Estheticians undergo rigorous training to help their clients feel like a million bucks - with skin so clear it needs no filters. Continue Reading
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What are the typical responsibilities of an Esthetician?
An Esthetician would typically need to:
Estheticians typically spend their day in indoor settings in spas and salons. Good lighting, adequate ventilation, and clean surroundings are prerequisites of their work environment. Added features may be a gentle fragrance and soft instrumental music that does not disturb the calm but adds to the relaxed experience of the clients. Those who offer house calls will need to work in the client’s home or a venue of their choice.
Since Estheticians have physical contact with the clients to administer treatments and may use certain chemicals, it is advisable to use protective gear such as gloves and masks. Their work required them to remain standing for long periods.
Since spas and salons are widely available, you may find them close to where you live or commute to those farther away in the city or town you live.
Estheticians usually work full-time, around 40 hours per week, which often includes nights and weekends to accommodate clients’ needs. Longer hours are standard when you are self-employed and need to take care of administrative responsibilities.
Finding a new job might seem challenging. Estheticians can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Self-employment, part-time work and career breaks are feasible options for professionals in this field.
Estheticians are generally employed by:
Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Association for Aesthetics (IAA), are crucial for an Esthetician interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.
An accredited training program may allow you to practice treatments on mannequins before moving to live models or fellow students. You might undergo around 600-750 hours of hands-on training.
You will gain optimal benefit from your tasks outside of the classroom when they line up perfectly with your lessons inside it. You may get to hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they manage to turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.
Internships and supporting roles, such as shop assistants, can provide valuable work experience while still at school. Some schools host student-run spas. Salons and spas have entry-level positions for licensed Estheticians allowing the new hires to observe the work of experienced colleagues and gain the requisite technical knowledge and skills.
A sustained period of employment by skincare products companies that do not mandate previous experience will also give you the work experience required to land a plum job as an Esthetician.
Reading about the profession and interviewing qualified skincare professionals will prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.
Aspiring Estheticians typically complete an accredited certificate, diploma or associate degree program in cosmetology from a community college or beauty school, for which they must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Do your homework and be completely aware of the time, money and effort you need to invest before enrolling in such a program.
Over six months to a year, you will master concepts such as anatomy and physiology, skin conditions and common disorders, ingredient analysis, facials, exfoliation methods, cleansing, safe extraction practices, toning, massaging, makeup application, hair growth cycles, hair removal and waxing, safety, sanitation, sterilisation, relevant legislations and business skills through a judicious mix of classroom instructions and practical training.
Some esthetics schools offer speciality courses in wraps, Reiki, aromatherapy, lymphatic drainage, microdermabrasion, body treatment, spa therapy, advanced facial massage, laser hair removal, advanced acne treatment, theatrical makeup, tattooing, airbrushing and camouflage.
Take high school courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, psychology, sociology, communication, English, business studies and accounting.
Certification in cosmetology is a viable alternative to a diploma in the field. It demonstrates an Esthetician’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. Certification from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market, carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent, increase your chances of advancement, and allow you to become an independent consultant. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.
Candidates who are at least 16 years old and have a degree from an approved training program are eligible for basic licensure, which is typically mandatory to work as an Esthetician. Licensure usually requires an application, processing fees, written & practical examinations, along with relevant education and experience. Check with local or national esthetics organisations to determine if and how you need to obtain licensure.
In some locations, you may acquire a Master Esthetician's licence, following a training and examination procedure that depends on whether you have a basic Esthetician's licence. In addition to or after the extensive skin therapy training required for basic licensure, you will take up advanced coursework and training in microdermabrasion, laser hair removal and laser skin therapy, among other medical esthetician skills. About 1,200-1,400 hours of coursework in total will qualify you to take the Master Esthetician’s licensing exam, enabling you to work in clinical settings.
Experienced Estheticians might take courses on new skincare products and techniques to help expand their clientele and business. They can progress into managerial roles with experience and higher education or venture independently and start a new business.
As a Makeup Artist, you can work in department stores, on set with television shows or movies, or even as a celebrity makeup professional; you will use your foundation in esthetics to help your clients maintain healthy skin and recommend makeup products best suited to their skin type.
Expert Estheticians with a knack for practical communication skills and marketing products might excel in sales and add income through commissions. They may become Consultants or Salespersons representing a specific line of makeup or skincare products. Professionals in this line of work offer free makeup or tests of the products they sell in malls and other public places.
Brand Representatives promote products to other professionals, such as makeup artists or salon and spa owners. They can show and train other beauty sales teams to sell their products to customers.
Estheticians who gain expertise in niche areas, such as eyelash extensions, eyebrow tinting and spray tanning, may find jobs in local salons and with the manufacturers of those products.
You may also become a Cosmetics Buyer who attends conventions to stay abreast of the latest developments in the cosmetics industry. They are usually employed by department stores, salons, and speciality stores.
Prime positions in hotel chains, resorts and cruise ships offer a steady clientele that seeks good looks and well-being while on vacation.
Acquiring further training to become a Medical Esthetician may offer you a chance to assist dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons in treating patients with skin conditions or injuries in a clinical setting. In some locations, you may work towards earning a Master Esthetician’s licence. However, keep in mind that medical-grade chemical treatments and the use of laser equipment require physician supervision.
Combine your love for writing with your in-depth knowledge about different aspects of makeup and skin care to become a Beauty Blogger or Writer who gets paid to give beauty advice creatively.
