There are approximately 183,000 licensed estheticians in the US, according to Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP). In fact, these numbers are expected to rise in the coming decade, thanks to the growing need for effective, non-invasive beauty treatments and procedures. But what is an esthetician, and what does one do?
In a nutshell, an esthetician provides services focused on skincare and overall beauty. Read below to understand what an esthetician is and get started on becoming one at the Nathan Layne Institute of Cosmetology.
What Is an Esthetician?
Generally, esthetics refers to the applications of various procedures and techniques to the human body’s epidermal layer. An esthetician is a specialist and technician trained via apprenticeships or formal esthetics programs to conduct procedures as well as treatments geared toward promoting health and skin beauty. In some professional cultures, an esthetician can also qualify for the “beauty therapist” title.
What Do They Do?
An esthetician, also known as a skincare therapist, specializes in the skin’s cosmetic treatment. Contrary to popular opinion, esthetics isn’t strictly a medical practice. Common responsibilities and duties assigned to an esthetician include:
- Facials
- Microdermabrasion
- Scalp massage and treatment
- Acne treatment
- Moisturizing treatment
- Aromatherapy
- Body scrubs
- Pore cleansing
- Face and body mask and wraps
- Makeup application
- Waxing/threading/chemical hair removal
- Thermage
- Laser skin rejuvenation
- Light therapy
- Laser resurfacing
- Chemical peels
An esthetician’s job description is also concerned purely with one’s skin health and condition. While they can’t prescribe medication, they can conduct high-tech procedures and treatments geared towards improving general body and skin wellness.
Where Do They Work?
An esthetician is flexible in terms of professional settings. While you can freelance your services as a qualified esthetician, below are a few common places a licensed professional can work:
- Spas
- Med spas
- Resorts
- Wellness centers
As a licensed professional, you can also set up your practice, allowing you the convenience of self-employment. Some estheticians partner with plastic surgeons and dermatologists–who are medical doctors specializing in skin, hair, and nails. In a typical medical setting, an esthetician also performs procedures and treatments that complement a dermatologist’s services.
How Does One Become An Esthetician?
The general steps for becoming an esthetician are as follows:
Gain Experience
As a studying or qualified esthetician, you can gain hands-on experience during or after your course completion. An esthetician in training typically works on mannequins and gradually moves up to volunteers. As a well-trained recently employed esthetician, you will gain access to plenty of on-the-job training before advancing to more complex esthetic procedures.
Training and Licensing in the US
Becoming an esthetician requires dedication, education, training, as well as licensing. For starters, you must earn an education as well as a qualification from a trustworthy institution.
Estheticians need a license to practice in all states except Connecticut. Depending on each state’s requirements, one must complete 300-1500, hours of training in an accredited cosmetology program.
After the training completion, estheticians also must pass a written and a practical test. Upon passing and completion, the state board of cosmetology or the department of health will license the esthetician.
Once you obtain a license, you can decide to complete several hours of post-graduate education and training to stay updated on the latest industry trends.
Here at Nathan Layne Institute of Cosmetology, we offer accredited esthetic programs covering a wide variety of skills as well as techniques used by skincare professionals. Besides imparting basic esthetic knowledge and skills, we also offer courses with additional hours and a curriculum covering makeup artistry, medispa skills, luxury spa techniques, etc.
Why Enroll in Our Esthetic Program?
A Multitude of Mini Courses Available
From imparting knowledge on the basic foundation in skincare theory, chemistry, skin analysis, as well as anatomy to teaching specialized skills and techniques, we are fully equipped with opportunities to help you become a highly specialized or well-rounded esthetician. Connect with us to get started on our comprehensive Esthetics program that you can complete in as little as four months.
An Interactive and Engaging Learning Environment
We ensure our students learn collaboration and customer relation skills through modern-day interaction platforms. Our Nathan Layne Institute of Cosmetology graduates are products of a fully engaging study environment. Besides offering theoretical information, we also engage learners in the practical aspects of esthetics.
Access to Financial Aid
We understand the financial challenge of pursuing higher education or any certification. As such, we strive to help every student access financial aid to ensure they prioritize their education at Nathan Layne Institute of Cosmetology.
We Teach More than Theory and Practicals
Our esthetics program aims to produce wholesome professionals who not only have practical and theoretical skills but also:
- Leadership skills
- Communication skills
- Creative skills
- Business skills
- Technical and scientific skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Detail orientation
By gaining these skills, you also gain favor as a top talent in the eyes of prospective employers and clients.
Enroll at Nathan Layne Institute of Cosmetology Today
Our dedicated instructors in Chubbuck, ID combine top-of-the-line in-house learning with hands-on experience to produce the best estheticians.
Are you looking to become a licensed, world-class esthetician? Contact us at Nathan Layne Institute of Cosmetology today to enroll!
