Successful Career Tips for an Esthetician

Estheticians are the first line of defense when it comes to keep clients’ skin healthy, glowing, and beautiful. Also appropriately known as “skin care therapists”, estheticians are the experts you can turn to in order to help decide which skin care approach is best for you. Estheticians are a vital part of more than just the beauty industry -- they are cornerstones of health and wellness for millions of people in communities all over the world, and we turn to their expertise for all things skin-related. If you're thinking about making a career out of this important work, look no further: we hope this blog will help you understand the world of skincare and how important having a skin care therapist is for so many people.

Why do I need esthetician training?

It is estimated the skincare industry is worth $121 billion globally and will continue to climb as people live longer. Aspiring skin care therapists need to be trained at an accredited school in order to receive their license. Training programs for estheticians focus on a variety of services that are offered to clients.

• Facials
• Acne Treatments
• Microdermabrasion
• Chemical Peels
• Body Wraps
• Masks and Scrubs
• Hair removal and waxing

If you're thinking about working in this field, this is just a fraction of the services offered by many estheticians. Keep in mind that success in this field hinges on the ability to be flexible and able to meet any and all of your client's needs.

What are some esthetician programs I can enroll in?

For the vast majority of America, estheticians must be trained and licensed in the state in which they work. Connecticut is the only state that currently does not have a licensing requirement. Many esthetics programs are available through vocational colleges and cosmetology schools. On average these programs will consist of 600 hours of coursework and hands-on training in order to meet state licensing requirements. The required hours may change, however, on a state-by-state basis.

In an esthetics program, students are introduced to the practical and theoretical study of skin histology. Coursework will also cover the business, ethics, and standards for the skincare industry. There are plenty of esthetician programs in colleges across the country, but some of the most popular are:

• American National College
• Paul Mitchell Schools
• Aveda Institutes
• Milan Institute
• Empire Beauty Schools

Most of these schools have locations across the nation and are very reputable within the industry. Be sure to check locally for any schools offering esthetics programs in your area to find more information.

What equipment does an esthetician need?

With the variety of services offered it's important for an esthetician to be well-equipped and ready to meet a client's demands.Equipment can be expensive, so it's important to establish a budget before venturing out and purchasing items. Not to mention, purchasing old and outdated items might harm your business more than help. Be sure to look for items that are reliable as well as versatile (we offer excellent deals on items such as facial chairs, tables, and magnifying lamps). But the treatment room needs more equipment then just those few things -- here's a list of what an esthetician needs most:

Disposables such as:

• Cotton Balls
• Cotton-tipped applicators
• Nitrile Gloves
• Aesthetic Wipes
• Wax Strips
• Table Paper
• Bikini Waxing panties (disposable)

Handheld Items such as:

• Bowls, Jars, and Containers
• Brushes
• Face and body towels, blankets and sheets
• Tweezers, brow scissors, and extraction tools
• Fan (handheld)
• Disposables receptacle

Larger items such as:

• UV sterilizer
• Facial Steamer
• Magnifying Lamp
• Wax Heater
• Microdermabrasion machine
• Sonic cleansing brush
• Facial Chair/table
• Stool
• Cabinets

When first starting out, it's important to look for economical items. Purchasing a multifunction machine will help with various treatments (even some you may not be familiar with yet) and are well worth the money. Multifunction machines can be purchased for under $1000 and can save you time and energy in the future.

How can I build my clientele?

A connection is fundamental when building a solid clientele base. As a service provider, the esthetician must know how and when to respond to client cues and quirks. It's important to know what your client expects and deliver those expectations. This is a give-and-take process and will take a very long time to build a solid base, but practice makes perfect.

Getting to know your clients may be the hardest part of the job, which is why it's important to know as much information as possible before you perform any treatments on your clients. One way to obtain this information is by having a detailed client intake form for new clients.

Social media has had the most profound impact on our lives, so be sure to promote your business through that avenue. Post promotional materials about your services whenever you have the chance. If there is a lull in your schedule, consider offering discounts on some of your services. The goal is to not only bring in new clients but to maintain a strong relationship with the clients you do have so that they keep coming back.

What other job opportunities are there?

There are plenty of job opportunities in the health and beauty field and even more opportunities for trained estheticians. Many estheticians find jobs in day spas, skin-care spas, cruise line spas and department stores. Many others find opportunities within medical and dermatologists’ offices. But the opportunities don't end there; many students go on to become educators themselves, finding positions at a local esthetics school and passing on their knowledge.

For the truly enterprising, however, many people decide to work for themselves as freelance estheticians. Independent estheticians can hire themselves out to spas or work privately for clients. Some even take the bold leap and develop their own line of skincare products and services.

Which path will you choose? No matter which direction you go, we hope you’ll be fulfilled and successful in this incredibly rewarding career!