Raising Standards: How Education, Innovation, and Integrity Are Shaping the Future of Beauty

Nikki Hutchings, beauty educator, assessor and founder of Angel-Bow.

The beauty industry has undergone an extraordinary transformation over the past two decades. Once a service-based craft, it has evolved into a sophisticated, multidimensional field powered by science, education, and creativity. Few have witnessed this evolution more closely than Nikki Hutchings, whose career spans over 20 years in education, assessment, and entrepreneurship.

From the rise of skincare as a cultural phenomenon to the growing professionalisation of beauty education, Hutchings believes the industry is experiencing a pivotal shift - one that demands higher standards, stronger regulation, and a renewed focus on education.

Education at the Heart of Professional Growth

“The biggest change I’ve seen is how much the industry has grown, and how many people want to be part of it,” says Hutchings. “The interest in skincare has exploded across all age groups. Even my teenage daughters are obsessed with it.” Social media, particularly TikTok, has played a central role in this boom. But Hutchings cautions that while online platforms have made beauty more accessible, they’ve also blurred the lines between credible expertise and viral misinformation. “Young people often take what they see online as fact. As educators, it’s our job to help them understand the science and safety behind treatments.”

In her role as an educator and assessor, Hutchings has seen education demand skyrocket. “When I started teaching, classes had about ten students. Now we have over thirty, and courses are oversubscribed,” she explains. “It’s wonderful to see such passion, but it’s also important to remind people that this is a serious, technical profession.

Beauty therapy involves anatomy, physiology, and science. It’s not just about painting nails.”

Hutchings also notes a shift in ambition. More students than ever aspire to run their own businesses, a trend that she believes should be reflected in formal qualifications. “We should be teaching entrepreneurship as part of beauty education, how to manage clients, handle finance, and build a brand. Those skills are essential for success.” For Hutchings, the drive to improve standards extends beyond the classroom, it’s what inspired her own brand, Angel-Bow.

Angel-Bow: Bringing Style and Function to Professional Beauty

Hutchings’ entrepreneurial journey began in the classroom. “Students often complained that their uniforms were uncomfortable or outdated,” she recalls. “They wanted something they could wear proudly, something professional but still stylish.”

That feedback sparked the creation of Angel-Bow, a salon-wear brand launched in 2022. “I started researching and couldn’t find any modern alternatives. Everything looked the same as it had for years. So I began sketching designs myself.” After testing samples with manufacturers across the UK and abroad, Hutchings found a production partner who could bring her vision to life. Angel-Bow quickly gained attention for its contemporary designs that balance comfort, professionalism, and style.

“I wanted to create uniforms that reflect how modern beauty therapists see themselves - confident, skilled, and fashion-aware,”

She says. “When I visit colleges now, I don’t just talk about the uniforms. I talk about how to run your own business, how to stand out, and how to present yourself as a professional.”

Towards a More Regulated and Respected Industry

Looking ahead, Hutchings sees both opportunity and urgency. While the beauty industry continues to grow, she warns that its popularity has also led to a proliferation of unregulated short courses and underqualified practitioners. “Fast-track courses that promise advanced skills in weeks risk undermining the professionalism of our field,” she says. “It’s not just a concern for clients but for the reputation of our entire industry.” She believes stricter regulations and nationally recognised qualifications are essential. “Education must be Ofqual-regulated. We need to protect both practitioners and the public.

Those of us who have studied and worked for years to reach this level want to see the profession treated with the respect it deserves.”

Despite these challenges, Hutchings remains optimistic about the future. “I think the standards will get stricter, and that’s a good thing,” she says. “Beauty will keep growing, but in a safer, more professional, and more credible way.”

About Nikki Hutchings

Nikki Hutchings is a UK-based beauty educator, assessor, and entrepreneur with more than 20 years’ experience in professional education and salon management. She is the founder of Angel-Bow, a modern salon-wear brand designed to combine professionalism with style. Passionate about raising industry standards, Hutchings advocates for stronger regulation and business education across the beauty industry.