Are you a people person? Have you always wanted to be a part of the exciting beauty industry? Would you like to go to work and make people look and feel great while earning a good income?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, a career as an esthetician might be just what the doctor ordered.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics[1], the job opportunities for skincare estheticians are projected to increase by 14%, which is faster than many other industries.
An esthetician’s job is immensely gratifying. Imagine going to work every day and inspiring confidence and happiness in others. Imagine seeing your client’s eyes light up as they look in the mirror and you can see that you were able to turn around their day and make them just a little happier than they were before they sat down in your chair. It’s a great feeling!
There is also never a dull moment. If you are a people person, then this career will likely fit you very well! You will spend your whole day delivering your people skills to grow your business and making people feel more beautiful.
If you are considering a career as an esthetician, then keep on reading. We will explore in detail what estheticians do and discover together what are the types of estheticians that are out there, so you can find a specialty that interests
Let’s start by taking a closer look at what it is that Estheticians exactly do
What do estheticians do?
An esthetician helps their clients feel more beautiful and confident in their appearance. Skin care can be a confusing industry. It’s enough to take a quick look at any drug store or beauty store shelves, to see the extreme amount of skin care options available to us today. Each product promises unique benefits to your skin but at the end which one is right for you? Which one will deliver? An esthetician serves as a guide in the confusing world of beauty and skin care world.
They lend their clients their expertise on different products and ingredients that fit their skin to keep it looking young, fresh and beautiful.
Estheticians provide services such as waxing, chemical peels, microdermabrasion. They also offer skin care consultations, suggest products, can discuss which ingredients are right (and not so right) for your skin.
What’s great about this career is the opportunity of getting repeat clients. Once a client feels confident in your services, and their skin is looking better, thanks to you, they will likely keep coming back to maintain their skincare. Facials, waxing, and microdermabrasion treatments are typically repeated on a consistent basis.
Although skincare estheticians mostly work on their client’s facial skin, they can also provide services such as body wraps, and waxing treatments on various body parts.
A typical workday for an esthetician
Below is an outline of a typical day of an esthetician. As you will see there are a few tasks that if not completed properly can lead to a mistake and thus a lawsuit.
- prep work before the client comes in: making sure all equipment is clean and sterilized
- during the appointment: discussing client’s needs; analyzing their skin; providing the treatment and recommending products and post-treatment care
- miscellaneous tasks: accounting, appointment reminders to clients; hiring and training of employees; supplies ordering
Types of esthetician fields
Just like a personal trainer that can specialize in different disciplines such as group fitness instructor or rehab fitness, an esthetician has different fields available to them for specialization.
Below are the different types of estheticians and what types of treatments and services they provide.
Salon esthetician
A salon esthetician is a general term for an esthetician that works in a salon or a spa and is licensed by the state. They can perform different skin related treatments, anything from waxing and sugaring to body wraps and facial treatments.
Skincare specialists
Clients seek out skincare specialists to get professional, expert advice on how to properly take care and clean their skin, as well as get recommendations on skin care regiments that fit their skin profile and lifestyle.
As a skin care specialist, you will work on helping your client’s skin to look and be youthful, fresh and healthy. They also help the client understand what ingredients they need to be looking for when choosing skincare products for their skin. Many skin care specialists also sell specific products in their spas.
Wax specialist
Just as the name implies, a certified waxing esthetician works in a salon and provides waxing treatments. As a waxing esthetician, you will advise your clients and will be proficient in different waxing techniques such as using hard or soft wax. You will be expected to perform underarm, bikini, leg and back waxing treatments.
Makeup artist
Unlike an esthetician, a makeup artist does not perform any treatments, nor do they work on making the skin healthy. Instead, they use their talent to make a client’s skin and face (and sometimes other body parts) appear as beautiful as possible. A makeup artist works to enhance their client’s good facial features and conceal the not so good ones.
Brand representative
Brand representatives, or as they are known brand ambassadors are influencers that use their social status and channels to promote a specific brand. You may see a beauty blogger always refer to or promote a particular brand, mention them on their social media accounts. Chances are they are that brand’s beauty ambassador.
Spa therapist
A spa therapist works in a spa and offers their clients services such as massages, body scrubs, baths, and body wraps.
Medical esthetician
A medical aesthetician is a slightly different field from others we described as it focuses on clinical procedures. Medical estheticians work under a supervision of a doctor in a hospital, a medical office or sometimes a medical spa. As a medical esthetician, you will typically specialize in skin care and work with patients who have skin problems related to injuries or illnesses such as post-chemo skin treatment, burn victims and more.
In some states, licensed medical estheticians can also perform Botox and other cosmetic filler injections.
Facial esthetician specialist
A facial esthetician works with their clients to enhance their skin’s aesthetics. They can perform such treatments as tightening the skin without surgery, reducing wrinkles and reducing the appearance of spider veins and birthmarks. Similar to a medical aesthetician, a facial esthetician typically work in a medical spa.
As you can see you have many options if you decide to become an esthetician. Whether you choose to become a spa therapist, a waxing specialist or go the general route of a salon esthetician, you will have found a way to make a positive impact on people’s lives every day.
However, you should be aware that no matter how much care you put into your specialization your client may not be happy with the outcome of their treatment and as a result may seek damages. A professional liability insurance policy will help protect you and your reputation from lawsuits and claims for compensation. BizInsure can provide instant quotes for Esthetician Lability Insurance, and we are always happy to answer any questions you may have.
[1] Bls.gov. (2018). Skincare Specialists : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. [online] Available at: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/skincare-specialists.htm#tab-6 [Accessed 19 Aug. 2018].
