To mark International Women's Day (March 8) aesthetic insurance provider Hamilton Fraser launched a guide exploring all the ways the aesthetics industry can support women.
The guide estimates that 78% of practitioners in the UK's aesthetics sector are female, a number that is even higher when it comes to the beauty and wellbeing side of the market (87%).
With the sector reaching a market value of £3.2 billion with an 8.4% annual growth rate (ONS Healthcare Services Index, 2024), women are leading the way, building successful businesses and claiming their place as innovators in the field.
According to research, women are generally less likely to openly discuss or "shout about" their successes compared to men, often due to societal expectations of modesty and a fear of being perceived as arrogant if they self-promote too much; this can lead to underplaying their achievements and potentially hindering career advancement opportunities.
According to a National Bureau of Economic Research working paper, women consistently rated their performance on a test lower than men, even though both groups had the same average score.
Where men, on average, gave themselves a 61 out of 100, women gave themselves a 46 out of 100.
To buck that trend, women in aesthetics shared their successes in the guide, including aesthetic nurse Nina Prisk, aesthetic doctors Dr Anna Hemming, Dr Mayoni Gooneratne, Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme and Dr Sophie Shotter.
Dr Catherine Fairris, president of BCAM, and Dr Mei Yeoh, inventor of the Precision32 microcannula, also commented.
Women supporting women
Vanessa Bird, The Aesthetic Consultant and a member of Women in Aesthetic Medicine (WIAM) is thankful for the support of other women in the aesthetics space.
She says, “I would say I find the women in our industry to be incredibly supportive in every way possible and for me, International Women's Day is a great opportunity to thank them all.
"They have been very generous with their advice, guidance and support, which has helped me grow and develop my business.
“They are so friendly and welcoming, which is much appreciated when you’re a one-woman business and travelling to events and conferences.
"I never feel alone, thanks to this amazing network.
"They continually educate me and teach me new things about our industry, which keeps me engaged and up to date.
"I have the best circle of women here in the UK and abroad who I truly value as professional colleagues and friends.”
Award-winning nurse practitioner Tracey Dennison, who is also a member of WIAM, agrees; she adds, “In the world of medical aesthetics, women supporting women is our greatest strength.
"By cheerleading each other, sharing best practices, and problem-solving together, we create a culture of growth, confidence, and excellence.
"When we lift each other up, we all rise."
