The esthetics industry is booming, and many are turning to estheticians for laser hair removal, exfoliation, microdermabrasion, facial treatments and more. If you’ve considered being an esthetician, you’ve likely thought about the process. Many beauty providers undergo years of training to assist the esthetics industry, but the process, itself, is relatively straightforward. The Beauty Schools Directory has recorded an annual $9 billion raised by estheticians within the global economy. The industry is thriving, and it’s looking for intelligent, new players. Let’s look at the steps required to become an esthetician:
Step One: Access a Beauty Program
Of course, medical estheticians require educational certification before beginning work. In most states, esthetician programs need only be 16 years old. A GED or high school diploma is required, too.
Many esthetician programs, like Marinello School of Beauty, outfit newcomers for success with a variety of classes, informational seminars, scholarships and other opportunities. Student loans are a possibility in esthetician school, too, granting those with little monetary support a “foot in the door”. An accredited institution often supports alternative payment plans, granting new students possibilities without intensive monetary constraints.
Step Two: Enter an Esthetician Training Program
Training programs are required for every future esthetician. While many hours of studying, training and hands-on practice is required, trainees are outfitted with important tools to acquire industry success. In many cases, esthetician theory is studied, providing in-depth information, historical knowledge and practical application steps to every course.
Additionally, trainees are instructed to study and appreciate various styles, trending fashions and fashion shows, gaining intensive industry knowledge while preparing for future beauty standards. Cosmetology courses are often required, too, delivering the credentials needed for any esthetician intending to dive into cosmetology. All other estheticians, however, may reach certification with standard esthetician credentials.
Step Three: Pass Your State’s Esthetician Licensing Exam
State licensing exam passes are required of estheticians, too. Before receiving your esthetician certification, you’ll need to be deemed fit for practice. Every state holds different exams, though most contain similar material. Requirements, too, are similar, though several states may contain standards vastly deviated from the norm.
Step Four: Examine Career Opportunities
Once you’ve obtained certification, you’ll be ready to jump into the field! Like other medical providers, however, estheticians face the professional environment’s difficulties. Often, estheticians work in spas and salons, though their work is valued when applied to paramedical esthetics, make-up art, fashion consultants, film fashion experts and other areas. Checking up on the latest industry tutorials and beauty how-to materials is important, as beauty carries rolling standards. Health standards similarly evolve over time.
Some specialized esthetician positions require specific certification. For example, paramedical esthetics requires its practitioners to complete advanced program requirements. Other areas similarly require an intensive understanding of niche applications, styles and health.
In most cases, certified graduates may approach several positions with little effort. Makeup artists, product sales representatives, skin care platform artists, beauty industry specialists, esthetics training specialists, makeup artists and salon owners are common within the industry. Entry-level positions, commonly, are sought after by recent graduates, though upper-level positions are entirely available for long-term esthetic workers.
The Esthetician Path
Understandably, any medical-related career path contains difficulties. Becoming an esthetician is a wonderful aspiration, and many resources exist to aid those seeking field experience. Estheticians, depending upon location and job, are often paid handsomely for their work. The beauty industry relies upon estheticians for specialized work—so they’re consistently in demand. While higher-paying positions may take additional years of experience to reach, even entry-level positions pay well.
Above all, love the journey. Becoming an esthetician may be difficult at times, but it’s entirely rewarding in the long-run. Additional training is always an advantage, as is a keen eye for industry trends and upcoming beauty standards.