Defining the Beauty Businesses in Australia

Lately, there seems to be a lot of confusion when it comes to the beauty businesses in Australia. The term "beauty parlour" is rather old fashioned, yet it seems to have been used frequently by politicians and the media recently. "Beauty parlours" make up a very small fraction of beauty businesses. 

Beauty Parlour

People who own, operate and work in the general umbrella of beauty businesses, fall under the one Hair & Beauty Award, whether they are a barber, hairderesser, beautician, beauty therapist, dermal therapist, laser technician, massage therapist or nail tecnhician.  

To help avoid confusion I have put together a list of the different beauty businesses that operate in Australia. These are my personal observations as the beauty businesses vary a great deal. Beauty businesses can be any one or a mixture of the services they offer below. There are no formal clasifications, and the services various beauty businesses offer are based on the preferences of the owners and operators. 


Beauty Parlour 

Although this term has only been used recently by politicians and the media, I have seen some niche beauty businesses. These are run by beauticians and makeup artists offering spray tanning, makeup and lash extensions. Some also offer waxing services and nail enhancements. Many offer mobile services or work from home. 

Brow Bar

Brow Bar 

Niche beauty businesses run by brow specialists and beauticians offering brow waxing, tinting, and threading.


Nail Bar

Nail Bar

These businesses focus primarily on manicures, pedicures and nail enhancements, and are operated by nail technicians and beauticians. Some nail bars offer beauty services such as waxing and lash extensions.


Massage Centre

Massage Centre 

These businesses specialise in body massage, remedial massage, Swedish massage, and Thai massage. Aromatherapy and foot detox treatments may also be offered. 


Laser Clinic

Laser Clinic

They are operated by laser technicians who may or may not be beauty therapists or dermal therapists. Laser clinics are primarily offering laser, IPL, hair reduction & skin rejuvenation treatments. Some clinics also offer microdermabrasion, skin needling and peels. 


Skin Clinic

Skin Clinic 

Focusing on advanced skin treatments and dermal skin therapies including micro-needling, peels, laser, IPL, RF Radio Frequency, Ultrasound, LED treatments etc. Skin clinics employ suitably qualified beauty therapist, dermal therapists and laser technicians.  


Beauty Salon

Beauty Salon 

In a traditional setting, beauty salons were the one-stop-shop for all beauty services. Employing beauticians, beauty therapists, dermal therapists and laser technicians offering a variety of services including facials, waxing, massage, tinting, spray tanning, hands & feet, laser, IPL and dermal therapies. Beauty salons vary significantly in the services they offer and the professionals they employ to deliver those services. More recently, beauty salons are focusing more on advanced skin treatments and less likely to hire beauticians. 


Day Spa

Day Spa 

Beauty business similar to beauty salon, however focussing more on wellness and body treatments offering wet room body wraps and treatments. Spa means water therapies. Some day spas are primarily focussed on the body, with pools and spas. Others are wellness and beauty centres offering all beauty treatments and body treatments such as facials and massage. Day spas mainly employ massage therapists and beauty therapists. 


Medi Spa

Medi Spa

Medi Spas vary from place to place, and many do not offer body wrap treatments or wet room body treatments. A medi spa may be a combination of a skin clinic, beauty salon and day spa offering advanced skin and body wellness treatments. Medi Spas employ mainly beauty therapists, dermal therapists and laser technicians. 


Hairdresser

Hairdresser

Hairstylists and technicians primarily offer haircutting services, hair colouring, conditioning and styling for men and women.


barber

Barber

Barbers specialise in men's haircutting & styling, scalp and facial grooming.


Hopefully, this has answered your questions about the beauty businesses in Australia.  


You may find this article helpful: What is the difference between a beautician, beauty therapist, esthetician, aesthetician and dermal therapist?


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