The beauty industry is expanding at a rapid rate, and today’s esthetics professional is an integral part of its expansion.

People are starting to care more about how they look, now more than ever. Everything from skincare and teeth whitening to physical fitness and maintaining a healthy diet. Could social media have something to do with this surge in appearance awareness?

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Possibly so… but not solely. The truth of the matter is that more and more people are simply educating themselves on the health benefits of self-care. Sure, some people have vanity issues while others make a point to look presentable simply because they know it takes 27 seconds to form a first impression of them, whether in dating or for employment purposes. 

According to a new study, inc.com reported that 69% of people stated that they form a first impression of someone before they’ve even had the opportunity to speak to them or to get to know them. 

As an esthetician, your sole responsibility will be to provide your clients with the beautifying services they need. Some of your clients may come to you to maintain their beauty regimen while others may come to you because they have a medical issue that needs your expertise and attention. Nonetheless, you can rest assured in knowing that the care and service you provide to your clients will impact their lives in a major way.

What Exactly Do Estheticians Do?
When most people hear the word esthetician, they immediately think makeup artist or skin care specialist. Well, both of those positions are true in esthetics, but like most job industries, the field of esthetics is pretty wide as well.

There is not one job title that encompasses everything an esthetician does. Everything from waxing and microdermabrasion to skin consultations and chemical peels, your duties as an esthetician extend way beyond putting cucumbers over your clients’ eyelids.

One of the biggest perks is that estheticians not only get to restore confidence in their clients but their work is a true testament of their skill and knowledge by way of repeat clients. For example, if a client comes to you with skin irritation issues, you will be able to provide your skincare services, plus provide them with tips for skincare after their treatment.

After promising results from your treatment, you’ve just earned yourself a loyal client and they will be coming back to you for more services to maintain a healthy skincare regimen.

There’s never a dull moment in esthetics, but a typical day for an esthetician would include:

Preparing your work area before and after each client (sanitizing and sterilizing tools and equipment)
Talking to each client about the services they need and any issues they’re having, assessing their skin, and discussing their desired results from your services. You may also want to recommend various products for maintaining skin health, as well as post-treatment care products.
Clerical responsibilities (accounting, booking appointments, reminder calls, inventory management, etc.)

If you’re interested in esthetics, it’s important that you know the many areas of career opportunities within this field. Take a look at the different specialties and you would provide in this industry.
Specializations in Esthetics

Skincare Specialist
A skincare specialist provides recommendations and services involving the skin without any surgical procedures. Everything from skin tightening to chemical peels, a skincare specialist is there to provide skin treatment as well as consultation services to help their clients maintain a healthy regimen at home.

Makeup Artist
A makeup artist isn’t quite in the same arena as a skincare specialist mainly due to not having to perform any types of skin treatments. The sole responsibility of a makeup artist is to highlight a client’s best facial features and conceal the unbecoming ones. It’s a temporary fix to most skin imperfections.

Wax Specialist
A waxing specialist is someone who typically works in a salon setting and provides waxing services to clients. You must be knowledgeable in the various waxing techniques and provide service in the following areas:

Underarms
Legs
Face
Bikini
Back

Medical Aesthetician
A medical aesthetician is similar to a skincare professional, they just have more of a clinical focus and work in a clinical background versus in salons or spas. They actually perform clinical procedures and typically work with patients dealing with skin problems as a result of serious injuries or medical illnesses.

Salon Esthetician
A salon esthetician is skilled in many facets of the spa or salon. This type of esthetician is able to perform facial and body treatments in everything from waxing to body scrubs and wraps.
Is Esthetics a Career Option For You?

As you can see, the world of esthetics is full of opportunities, you just have to find the specializations that interest you most. Whether you opt to be a makeup artist or a wax specialist, you’ll have a rewarding feeling at the end of each day in knowing you’ve made a positive impact on your clients’ lives.

However, it’s also important to be aware that despite how hard you work to positively impact your clients’ lives, you’re not going to be able to please every client. As a result of a client not being happy with their treatment results, they may seek litigation. That reason alone is why it’s extremely important that you invest in esthetician liability insurance to protect your business and all your hard work.

You, of course, don’t want to have to think about this when you’re considering starting a career in this field but it’s the reality of the business. True enough, it’s rewarding, but one unhappy client can completely ruin everything you’ve worked so hard for.