Aromatherapist

Career path and progression

You would usually be self-employed or you might do this as a second career, fitting it around your other commitments.

With further training, you could offer extra treatments, like reflexology or massage, to attract more clients and increase your income.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• excellent verbal communication skills
• active listening skills
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to work well with your hands
• customer service skills
• a desire to help people
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to sell products and services
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• have insurance
• pass enhanced background checks

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Biology - Aromatherapists need to understand human anatomy and physiology to perform massage treatments safely and effectively. They also take details of clients' medical histories and need to recognise when to refer someone to their GP, which requires knowledge of how the body works.
• Chemistry - Aromatherapists select, blend, and apply essential oils, which are complex chemical compounds extracted from plants. Understanding how different substances interact, and how they are absorbed by the body, helps them create safe and effective blends for each client.
• Psychology - Aromatherapists work closely with clients to understand their emotional wellbeing and relieve stress. Knowledge of how the mind and body are connected, and how people respond to different sensory experiences, helps them tailor treatments to each individual's needs.
• Business - Aromatherapists are usually self-employed, so they need to manage their own finances, market their services, and build a client base. Understanding how to price treatments, sell products, and run a small business is essential for making a living in this career.

Also relevant

• Food Preparation and Nutrition - Aromatherapists take details of their clients' diet and lifestyle as part of their consultations. Understanding nutrition and how diet affects overall health and wellbeing helps them give more informed advice alongside their treatments.
• Physical Education - Aromatherapists apply oils through massage, which requires an understanding of how muscles, joints, and soft tissues work during movement and relaxation. Knowledge of the body's physical responses to touch and exercise supports effective hands-on treatment.
• English Language - Aromatherapists need strong communication skills to explain treatments clearly, listen carefully to clients' concerns, and keep accurate written records of the oils and blends they use. Building trust with clients depends on being able to communicate with warmth and clarity.
• Sociology - Aromatherapists work with people from diverse backgrounds and need to be sensitive to different cultural attitudes towards health, wellbeing, and touch. Understanding how social factors influence people's stress levels and lifestyle choices helps them provide more thoughtful, client-centred care.