In theory people are either left-brained or right-brained.  If you're mostly analytical and methodical  you are said to be left-brained. If you tend to be more creative or artistic, you're thought to be right-brained. 

Most beauticians tend to be more creative than analytical. Being a therapist requires more artistic flair than anything else, you need  to have empathy and soul and a desire to care for and pamper your client. Most colleges don’t look for a high level of attainment in Leaving Cert subjects, rather they look for candidates who have a real passion for the subject of beauty. 

If you’re the kind of person who struggles with exams, it’s a good idea to look at a course which encompasses on-going assessment. This is particularly helpful if you suffer from Dyslexia. 

Most courses cover 4 basic treatment areas: facials, tinting & waxing, nails & pedis and massage.  However, there is definitely one thing you can do before you even begin a beauty course that will help you get off to a flying start. Whilst you might have a desire to spend your day doing facials, it’s highly likely that when you go into your first job, you will be put onto nails before being allowed to do anything else.  And here’s the rub.... mastering a good nail paint is probably one of the things which students struggle with most at the beginning of their study. Inevitably it’s all about practice... so before you even commit to doing a full beauty course it’s well worth considering undertaking a nail workshop. There are plenty of 1 day courses available for as little as €75. Doing one of these workshops will not only will give you a head start, but you will also be able to earn some cash on the side and improve your skill and timing along the way. A win win! 

Whilst nails are the most difficult in terms of practical techniques , the anatomy & physiology element of the massage course is very definitely the one area that students find the most challenging. Again if exams are not your thing ..consider a course which favours on-going assessment.  

Learning about  all the muscles in the body and what they do can be quite daunting. You can make it easier on yourself by staged learning ...this way you complete the course in stages rather than having the stress of leaving everything down to 1 final examination.

So don’t be put off by the idea of further study after completing your Leaving Cert. If this is something you really want to do you will fly through it!