Brand Trainers train a company’s salespeople on the most effective ways to sell their products while Beauty Educators teach and impart their skills and knowledge to other aspiring Estheticians, makeup artists and salespeople.
With requisite qualifications, you can aspire to become a Licensing Examiner who prepares and conducts the state board exams. You can also become an Inspector and ensure that salons and spas across a specific region adhere to all the essential health and safety regulations.
Candidates with the requisite knowledge, skills and relevant work experience in salon or spa services, treatments, programs and products should have the best job prospects.
Employers may require new hires to complete on-the-job training to follow professional guidelines about patient confidentiality, cleanliness and safety in the workplace.
Manufacturers and professional associations often offer continuing education (CE) to promote new products and treatments. You may attend trade shows to learn about the latest techniques, tools and products.
Since businesses prefer dual-licensed Estheticians, go back to school and earn a license in another speciality. A visible commitment to CE and staying current with cutting-edge skincare will prove your commitment to potential clients to provide the best products and services.
Since Master Estheticians are among the highest qualified professionals in the field, it is beneficial to pursue advanced training. Having acquired the requisite qualifications and licences, Medical Estheticians have a fair chance to work alongside dermatologists and plastic surgeons in higher-level positions.
Take CE courses to renew your licences periodically.
Safety First
Always ensure your workplace is well-ventilated and you have ready access to safety attire such as nitrile gloves, eye protection and hair and foot covers.
Tools of the Trade
Besides lotion, oils, masks, creams and ointments, Estheticians may also use mechanical and electrical apparatuses and devices to perform procedures.
Microdermabrasion machines, facial steamers, galvanic current machines, rotary brushes, microcurrent machines, paraffin heaters, LED light therapy machines, vacuum/spray facial machines, and electrotherapy machines are among the tools commonly used.
The World is Your Oyster
Creativity is your most incredible skill; do not be afraid to experiment with the various employment opportunities open to an Esthetician before settling on the one that suits you best. You may work as an employee or independent contractor in salons or spas or as a freelancer in the theatre, film, television and fashion industries.
If you should decide to work with an employer, check whether your paycheck will include a salary or commission. Choose to work so that you feel no heartburn at a later stage.
As a self-employed professional, you may lease space in a salon or spa or set up an independent practice in your home or commercial space, or offer mobile services and work in the client’s choice of location. Be aware of the risks that come with branching out on your own.
Keep Up the Good Work
As an artist who can make people look and feel good, you have an emotionally rewarding job that offers something unique to every client who comes to you. You will continue learning about the latest advances in skincare techniques through classes, books, trade shows, podcasts, websites, and blogs. You will also use the knowledge to increase client satisfaction.
Estheticians vs Cosmetologists
There is considerable overlap between cosmetology and esthetics in that both fields typically require licensed professionals who make clients look and feel good and have beauty at their core. Yet it is important to distinguish between the two fields.
Cosmetology is the broader field, covering diverse topics, including hair, nails, makeup and skincare treatments and can lend to a creative and artistic career. Typically working in beauty salons, cosmetologists may provide comprehensive services, such as hair shampooing, cutting, styling and texturing, nail polishing and application, waxing and facials, and lash extensions. They may also choose to specialise in hair care, skin care or nails.
On the other hand, the area of esthetics focuses on skin care through diverse techniques and products. It is suited to those who wish to make a career specialising in helping clients protect or foster healthy and beautiful skin. Typically working in spas, Estheticians provide skincare services, such as waxing, makeup application and lash extensions. You may need additional training for some areas of specialisation, while others may be a part of your general course on esthetics.
In terms of training and licensure, exclusive training in esthetics does not qualify you to deal with haircare services. However, cosmetologists can take up further training and education and acquire the requisite licensure to provide the specialised services of an Esthetician. Unlike cosmetologists, Estheticians may also opt for additional licensure that permits them to use medical treatments on clients.
Estheticians vs Medical Aestheticians
Estheticians and medical aestheticians are skincare specialists licensed in esthetics. They have job titles that closely resemble each other but typically have differences in training, work locations and the work itself. Estheticians perform cosmetic and cleaning procedures in spas, salons, fitness clubs and resorts. However, Medical aestheticians have acquired advanced training and, in some locations, a Master Esthetician’s licence to perform medical skincare procedures in clinical settings, such as hospitals and clinics, trauma centres, and reconstructive surgery and burn units. Aspiring medical estheticians must enrol in authentic and high-quality training programs.
Using their medical knowledge and technical and safety training, medical aestheticians, also known as clinical or paramedical aestheticians, help treat patients who may have suffered facial skin damage due to diverse reasons, such as burns, scars, injuries, chemotherapy, surgery or other health matters. They support patients in skin-related surgeries and treatments by guiding them in self-care and providing emotional support and motivation. Plastic surgeons and dermatologists may employ them to perform medical chemical peels with potent acids, exfoliation, microdermabrasion, laser therapy and photo facials under their expert medical supervision.
Although an Esthetician’s life is more than sharing beauty tips and bringing a smile to the client’s face, any stressful and frustrating times are worth their weight in gold because they teach you a primary business lesson - the customer is king.
Educate and inform your clients of facts during your consultation. For instance, show them through a visual chart how blackheads form. Clients will appreciate the procedures and products you recommend or use when they understand their skin and its issues.
The skin is the human body’s largest organ. Facials are a crucial part of a good skin care regimen.
What do Estheticians do?
An Esthetician would typically need to:
Accredited
$42,808
