Why should you consider a career in esthetics after high school graduation? If you’re a soon-to-be grad, take a look at what you need to know about choosing this booming beauty field as your first career.
What Do Estheticians Do?
Before you can decide whether a career in this beauty field is the right post-graduation path, you need to understand what estheticians do. Estheticians:
- Are skincare specialists. These professionals have specialized knowledge of the skin and how to improve its quality.
- Use cosmetic skincare products. Unlike dermatologists, who treat medical issues, estheticians use cosmetic and beauty products such as facials, moisturizers, scrubs, and masks to help clients achieve their skincare goals.
- Apply body treatments. Estheticians don’t just treat the face. These professionals also recommend and apply body treatments, such as wraps or salts.
- Remove hair. Along with helping clients to get and maintain a healthy glow, estheticians also wax, tweeze, and sometimes laser hair away.
Along with these clinical skills, estheticians also need communication and interpersonal abilities. As a beauty professional, you’ll work directly with clients — talking to them, suggesting services, and possibly even selling products.
Why Is This a Top Career for Recent Grads?
You have an endless stream of choices when it comes to your post-high school career. Why choose esthetics? Estheticians:
- Are in need. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the skincare field is growing at an average rate of 11 percent, which much faster than other fields.
- Make a good salary. The BLS statistics show that the average skincare specialist makes $31,290 per year.
- Work in a variety of settings. You can work in a salon, in a spa, for a photographer, or even (someday) for yourself.
Not only is this a field with room to grow, but you won’t need years of schooling to get your first job.
Do You Need a Degree to Become an Esthetician?
While you don’t need a four-year college degree, you do need post-high school training to become a licensed esthetician. As a skincare specialist, you’ll need specialized coursework and hands-on experiences before you can work in the real world with clients.
To become an esthetician, you’ll need:
- A high school degree or equivalency. If you’re still weeks or months away from graduation, you’ll need to wait until you have your high school diploma to start an esthetician program. But you can begin to explore training options as a high school senior.
- A post–secondary degree/credential. Instead of an associate degree or bachelors, you’ll need a specialized certificate or diploma in esthetics from a career or beauty school.
- Hands–on practice. Even though you’ll need to know skin-based biology, you’ll also need real world experience working with clients — before you step foot in a salon or spa. Your education will include hands-on experiences that provide supervised practice.
Now that you know what type of degree you’ll need to become an esthetician, you may wonder what types of classes you’ll take. Read on for more information about esthetics and class content.
What Classes Do Future Estheticians Take?
Unlike your high school curriculum, an esthetics program doesn’t include general coursework. Instead, you’ll take specialized skincare-related classes and learn about areas such as:
- Facial techniques. As an esthetician, you’ll need a deep understanding of the latest facial techniques, the science behind the processes, and how to apply them.
- Acne and other skin issues. Your clients may have a range of skin issues, such as acne, rosacea, eczema, or age-related changes. You’ll need to know how to work with these clients and what is best for their skin.
- Makeup application. If you choose to specialize in this area, your classes will include application techniques as well as strategies for special occasions (such as weddings or photographs).
- Hair removal. From waxing to laser removal, you’ll need to know about the latest techniques in this area.
- Body procedures. Again, estheticians don’t just work on the client’s face. You’ll learn about body scrubs, wraps, and other services.
Along with these content areas, you may also take coursework in subspecialties. These could include lash extensions, microdermabrasion, brow shaping, and other similar topics.
Are you ready to start your career? Contact New Age Spa Institute for more information.