Additional Information
The educational requirements for estheticians vary depending on where you
plan to practice. Estheticians must be licensed. This generally requires
graduating from an accredited school of cosmetology and taking an exam. If
there are no regulations in your area, look for a program that is at least
800 hours long. The more material you learn, the more services you'll be able
to provide.
"Lots of estheticians train. But not all stay in the industry and even
fewer are really good. So there will always be a demand," Krista Nugent says.
She is an esthetician and make-up artist, with her own salon.
Nugent graduated from a 1,500-hour esthetics and spa therapy program. So
she is able to provide a broad range of services. That includes manicures,
pedicures, waxing, tinting, facials, makeup, scrubs, wraps, cellulite compression
wraps and relaxation massage.
Estheticians are more likely to find work if they are well trained. Some
beauty schools will admit students while they are in high school. Some high
schools even offer cosmetology courses.
"I think the minimum requirement to enter the [esthetics] program is Grade
10, but I personally encourage anyone considering this line of work to get
a full Grade 12 diploma. In the long run it looks far better to employers,"
says esthetician Amy Lee. She runs her own traveling spa business
Keeping up with the latest trends is important for estheticians. They need
to keep training throughout their careers.
"There are many opportunities as well for continuing education. Day and
evening courses are offered to expand your skills as well as a medical esthetics
course," says Lee.
High school art classes along with biology, chemistry and business will
help future estheticians.
Well-trained estheticians can recognize skin problems that require medical
attention. Anatomy and physiology may be studied. An esthetician-in-training
can learn about first aid, hygiene, and diseases of the skin including bacteriology,
disinfection, decontamination and infection control.