A hair and beauty educator is a skilled professional who trains and mentors aspiring hairdressers, beauty therapists, and makeup artists. Working in beauty academies, registered training organisations (RTOs), or as private trainers, they share their industry expertise to develop the next generation of professionals. By combining technical skills with teaching strategies, hair and beauty educators play a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry while ensuring students meet industry standards and expectations.
RACHEL GREENWOOD
Beauty Therapy Educator.
The French Beauty Academy,
Adelaide Campus
INDUSTRY ICON
Rachel is a dedicated beauty therapist and educator whose passion for teaching began in childhood. After starting her career in pharmacy, she transitioned into beauty therapy, quickly advancing into leadership roles and gaining international experience in the UK.
Inspired by an educator during her training, Rachel returned to New Zealand to pursue teaching qualifications. She now brings her industry knowledge, empathy, and strong communication skills to her role at The French Beauty Academy, where she supports Certificate & Diploma level students.
Renowned for her student-centered approach, Rachel remains committed to professional development and industry relevance. Her advice to aspiring educators: come prepared, stay passionate, and always care deeply about student success.
Details
What Does a Hair and Beauty Educator Do?
Hair and beauty educators deliver structured training programmes that provide students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in hairdressing, beauty therapy, and makeup artistry. They guide students through hands-on learning experiences, ensuring they gain the confidence and technical ability to succeed in the industry.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and deliver lesson plans based on accredited training packages and non-accredited training.
- Provide hands-on demonstrations in hairdressing, skincare, makeup, waxing, massage, or other specialised services.
- Assess students’ technical skills and provide constructive feedback.
- Stay updated with industry trends, new techniques, and regulatory changes.
- Support students in preparing for real-world hairdressing salon and beauty industry environments.
- Assist with curriculum development to ensure course relevance and alignment with industry standards.
- Maintain compliance with Registered Training Organisations and vocational education training (VET) guidelines.
- Engage with industry professionals and employers to create work placement opportunities for students.
Work Environments:
Hair and beauty educators work in a variety of professional training settings, including:
Beauty & Hairdressing Academies:
Teaching Advanced Diploma, Diploma and Certificate-level programmes.
Registered Training Organisations (RTOs):
Delivering accredited courses in vocational education.
TAFE & Higher Education Institutions:
Lecturing in advanced beauty and hairdressing programmes.
Salon & Spa Training Programs:
Providing in-house staff development for salons and spas.
Private Coaching & Online Education:
Offering workshops, masterclasses, and digital training.
Skills & Qualifications
Skills required:
Technical Expertise in Hair or Beauty Services:
Strong hairdressing, beauty therapy, or makeup artistry background.
Teaching & Communication Skills:
Ability to explain complex techniques clearly and engage learners.
Patience & Mentorship Ability:
Encouraging student development and career progression.
Knowledge of Industry Standards & Regulations:
Ensuring students are trained to meet professional requirements.
Adaptability & Innovation:
Using modern teaching methods, including online learning tools.
Qualifications required:
To become a hair and beauty educator, professionals typically need:
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
(TAE40122) (Required for delivering accredited VET courses in Australia)
Certificate III or IV in Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, or Makeup
(Relevant to the area of expertise)
Diploma of Beauty Therapy
(For educators specialising in beauty and spa treatments)
Advanced Industry Certifications
(Such as laser and dermal therapy for educators in medical aesthetics)
Workplace Training & Assessment Experience
(Preferred for senior education roles)
Career Growth & Opportunities
Hair and Beauty Therapists can expand their careers by:
Becoming a Head Trainer or Course Coordinator:
Overseeing training programmes and managing curriculum development.
Developing Online Courses & Masterclasses:
Expanding into digital education and e-learning platforms.
Salon & Spa Consulting:
Training salons, spas, and beauty businesses.
Transitioning into RTO Management:
Moving into leadership roles within vocational training organisations.
International Education & Industry Training:
Teaching at global beauty academies or working with major brands in training and product development.