Estheticians help people look and feel their best. It’s a rewarding career choice for many Americans, with a positive job outlook and many benefits. Starting an esthetician business might be a great job choice for you, too. If you’re unsure if being an esthetician is right for you, it may help to understand the pros and cons of the business.

What is an esthetician?

An esthetician is a skincare specialist. They provide various services to cleanse a client’s skin and improve its appearance. This may include exfoliating treatments, hair removal, facials, eyelash services, and even applying makeup.

Client health and safety are priorities for estheticians. Cleaning and sterilizing equipment between appointments are essential, as are pre-treatment consultations to identify allergies, skin sensitivities, and other potential concerns.

Estheticians also teach their clients how to care for their skin at home. They may recommend skincare products or refer them to a dermatologist or other skincare professional for serious skin issues.

The pros and cons of being an esthetician

Like any job, there are pros and cons to becoming a skincare professional. You may want to weigh these and other factors before deciding to learn the esthetician trade and starting an esthetician business.

Pro: Estheticians are in demand

Current data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics paints a rosy picture of an esthetician’s job outlook. Between 2021 and 2031, job growth for skincare professionals is expected to grow by 17% (much faster than the average for all occupations). That’s around 13,400 jobs over the next decade.

Con: Career growth is limited

Typically, there aren’t many career advancement opportunities for estheticians. For many, this is a lifelong job. Starting an esthetician business could help you advance your career. Instead of managing only yourself, you’ll be in charge of a small staff of other estheticians and office employees.

Pro: Working with people

Estheticians work closely with clients every day. They have conversations with clients about their skincare routine, the treatments they’re providing, and product recommendations. If you’re an outgoing person, this may be a huge esthetician benefit.

Con: Handling unhappy clients

Working with people is great—until it isn’t. It only takes one unhappy client to create a potentially expensive headache for you and your skincare business. As an esthetician, strong problem-solving, listening, and communication skills could help you calm an angry customer. (You might also consider esthetician business insurance to help protect your business and professional reputation. More on this later.)

Pro: Healthy work-life balance

Independent estheticians and salon owners often enjoy greater freedom than those working at a spa or salon. You have greater control over your schedule, pay, and the clients you take on. Many estheticians use this to their advantage by offering services to busy professionals before or after traditional working hours.

Con: You’re on your own

When you work for yourself, you’re in charge of everything. Your job is more than just providing skincare consultations and treatments. It’s also advertising your business, scheduling appointments, balancing the books, and prepping for the next day. When something goes wrong, it’s your responsibility to set things right.

How to become an esthetician

Skincare specialists typically complete an approved esthetician program in their state. Programs are offered through cosmetology schools, community colleges, and vocational schools. Though requirements vary between states, on average, it takes a full-time student five to six months to complete an esthetician program.

Some states allow you to learn esthetician skills through an apprenticeship. Like education programs, the number of work experience hours you will need to ‘graduate’ varies.

Recommended reading: Becoming an Esthetician: What You Need to Know

Once you’ve completed an approved esthetician program or apprenticeship, you will likely need to get an esthetician license. Licensing requirements vary from state to state, so check with your local licensing board to understand the necessary steps to become an esthetician in your area. This may include ongoing education requirements to renew your license.

How BizInsure helps Estheticians get business insurance

As you build your esthetician business, you might consider insurance to help protect it. You face many potential risks working in the beauty industry. Mistakes, accidents, misheard advice, and other events could create expensive claims for your esthetician business.

That’s why many skincare professionals buy esthetician business insurance. Depending on how your business is set up, you may consider different types of coverage to help protect you against the various risks you face on the job. This may include policies such as Professional Liability, General Liability, and a Business Owner’s Policy.

BizInsure understands the risks that estheticians face. We’ve made it easy to buy esthetician business insurance online between appointments. In as little as 10 minutes, you can compare policies from A-rated insurers, choose the policies that fit your needs, and buy instant coverage.

Get free esthetician business insurance quotes today and see how much you could save with BizInsure!