Beauty and wellness degrees

What beauty and wellness degrees have in common

Almost all of them revolve around how people look and feel. You work with people, so listening to them and understanding what they need is part of the trade.

These are degrees where you learn by doing. There is theory, but most of the time you practice with your hands or with your body: applying a product, working on a haircut, guiding a posture or a breathing exercise. Also, listening and explaining well matter as much as technique.

They fall into two worlds. Some deal with image and aesthetic care, such as cosmetology and hairdressing. Others focus on the body and relaxation, such as Pilates and yoga, which can also be taught. The degree and how you study it vary from one institution to another and from one country to another, so check each program before enrolling.

How to choose among them

Notice what you do when no one asks you to. For example, fixing your friends' hair or makeup, taking care of your skin, doing yoga or stretching, or helping other people feel better. Those interests say more than the name of any degree in the field.

Then ask yourself whether you prefer caring for people's image or supporting their physical well-being, and whether you see yourself practicing it or teaching it. Someone who enjoys explaining may feel more at home in the Yoga Teaching degree than in a beauty salon.

Another clue is how you feel about direct contact: some of these degrees involve spending many hours with one person, listening to them and adapting to what they need. If you prefer working alone, keep that in mind when choosing.

If you are torn between two, compare the subjects and admission requirements of each. Between Pilates and Yoga, for example, see whether you are drawn more to movement and posture or to breathing and calm. And the career test shows you which degrees resemble you most.