Calling all skincare queens, kings, and nonbinary royalty! If you’ve got a passion for helping people glow, a career in esthetics might be your calling. Whether you dream of working in a luxurious spa, a trendy salon, or even alongside dermatologists, esthetics opens up so many exciting possibilities.

Wondering how to get started? Here’s how to become an esthetician in five simple steps. Slap on your favorite face mask, relax, and keep reading.

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What Is an Esthetician?

An esthetician is a licensed skincare professional trained to help people achieve healthy, glowing skin, hair, and nails. With just a few tricks up their sleeve, they can transform someone’s whole vibe. Makes you feel like a beauty magician, right?

In a spa setting, an esthetician focuses on helping clients relax with beauty treatments like facials. Medical estheticians receive additional training to provide more complex dermatological treatments like laser therapies and chemical peels. Medical estheticians are also called master estheticians or aestheticians (notice the extra “a” in front).

What Does an Esthetician Do?

Estheticians provide a wide range of services to enhance their clients’ skin and overall well-being – everything from eyebrow tints to chemical peels. Based on their clients’ consultation forms, they tailor their treatments to suit people’s unique needs, but esthetician services also depend on where they work and if they have any other specialized skills. 

Here are a few of the most common treatments estheticians offer:

• Facials: These are customized treatments that cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate the skin. Some estheticians also massage the face’s muscles during these treatments.
• Blemish treatments: Estheticians offer targeted solutions for acne, scars, and puffiness to promote clearer skin. One popular option is microdermabrasion, a type of exfoliation that removes dead skin cells to improve texture and radiance.
• Hair removal: Estheticians use techniques like waxing, threading, and even electrolysis to remove unwanted hair and give clients a smoother complexion.

With some extra training, master estheticians can also offer services such as tattoo removal, body contouring, and treatments that help patients heal from chemotherapy and burns.

How To Become an Esthetician: 5 Steps

Ready to go from a skincare fanatic to a professional esthetician? Let’s take a look at the five simple steps that can help you land your dream job:

1. Choose an Esthetics Program

First things first: Choose a legit esthetics program. Look for accredited schools that offer comprehensive training covering skincare, facials, and hair removal. A solid esthetician course should include both hands-on practice and theory – that way, you can feel totally confident in your skills.

There are two ways to find an accredited program. First, you can check your state cosmetology board’s website for accredited schools. Second, you can peruse the list of schools approved by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS). 

Remember, only an accredited esthetician training program can give you the quality education that licensing boards and future employers will accept. You should also read reviews from current students or alumni to get the inside scoop on the programs that interest you. Take your time and find the right fit.

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2. Get Your Degree

Once you’ve chosen a training program, it’s time to study. Each degree program is a little bit different, so it’s hard to say how long this will take. On average, you can expect to complete around 600 hours of training, which could take as little as six to nine months. But requirements vary from state to state (and from school to school).

Tuition costs vary, too. You can typically expect to spend a few thousand dollars on your program. Also remember to account for additional costs, like books, exam and licensure fees, and equipment. Esthetician school is definitely an investment, but your future self will thank you for it!

To make the most of your time in school, dive in headfirst. Engage actively in your classes, don’t hesitate to ask questions, and get as much hands-on practice as you can. This is your chance to absorb as much knowledge as possible, so soak it all up like a beauty sponge. And don’t forget to build relationships with your classmates – they might become valuable networking contacts later on.

3. Pass the Esthetician Exam

After completing your training, you’ll need to pass the esthetician exam (unless you live in Connecticut or Florida, which don’t require it). This exam has both written and practical components that test your knowledge of skincare treatments, sanitation practices, legal requirements, and customer service skills.

Feeling a bit anxious about the exam? Just remember, butterflies in your stomach mean you’re about to do something fabulous. Think of the exam as your golden ticket into the wonderful world of esthetics. Passing it means you’re ready to provide safe and effective services to your clients. You’ve got this!

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4. Get Licensed

When you pass your exam, the next step is to secure your license. All 50 states require estheticians to have one, and you’ll need to be licensed in the state you intend to work in.

Licensing requirements vary by state, but generally, you need to submit proof of your training and exam results to your state’s board of cosmetology. You may also have to submit additional paperwork like a background check, proof of citizenship or immigration papers, or medical forms.

Be prepared to pay a licensing fee. This usually costs around $100 or less, and in some states, your exam fees and license application fees are combined. If you had to take your esthetician exam more than once, your fees may be slightly higher. 

5. Find Your First Job

Now that you’ve done all the prep work, it’s time to take a step into your new career. Start by updating your resume and portfolio, and consider building a website that showcases your talents. With GlossGenius’ custom website builder, it’s easy to design a killer esthetician site that’s sure to impress employers and clients alike.

As you look for your first job, don’t hesitate to tap into your network. Let friends, family, and classmates know you’re on the hunt. And remember, entry-level positions are a great way to build your client base, and you can learn a lot from more experienced estheticians. Your dream job is out there waiting for you, so go get it!

3 Tips for New Estheticians

As a newbie, you’ll want to hit the ground running and make a splash in your career. Here are some tips to help you shine:

1. Learn from Other Estheticians

Never underestimate the power of learning from those who’ve been in the game longer than you. Reach out to experienced estheticians and ask for their advice or insights. They can share valuable tips and tricks that you won’t find in textbooks. Shadowing or working under a seasoned pro can also give you firsthand experience and refine your skills. 

As you work with mentors, make sure to ask for honest feedback. Even the most successful estheticians were once beginners, and nothing helps a beginner glow up like constructive criticism. Soak up your mentors’ wisdom like a serum on freshly cleansed skin – every little bit of insight is a step toward mastering your craft.

2. Give Clients a Great Experience

Creating a fabulous client experience is the secret to a thriving esthetician career. When clients feel pampered and appreciated, they’re more likely to return. Plus, they’ll happily spread the word about your amazing services. And satisfied clients equal more business. 

Here are two ways GlossGenius helps you elevate your clients’ experiences:

• Flawless client management: GlossGenius’ desktop and mobile apps make appointment booking and payment processing a breeze for you and your clients. Plus, you can send automated appointment reminders, confirmations, and even birthday messages, fostering client appreciation all year round.
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• Personalized service: Use GlossGenius to keep detailed notes on each client’s preferences and past treatments and tailor their experience to perfection. When they walk in, they’ll feel like the star of the show.

3. Learn How To Market Yourself

Getting clients in the door is only step one. To get those coveted rebookings, you need a sprinkle of marketing magic – and GlossGenius’ marketing tools can help.With GlossGenius, you can stay in touch with your clients after they leave their appointments. Send follow-up messages, special offers, and updates about new services via text. Or, send out an email blast that showcases your latest skincare treatments and tips. Keeping that connection alive makes all the difference.GlossGenius also supports social media marketing to meet clients where they’re at. You can easily link your GlossGenius booking page to any platform, choose from a variety of chic templates for your posts, and share stunning before-and-after photos that will make your audience swoon

Start a Thriving Esthetician Career With GlossGenius

Embarking on your journey toward becoming an esthetician? Sign up for your free trial of GlossGenius. Our all-in-one platform empowers you to streamline client management, enhance communication, and market your services effortlessly. With GlossGenius, you’ll create unforgettable client experiences and elevate your career. Don’t wait – let’s get glowing together!

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