An esthetician is someone who specializes in the skin care of others, mainly focusing on the face. The main objective is to improve the appearance of the client's face through non-surgical means. A private consultation and evaluation helps the esthetician understand the client's needs and gain their trust.
In order to better understand the client's specific needs and desires, an esthetician will first analyze the skin care needs. After analyzing what is needed, the esthetician will then discuss products or treatments that can be used to help the client's face. Many different non-surgical procedures may be done to reach the desired goal discussed between the esthetician and the client.
Simple massages can be performed to relax the facial muscles and increase blood flow throughout the tissues and improve circulation. Facials may be done to improve skin tone and cleanse pores. Chemical peels are applied to reduce age spots and fine lines. Special wax may be applied to remove unwanted facial hair. The esthetician may even remove blackheads through a simple extraction process.
Clients may not want any work done to their face and may be more interested in cosmetics and grooming their eyebrows. An esthetician may tint the eyebrows to make them the desired color. Advice can be given on how to select and apply various cosmetic products such as tonics, creams or lotions. Instructions may be given on how to apply make-up to achieve a specific look.
Schooling is required to become a licensed esthetician. Once the schooling is finished, a licensing examination must be completed. A student studying to become an esthetician will learn a wide range of skills. Learning how to listen more effectively and speaking with clarity helps gain confidence and communication between the esthetician and the client. When working with people, having great people skills is a must.
Learning how to keep the hands steady and touching with gentle pressure is a necessary skill to learn when becoming an esthetician. Most of an esthetician's work requires having their hands on the client's face. Using various equipment and practicing proper sterilization is taught in school to keep germs and diseases from being spread.
Estheticians may work independently from home with established clientele; however, most estheticians start their career working in a salon or a health spa. Once the esthetician has the experience and their clientele base has grown, they may start their own business. Starting a business requires the esthetician to be an independent person willing to manage their time and inventory properly. Marketing their services effectively, keeping regular clients and having the ability to attract new clients at the same time will help an esthetician's business grow and remain successful.