run a business before.
• Branding – your logo, company name, fonts, colours, and designs.
• Website – in this day and age, every company needs a good website. Especially if you plan to allow clients to book treatments and pay online.
• Premises – renting or buying your premises and setting it up, ready to greet clients.
• Marketing – you’ll need to get the word out about your business somehow, whether it’s online, in the local paper, or handing out flyers.
• Utilities – gotta keep the lights on.
• Staff – even if you plan to start out solo, you’ll need to consider getting some extra staff onboard as you grow.

Cost considerations

And that’s just for starters.

All this could cost you anywhere from £10,000 to over £40,000. Depending on your budget, business goals, location, and more.

Whatever your situation, starting an aesthetics business isn’t going to be cheap.

Teaming up with another practitioner can soften the blow when you’re starting out. The government can also help out with start-up loans, grants, schemes, and initiatives. At local and national level, there are plenty of opportunities that new businesses can and should take advantage of.

The main thing is to do your research before getting started.

We won’t be covering every part of this list in this blog. But we will be focusing on some of the most important areas: qualifications, training, insurance, and aesthetics regulations.

Do I need training and qualifications to practice aesthetics in the UK?

Before we dive into what training and aesthetics qualifications you’ll need, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. As of July 2024, there are no legal requirements in the UK to administer non-surgical cosmetic and aesthetic treatments.

It’s something the government are actively looking at. And it’s expected that regulation is only a matter of time.

Many of the most prominent governing bodies have already suggested regulatory frameworks the government could follow. These include:

• Health Education England (HEE)
• Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP)
• College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM)
• British Association of Cosmetic Nurses (BACN).

These are worth looking at, as they’ll probably form the basis for any regulation that’ll follow.

Despite there being no legal requirements, all these governing bodies in the UK strongly recommend a certain level of aesthetics qualifications before administering treatments.

Not to mention, the many moral arguments around administering potentially dangerous treatments without being properly qualified.

So, with that out of the way, let’s take a closer look at the recommended qualifications you’ll need.

What training and aesthetics qualifications do I need in the UK?

This is arguably the most important question you need to answer before delving into the world of running an aesthetics business.

Aesthetics training and qualifications can be complex. There are so many training providers, courses, governing bodies, and guidelines to consider.

Plus, depending on the treatments you want to offer, and whether you come from a medical or non-medical background, your requirements will change.

If you’re looking to focus on non-medical treatments, like microneedling and chemical peels, you’ll need:

• Level 2, 3, and 4 beauty therapy qualifications in each treatment you plan to administer.

Want to branch out and offer non-surgical, medical treatments, like Botox, dermal filler, and laser? Your requirements get a bit more complicated:

• Level 7 diploma in Clinical Aesthetic Therapies/Post-graduate diploma in aesthetics medicine/treatments
• Level 6 qualification (typically a Bachelor’s degree in a healthcare field)
• Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), General Dental Council (GDC), or General Medical Council (GMC)
• Recommended three years’ experience working in general healthcare.

These qualifications are especially important if you plan on owning your own aesthetics practice. They make sure you can complete your treatments safely. And many insurers will also require you to have these kind of qualifications and experience before they’d agree to cover you.

Speaking of Botox…

It’s worth diving a bit deeper into Botox regulations. The government estimates that around 900,000 Botox injections are carried out every year in the UK.

As well as being an incredibly popular cosmetic treatment, it can be used to treat migraines, excessive sweating, and some bladder disorders.

It’s also very dangerous if not administered properly.

Like other aesthetics treatments, there are currently no legal requirements in the UK when it comes to administering Botox. As we’ve said, though, this is probably going to change in the short-term.

However, unlike other aesthetics treatments, Botox can only be acquired through a prescription. These prescriptions are strictly controlled and can only be given by doctors, nurse prescribers, dentists, or a prescribing pharmacist.

As such, it’s common for aestheticians to partner with medical professionals who can prescribe Botox on their behalf.

How to become a Botox prescriber

Wondering how to become a prescriber for Botox? You’ll need to complete a V300 advanced non-medical prescribing course. Loads of universities and teaching hospitals offer this course.

Buckle up, though, because it’s not for the faint of heart. You’ll need to meet the following requirements to even be able to take the course:

• Registered for 12 months with the NMC
• Registered with The Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Have completed your level 7 diploma
• Have appropriate background knowledge of anatomy/physiology (this is a separate course, equivalent to a Year 3 nursing degree).

On top of this, almost all universities that offer this qualification won’t take applications from aestheticians. You have to be actively working in a medical field, with an employer that will provide extensive supporting evidence, before you can start the course.

So, this route isn’t really viable for you unless you’ve been working in a medical field before starting your aesthetics practice.

What insurance do I need to start my aesthetics practice?

Having the right insurance is a vital part of starting your aesthetics practice.

Not only does it protect you and your business when something goes wrong, it’s also a requirement if you want to be registered with any of the governing bodies we’ve mentioned here.

For example, the NMC requires you to have a certain level of professional indemnity cover in place before you can be registered with them.

Now that we’ve mentioned professional indemnity insurance, let’s cover that first.

Typically, you’ll see this called medical malpractice insurance (or 'treatment and professional liability insurance' if you're a non-medic). It’s a type of insurance that covers you for bodily injury, illness, or death of clients caused by your negligence.

It also covers you for breach of care, confidentiality, or dishonesty.

As an aesthetician, any treatment you administer can go wrong if you make a mistake. Especially if you opt for non-surgical, medical treatments.

Your medical malpractice insurance will pay for a specialist lawyer to defend you, sort out any legal costs, and cover compensation you might owe.

It’s pretty clear why governing bodies like the NMC require their members to have it.

Outside of this, you’ll also want to have public liability insurance. This will protect you when someone is injured, or their property is damaged, on your premises. You’ll also be covered if you damage your clients’ property while you’re visiting their homes.

If it’s found to be your fault, it pays your legal costs and compensation.

Finally, if you have employees, you’ll need employers' liability (EL) by law. EL protects you when an employee is injured or gets ill at work, and your business is at fault. Again, it’ll sort out any legal fees and compensation you might owe.

A lot to take in

If you’re thinking of getting into the world of aesthetics, you’re in for a journey.

We’ve only scratched the surface in this blog. But hopefully it gives you an overview of what you can expect.

As well as all the challenges of starting a new business, being an aesthetician in 2024 is about being properly qualified and preparing for the future of the industry.

Your top priority should be your client’s safety and satisfaction. Operating safely, being part of a recognised governing body, and staying up to date with the regulations is all a part of what it means to run an aesthetics practice.

Have any other questions? Or want to chat to us about your aesthetics insurance? Give us a call on 0345 222 5391.

Image used under license from Shutterstock.