BEAUTY & WELLNESS
This field is excellent for those with a passionate desire to help people look and feel great.
ACUPUNCTURIST
An acupuncturist is a complementary health practitioner who treats patients for a variety of disorders by inserting fine needles at certain points in the body to relieve specific symptoms.
The needles stimulate the central nervous system which, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord and brain.
A Western form of acupuncture, derived from the ancient Chinese version, is increasingly being used as a complementary treatment, particularly in pain management.
››EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
English, maths and life sciences or biology are key matric subjects needed when applying to study for a degree.
The University of Johannesburg and the University of the Western Cape both have schools of natural medicine, which offer bachelor’s degrees in complementary health sciences and complementary medicine.
These studies include four disciplines of natural medicine – Chinese medicine and acupuncture, naturopathy, phytotherapy (Western herbal medicine) and unani tibb medicine (Perso-Arabic traditional medicine).
Graduates can register with the Allied Health Professions Council of SA and the Board of Healthcare Funders to obtain a practice number.
››STARTING SALARY
R256 000 a year
MASSAGE THERAPIST
There are three types of massage in this field – remedial massage, to assist with healing areas of the body affected by injury or illness; relaxation massage, to relieve tension and improve circulation and range of movement; and sports massage, to enhance sports performance and recuperation, and to prevent injury.
››EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Biology, mathematics, and physical sciences are key subjects in your matric year.
National diploma in somatology courses are available at various SA universities for training as a therapeutic massage therapist, and accredited training courses are available at TVET colleges.
To practise therapeutic massage therapy in SA, graduates have to be registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of SA.
››STARTING SALARY
R220 000 a year
MAKEUP ARTIST
The human body is the canvas of choice for makeup artists, who style hair and apply makeup for people appearing on stage, in film and on TV and for models for photoshoots and fashion shows.
Their job is to accurately interpret their clients’ requirements, which can be anything from a straightforward makeup application for a TV presenter to more complex makeup that includes designing wigs, beards, masks and prosthetics for film, TV or theatre productions.
››EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
There are no specific matric subjects needed to study in this industry but visual arts and drama can be useful.
TVET colleges and universities of technology offer courses in makeup. If you plan to specialise, additional training will be needed, either on the job in a specific industry such as fashion or film, or at a college.
››STARTING SALARY
R104 000 a year
AESTHETICIAN
This is a skincare expert whose expertise includes performing facials, facial massages, chemical peels, eyebrow tinting and hair removal in addition to makeup application.
Medical aestheticians are doctors who have a specialist qualification in aesthetic medicine and can perform filler procedures, chemical peels, leg vein treatment and hair-rejuvenation procedures, among others.
››EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Matric subjects such as biology and life sciences are an advantage.
Various TVET colleges and universities of technology offer courses.
An advanced diploma in aesthetic medicine is available for medical doctors registered with the Health Professions Council of SA who want to be medical aestheticians.
››STARTING SALARY
R136 600 a year
ORAL HYGIENIST
Oral hygienists focus on prevention of oral disease and maintenance of good oral hygiene. They can work in private practice, schools, academia, community health centres and many other settings.
››EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Your matric subjects must include English, mathematics and physical sciences or life sciences.
You’ll need a Bachelor of Oral Health Sciences degree. Once qualified, you must register with the Health Professions Council of SA .
››STARTING SALARY
R300 000 a year