Estheticians perform personal appearance services for their clients. These services typically include facials, hair removal, makeup applications, and non-therapeutic massage. Unlike cosmetologists, who are often licensed to perform many of the same services, estheticians do not cut or care for their client's hair.
Not all states license estheticians; and in those that do, the amount of education required varies considerably. Estheticians are trained in trade schools and often must hold a high school diploma or GED. Esthetician education programs can range from 250 to 1,500 hours in length, and usually include training in skin care, waxing, makeup artistry, massage, and other beauty treatments. Estheticians are also trained in sanitation procedures and in spotting serious skin conditions that require the services of a doctor. Many cosmetology schools offer diplomas in esthetics as well as cosmetology.
Some estheticians work in medical environments. They may teach cancer patients how to properly draw or fill-in eyebrows made sparse by chemotherapy. They may also work to help people learn how to conceal disfiguring scars or post-operative bruising. While there is no licensure yet available for paramedical estheticians, there are some organizations that offer professional certification in this specialty.
State laws may require an esthetician to complete continuing education classes in order to renew her license. State licensing boards often provide estheticians in their state with a list of approved continuing education programs.
Esthetician training programs vary in length according to state law. If you move out of state after graduation, there is the risk that the licensing board in your new state may require you to take additional hours of education before issuing you a license.