The world of esthetics offers diverse career paths, allowing professionals to tailor their skills to their personal interests, work environments, and client needs. From relaxing spa settings to clinical medical aesthetics, the options are varied, and each path has unique rewards and challenges.
If you’re considering a career in esthetics but aren’t sure what career is best for you, keep reading to learn more about what the industry has to offer.
Spa Esthetician: The Art of Relaxation and Skin Care
A spa esthetician provides relaxing, rejuvenating treatments. These estheticians work in spa settings to enhance clients’ skin health and well-being, often focusing on hydration, exfoliation, and other nurturing treatments. This is the perfect career path for individuals who love quiet, calm services like facials. You will always leave work feeling calm and collected.
Common services include:
- Facials and specialty skincare treatments
- Body wraps, masks, and scrubs
- Aromatherapy and relaxation techniques
- Exfoliating and hydrating treatments
Medical Esthetician: Bridging Beauty and Health
Medical estheticians work in clinical environments like dermatology offices, plastic surgery centers, or specialized skincare clinics. These professionals often handle more advanced treatments than spa estheticians and work closely with doctors to address skin issues that require medical insight. However, it is important to note that not all states allow estheticians to perform these services, so it is best to check local cosmetology laws.
Common services include:
- Laser treatments for skin resurfacing and hair removal
- Chemical peels for acne, pigmentation, and texture improvement
- Microdermabrasion and dermaplaning
- Pre- and post-operative skincare
Waxing Specialist: Precision in Hair Removal
Not all esthetic services will offer upfront results; in many cases, it may take several months to see differences in a client’s skin. If you’re looking for a career path that offers instant gratification, waxing is the perfect job for you. In this position, you can focus on hair removal services, often in high-demand fields such as waxing salons and spas. Some estheticians make this their primary career path due to the specific expertise and client loyalty that come with mastering waxing.
Common services include:
- Eyebrow shaping and facial waxing
- Bikini, Brazilian, and body waxing
- Consultation on hair regrowth and post-waxing care
Lash and Brow Specialist: Enhancing Features with Expertise
Many aspiring estheticians may be drawn to the lash lift and eyebrow makeover videos on social media. If you love these videos, this may be your best career path. In lash and brow specialist positions, you can perform lash lifts and extensions and eyebrow waxing, lamination, and tinting to help compliment your client’s natural features. In many cases, this can be performed as a standalone service through a salon that only offers these specific services.
Common services include:
- Lash extensions and lash lifts
- Brow shaping, tinting, and lamination
- Eyelash tinting
- Lash and brow aftercare guidance
Makeup Artist: Highlighting Beauty with Skill
If you love watching makeup tutorials, purchasing the newest products on the market, and creating beautiful makeup looks, becoming a makeup artist is a great career path. Makeup artists work across various fields, from bridal and special events to television, theater, and fashion. In many cases, esthetics training gives makeup artists an advantage, as they deeply understand skin health and how to prep it for flawless makeup application.
Common services include:
- Bridal and special event makeup
- Makeup for photoshoots, films, and runway shows
- Personalized makeup consultations
- Corrective makeup techniques
Skincare Consultant: Educating Clients on Healthy Skin Practices
If you love working in a retail setting, with the constant flow of customers and the potential to reach a much larger audience, working as a skincare consultant may be the perfect career path for you. In a role like you, you will help clients choose the best products and routines for their skin type and goals. In addition to reaching more clients, this role allows you to learn about a wide range of skincare products and brands.
Common services include:
- Skin analysis and product recommendations
- Routine development for specific skin needs
- Product education and demos
- Ongoing skincare consultations and follow-up
Beauty Educator: Training the Next Generation of Estheticians
While in school, you’re exposed to many beauty educators. From the people who teach you every day to brand representatives, each of these individuals plays a major role in shaping the esthetician you will become. In some cases, they may influence your career path upon graduation. Many aspiring estheticians find themselves drawn to this path, interested in sharing their expertise with students, teaching practical skills, and preparing them for successful careers in esthetics.
Common duties include:
- Teaching classes on skincare, makeup, waxing, and more
- Mentoring students through hands-on practice
- Keeping up with trends to teach relevant skills
- Preparing students for licensure exams
Entrepreneurial Path: Opening Your Own Skincare Business
Working for someone else isn’t always the best career path for new estheticians, which is why becoming an entrepreneur may be best for you. In many cases, estheticians will start their career by working in a salon or medical spa for someone else before embarking on a journey to open their place. Through the entrepreneurial path, you can offer whatever services appeal to you and may bring on estheticians under you to grow your business.
Common services include:
- Spa or clinical esthetics services
- Product line development or partnerships
- Personalized skincare consultations
Explore Every Career Path at The Skin Institute
No matter what career path is best for you, our team at The Skin Institute is here to support you through your education and licensing process. Through our comprehensive basic and master esthetic courses, you can explore every path possible. We’re confident that when you choose to begin your journey with us, you’ll find your perfect career. If you would like to learn more about our courses, fill out our online contact form or call us at 435-429-2200.
