How to Become an Esthetician

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Skin care is a very important aspect of health and personal appearance. Many people need and desire skin care treatments. Estheticians are skin care specialists that provide a variety of skin care treatments.

What does an esthetician do?

Estheticians are licensed specialists that focus on skin care to help clients improve their appearance and feel and look better. They discuss goals with customers and analyze the skin care needs, often using special equipment such as a magnifying lamp. They then discuss the wide range of treatment services. They offer a variety of specialty skin care treatments that cleanse and improve the skin including facials, head and neck massages, waxing, microdermabrasion, body wraps, laser treatments, eyebrow tinting, and exfoliation treatments. Estheticians also recommend skin and body care products for clients to use at home. They show their clients how to use and apply treatments, makeup, and skin care techniques.

What kind of training does an esthetician need?

Estheticians need at least a high school diploma and most states require the completion of a program from a state-licensed cosmetology school. Many private and postsecondary vocational schools also offer skin care programs. Esthetician training typically includes instruction on skin tissue, cells, and organs to gain a thorough understanding of the histology, physiology, or microscopic structure of the skin and hair. Students also study diseases that affect the skin, nails, and hair. They learn how to conduct skin analysis and attend clinics or workshops to gain practical experience in skin and nail care. Most estheticians complete continuing education courses to update their skills and stay up to date on advances in the field.

All states require estheticians to be licensed. Licensing requirements vary by state, but typically include at least 16 years of age, graduation from an accredited cosmetology school, and passing a written and practical examination.

What are the prospects for a career as an esthetician?

Employment of estheticians is expected to grow much faster than average, increasing 34% from 2006 to 2016 (1). The growing population and increased demand for skin care services will drive job growth.

Job prospects should be good, especially for estheticians with extensive experience and those trained to provide a variety of services. Job openings will also stem from the need to replace estheticians that retire or leave the field for other reasons.

How much do estheticians make?

As of September 2009, estheticians with 1 to 4 years experience earned annual salaries between $19,652 and $36,931. Estheticians with 5 to 9 years experience earned annual salaries between $29,066 and $46,741 (2).

A career as an esthetician is an excellent choice for individuals interested in providing skin care services to clients. Estheticians must keep a neat appearance; have excellent communication, and great interpersonal skills. They must be outgoing, attentive, empathetic, confident, intuitive, and assertive. They must be also to work effectively as part of a team and be sensitive to client’s concerns and conditions.

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