I’m asked quite often, to my surprise, if Estheticians have to go to school or have a license.
The answer is absolutely! The average amount of hours needed in most states is 600, some require more some require less. What is the difference between and Aesthetician, Esthetician, Cosmetologist, Nail Tech, Barber?
Think of Cosmetology as the tree and all the other categories are the branches,
Cosmetologists go to school for quite a bit longer but their education focuses more on cutting and chemical services on the hair with a small emphasis on the other areas. They are licensed to do nails and esthetics but their training is so little that it’s not typical that they provide more than a very basic facial and very basic face waxing (eyebrows, lip, chin). If a Cosmetologist wants to do more, it’s suggested that they go back to a school specifically for esthetics
Aesthetics is relating to the enjoyment or study of beauty, or showing great beauty.
An Esthetician is one who performs services of beauty such as Facials, Dermaplaning, Body/Face waxing, body wraps, Lash Extensions, Lash Lifts, Brow Laminations, Microblading and Makeup applications.
As the years have gone by the Esthetics field has grown not only is the saturation of people going to school for the program but also what has been added such as newer services like Lash Lifts, Dermaplaning, Brow laminations etc.
What is a Master Esthetician? Once you receive your regular esthetics training you can now go back to a Master program which is typically an additional 450 hours. A master is then licensed to do deeper chemical peels, laser treatments for hair removal or skin correcting treatments etc. Most work with or in conjunction with Dermatologists and Plastic surgeons.
Esthetics is very focused and a lot of estheticians end up being a better resource for skin issues such as acne, rosacea and eczema. Dermatologists tend to lean more into prescription-based resolutions while Estheticians take a more holistic approach providing hands on treatments in combination with an excellent skincare routine.
What to look for and ask when trying to decide on what you need from an esthetician:
Their current State License would be present for all to see and up to date. If you are looking for a self-care relaxing facial vs a more treatment based then ask what they offer and look up the products they have chosen to carry. Some estheticians prefer hair removal over facial treatments or some specialize in Lash Extensions, so always make sure to check out their website and ask questions.
We aren’t all created equal as far as what we offer and knowledge, for example I used to offer Lash Extensions from 2005-2008. That service was not very common then, so it was a struggle to get clients to do them, but then there was a huge shift and once that shift happened you could find a lash studio on every corner. I decided the investment was becoming too expensive, yet the competition was charging very little to get more clients. I got burnt out being hunched over for long periods of time focusing on putting these lashes on clients so I stopped offering it. I was extensively trained in waxing so that is my main focus, but I do enjoy offering self-care facials with an emphasis on massage and relaxation. I am also good at extractions and like to help adults and teens with congested skin due to acne and blackheads.
