What is an Esthetician
If you are looking for an answer to the question “How to become an esthetician?” you are at the right place.
Estheticians are highly trained and educated skin care professionals that perform cosmetic treatments to improve a client’s skin appearance and general health.
They apply their cosmetic treatments to the body of the patient and especially to the areas of the face and neck.
Because you will be interacting directly with patients daily you will need excellent communication skills, along with skin knowledge.
The daily duties of an esthetician include:
- Meeting with patients or clients
- Facials
- Discussing with the clients about their skincare problems and propose treatments
- Facial scrubs
- Microdermabrasion
- Sterilizing their working area and equipment
- Giving Head and neck massages
- Laser treatments
- Waxing
- Peels
Estheticians work mostly in the beauty industry, at beauty salons and spas but they may also work as assistants in medical offices helping plastic surgeons and dermatologists.
When they apply a chemical treatment to a patient they wear protective equipment like gloves and robes in order to be safe.
They mostly work full time at evenings and weekends, as these are the days and hours that their working clients visit them.
The average salary of an esthetician is $29,050
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Becoming an Esthetician
Step 1: High School Preparation
What High School Classes Do I Need to Take to Become an Esthetician?
Officially beauty schools will only require a high school diploma and not specific classes.
Due to the rising demand for these schools it is a good idea to give yourself a small advantage by choosing classes that will not only help you get accepted easier but be prepared for the coursework.
Chemistry
As an esthetician you will be using a lot of different chemical substances when applying treatments to patients so it is a good idea to have a basic knowledge of chemistry.
Biology and Anatomy
Like all medical professionals, you need to know basic anatomy and biology.
You should have basic knowledge of skin and muscles as you will be working on them daily.
Human Relations
As we mentioned before, except the skin and medical knowledge you will need, to become a successful esthetician, it is vital to have excellent communication skills.
You will be interacting with clients daily that may have a skin condition or just want to look better.
You have to make them feel relaxed, explain to them in plain English what their problem is, and what solutions you can offer.
Also, quite often, beauty schools will require an interview so having good communication skills can also help you.
Step 2: Get an esthetician degree or certificate
Esthetician Certificate program 6 months to 1 year
Esthetician certificate programs are 18 – 30 semester credit hour programs.
Most of the schools offering these programs will give you the option to take some classes online and do the labs on-campus.
It is easy to get accepted to a program like that and all you need is a high school diploma or a GED.
Before choosing an esthetician program check the lab hours and if an internship is offered as a part of the program.
A typical curriculum of an Esthetician Certificate program will look like:
- Introduction to Esthetics
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Skin
- Skin Care Procedures
- Electricity and Facial Treatments with Machines
- Advanced Skin Care
- Color Theory and Makeup
- Salon Management
- Preclinic Introduction
- Body Systems & Diseases
- Clinic 1 for Estheticians
- Clinic 2 for Estheticians
- Cosmetic Chemistry & Makeup
- Facials and Skin Care
- Facial Makeup
- Hair Removal
- Management, Ethics, Interpersonal Skills and Salesmanship
- Disinfection, Sanitation, and Safe Work Practices
The cost of an Esthetician Certificate program is relatively low and ranges from $800 to $3,600.
When deciding which college or university to attend, we strongly recommend contacting them for further information and details.
Click the button below to get free info about accredited certificate programs near you.
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Associate’s Degree in Cosmetology program 2 years
Because there is no esthetician associate’s degree program available, those who want a more in depth training can start an associate’s degree in cosmetology with esthetician orientation.
These are 48 – 75 credit hour programs and can be completed mostly on campus.
It is fairly easy to get accepted to a program like that, as you will only need a high school diploma or a GED.
A typical Curriculum of an Associate’s Degree in Cosmetology program will look like this:
Core Courses
- Freshman Cosmetology
- Junior Salon I
- Junior Salon III
- Tinting I
- Tinting II
- Senior Salon I
- Senior Salon II
- Rules, Regulations, and Physiology
- Intermediate Cosmetology Lab
- Resolution of Skin Diseases and Disorders
- Intermediate Cosmetology Lab II
- Chemistry and Chemical Services
- Basic Business Practices
Electives
- Introduction to Hair Coloring and Styling
- Intermediate Hair Coloring and Styling
- Advanced Hair Coloring and Styling
- Contemporary Hair Styling
- Fundamentals of Chemistry
- Fundamentals of Chemistry Lab
The cost of an associate’s degree program in cosmetology is relatively low and ranges from $6,000 to $26,000.
When deciding which college or university to attend, we strongly recommend contacting them for further information and details.
Click the button below to get free info about accredited certificate programs near you.
Find a School
Step 3: Get Esthetician licencing
In order to practice the profession of esthetician you need to get licensed across all states.
Requirements
While the requirements vary from state to state the common requirements are to be at least 18 years old and have completed professional training (700 hours of theoretical and practical training in most cases) at an accredited from your state’s board school.
Examination
The exam is divided at 2 parts the written exam and the physical exam.
The written examination of the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology covers the following areas:
- Sanitation and Infection Control Procedures
- Advanced Knowledge of Human Physiology and Anatomy
- Structure and function of the layers of the skin
- Advanced Knowledge of Skin Conditions and Disorders
- Chemistry
- Cosmetic Ingredients
- Factors that Affect the Skin
- Dermatological Terms
- Plastic Surgery Terms
- Skin Analysis
- Exfoliation Methods
- Electricity and Use of Various Electrical Equipment
- Advanced Methods of Hair Removal
- Advanced Facial Treatments
- Advanced Body Treatments
- Lymphatic Drainage
- Pre/Post Operative Treatment
The physical examination of the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology covers the following areas:
- Cleansing the Face
- Setup and Client Protection
- Ultrasonic Exfoliation Treatment
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage
- Particle Microdermabrasion
- Jessner’s or 20% BHA Chemical Peel
- Electricity and Electrical Equipment – Micro current
- Advanced Facial Treatment – LED
- Dry Exfoliation and Mud / Seaweed mask
- Advanced Body Treatment
Cost: $40
How Long Does it take to Become an Esthetician and How Much does it Cost?
Option 1: Certificate
| Degree | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | 6 months – 12 months | $800- $3, 600 |
| Certification | 1 month | $40 |
| Total | 7 months – 13 months | $840 - $3,640 |
Option 2: Associate’s Degree
| Degree | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Associates Degree | 2 years | $6,000 to $26,000 |
| Certification | 1 month | $550 |
| Total | 2 years & 1 month | $6,550 - $26,550 |
Esthetician Training Video
