How To Become an Esthetician: Your Path to a Rewarding and Fulfilling Career

You’ve always paid attention to how you care for your skin. You’ve long researched the best nutrients, ingredients, and techniques to look and feel your best.

Now you’re ready to take your passion to the next level by becoming an esthetician — but how do you become an esthetician? And how do you know if it’s the right career path for you?

Esthetics is a rewarding and fulfilling career that combines science, creativity, and the art of relaxation — and we’re providing you with the information you need to get started.

Continue reading to learn more about what estheticians do, the various specialties in the field, and how you can become a successful esthetician.

What Does an Esthetician Do?

Estheticians are what some might consider skincare superheroes, as they possess the knowledge and skills necessary to transform their clients’ skin. Just as superheroes have unique powers to save the day, estheticians have a range of techniques and tools at their disposal to address specific skin concerns and issues.

They play a large role in helping people feel comfortable and confident in their own skin.

They are skincare experts who specialize in improving the appearance and health of their clients’ skin.

Many people associate the idea of an esthetician with spa treatments and luxurious pampering experiences — someone who provides facials, hair removal services, or even makeup application.

While those are some services an esthetician may choose to provide, there are many more services an esthetician can specialize in, including:

• Acne treatment
• Anti-aging treatments
• Chemical peels
• Microdermabrasion
• Skin analysis and consultations
• Sun Damage and hyperpigmentation treatment
• Body treatments (wraps, scrubs)
• Eyebrow and eyelash tinting and shaping

Experienced estheticians may even eventually manage or run their own businesses.

5 Steps To Becoming an Esthetician

#1: Choose an Esthetics Program

You’ve long dreamed of helping others feel good in their own skin — and now you’re searching for an esthetics program that will help you do just that.

But where do you start, and how do you know that you’re picking the right program?

The first step is to check out esthetics programs in your area — or any area you desire to be in and create a list of programs that align with your interests.

Some programs may focus on specific areas of esthetics, such as skincare or hair removal, while others may provide a broader education that covers a variety of services and techniques.

For example, if you’re interested in lash lifts and extensions, but the program in your home town doesn’t offer courses on eyelashes, it’s probably not the right program for you.

Not sure what you want to specialize in? That’s okay too. Look for programs that offer a wide array of classes. Some programs only offer what’s required by the state. Others will provide extra “bells and whistles” to ensure their students have a clear understanding of new and trending services.

If you’re considering a career in esthetics, Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics is the perfect place to start your journey. Our comprehensive esthetics programs provide students with real-life experience and hands-on training in a supportive and nurturing environment.

At Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics in Portland, we care deeply about the success of our students and are dedicated to providing the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to become licensed estheticians. Our experienced and knowledgeable instructors are passionate about esthetics and are committed to helping their students achieve their goals.

Whether you’re looking to start or advance your career in esthetics, Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics is ready to help you succeed.

#2: Complete Your Schooling

You’ve picked a program, and now it’s time to enroll.

Many esthetic programs are offered in-person or through a hybrid program where students can attend some parts of the program virtually.

No matter the route you take, the key to successfully completing an esthetics program is to show up every day. And we don’t just mean physically attending class. We mean actively participating and showing up for yourself and your classes daily.

Get involved. Stay invested. Get as much out of your program as possible.

As you go through school, don’t forget the age-old saying, “Practice makes perfect.”

Line up your family members, best friends, colleagues — anyone who is willing to model for you and help you succeed. This is the best way to get real feedback about your techniques and practice what you’re learning.

#3: Take Your State Board Exam and Become Licensed

You’ve reached the end of your program successfully — now it’s time to put your knowledge to the test, literally.

Becoming a licensed esthetician requires passing the state board exam, a crucial step toward starting a career in esthetics.

Each state has its own set of rules and regulations governing the practice of esthetics. Understanding these requirements is crucial for ensuring that you’re properly licensed and qualified to provide esthetic services.

By researching your state’s exam and licensing requirements, you can ensure that you’re fully prepared to take the necessary steps toward becoming a licensed esthetician — and can avoid any potential issues or complications down the road.

The state board exam typically includes both a written and practical exam that tests your knowledge and skills in various areas of esthetics.

At Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics, we provide comprehensive esthetics programs that prepare our students for the Oregon state board exam. We provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed.

Our instructors are experienced and knowledgeable, and are dedicated to helping our students achieve their goals.

#4: Boost Your Resume With a Certification

Adding a certification to your resume can make you stand out in the competitive world of esthetics — not only does it show that you’re committed to your profession, but it also demonstrates your expertise in a particular area.

Certification programs are a great way to enhance your skills and knowledge beyond what is required for licensure and can help you specialize in a specific area of esthetics.

There are so many certification programs available to help you expand your knowledge and stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends.

After you’ve completed your standard esthetics program, you may consider adding to your resume by completing certifications like:

• Medical Esthetics – laser treatments, tattoo removal, body contouring, cellulite reduction, etc.
• Nutrition Esthetics – formulate basic diet, topical, and lifestyle strategies for each condition and communicate to clients.
• Phlebotomy – gain the skills necessary to perform venipuncture, blood centrifuge, and microneedling with PRP.
   

#5: Keep Up on the Latest Trends With Continuing Education

Learning never stops, especially in the beauty industry.

Estheticians must stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and technologies to provide the best possible service to clients.

Every state has different requirements for continuing education courses to maintain licensure. Oregon, for example, requires those in esthetics to take five continuing education courses (CEs) to maintain their state license.

Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics helps those licensed in Oregon meet those requirements by offering continuing courses in:

• Intimate Waxing & Vagacial
• Brow Lamination
• Hair Restoration
• Dermaplaning
• Lash Extensions
• Facial Bootcamp: Learn Electrical Devices With a Facial
• Microneedling Certification
• Oncology Esthetics
• Chemical Peel Certification
• ANSI & Laser Safety Officer Certification
• Nano Facial Certification
• Fearless Beauties Certification
• Facials for Men
• Nutrition for Certified Esthetics

Is an Esthetician Career Worth It?

If you enjoy making a difference in people’s lives, an esthetician career is absolutely worth it.

Some may even say it’s the best job in the world. Those specializing in esthetics have so many opportunities for growth and variety in their careers.

Estheticians can specialize and find a niche in areas like:

• Anti-aging
• Acne
• Body wraps
• Body treatments
• Lashes
• Brows
• Medical treatments.

Your future can be limitless as an esthetician if you position yourself right in the field.

How Much Money Can an Esthetician Make?

The average salary for an esthetician in Oregon is $51,039 per year — but this varies greatly based on several factors, including:

• Experience
• Specialties
• Education level
• Location

Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics Wants To Help You Reach Your Goal of Becoming an Esthetician

Ready to take the leap of faith and start helping people love the skin they’re in? Maybe you’re ready to expand your skill set in the industry. Learning how to be an esthetician involves choosing programs that have your best interests in mind.

Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics is the pre-eminent school for standard and advanced aesthetic education in the Pacific Northwest.

Our team understands how important your career — and your passions — are. We offer many esthetics certifications to help you reach your goals and succeed in this ever-evolving industry. We are passionate about sharing our knowledge and expertise and are dedicated to our students.

We offer a supportive and welcoming learning environment, with small class sizes and personalized attention, to ensure you receive the best possible education.

Bring your dreams to life. Connect with one of our admissions advocates today to get started.

The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition

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