How to Be Esthetician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 3, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The demand for estheticians has grown dramatically in recent years, due in large part to the increased focus on self-care and skin health. As people become more aware of skin care and its importance, they are seeking out qualified estheticians more often to perform skin treatments, such as facials, peels, and waxing. The rise in demand for estheticians has resulted in an increase in job opportunities and higher wages in the field. Additionally, the increasing number of estheticians has led to an influx of new products, services, and techniques that can help clients achieve their desired skin goals.

Steps How to Become

Complete the Required Education. Obtain a high school diploma or GED and complete a state-approved esthetician program. Most states require 600 hours of program work to qualify for a license.
Pass the Exam. In most states, you must pass both a written and a practical exam in order to become licensed.
Get Licensed. Once you pass the exam, you will need to fill out the appropriate paperwork and pay the licensing fees in order to become an esthetician. You may also be required to provide proof of your educational training.
Start Working. You can now start looking for jobs in spas, salons, resorts, and other places that offer beauty treatments. You may also choose to open your own business as an esthetician.
Consider Advanced Training. Many estheticians choose to pursue advanced training in order to specialize in certain treatments or learn new techniques. This can help you stay current with the latest trends in the beauty industry and make you more attractive to potential employers.

Having the right skills and knowledge is essential for any esthetician to be successful. To become a qualified and capable esthetician, one must have a knowledge of skin care and beauty treatments, an understanding of skin physiology, and effective communication skills. they should be well-versed in cosmetic chemistry and cosmetics application techniques.

Furthermore, they must have an artistic eye and an ability to provide detailed advice on product selection and usage. Being able to anticipate customer needs and handle their requests professionally is also a key requirement for any successful esthetician. With all these skills, an esthetician can be sure of delivering excellent standards of customer service and achieving a high level of customer satisfaction.

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Job Description

Provide facial treatments, waxing, and other skin care services to clients.
Clean and sanitize tools and work areas.
Advise clients on proper skin care techniques and recommend products to meet their needs.
Perform skin analysis and make product and treatment recommendations.
Apply products such as creams, lotions, and masks to clients faces.
Keep accurate records of services provided to clients.
Maintain a clean, organized, and professional work environment.
Greet clients in a friendly manner and build relationships with them.
Educate clients on the benefits of skin care treatments and products.
Monitor client reactions to treatments and adjust services as needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of facial treatments, skin care products, and makeup application
Expertise in performing skin analysis and recommending treatments
Ability to explain the benefits of skin care treatments and products
Understanding of safe sterilization and sanitation practices
Expertise in performing extractions, waxing, and other facial treatments
Ability to keep detailed client records
Ability to identify skin conditions and diseases
Knowledge of different skin types and how to treat them effectively
Ability to provide excellent customer service
Excellent communication skills and able to build rapport with clients

Having a good eye for aesthetics is essential for success as an esthetician. Aesthetic sensibility means being able to visualize the end result of a treatment, having the ability to recognize skin problems, understanding how to mix and match colors, and having a good sense of balance and proportion. Good communication skills are also necessary when dealing with clients, as they must be able to understand their needs and suggest the best treatments.

knowledge of different skin types, products, and techniques is necessary in order to provide superior service. With all these skills, an esthetician can ensure that customers leave feeling satisfied with the results and more confident in their appearance.

Aesthetics Instructor, Manicure/Pedicure Specialist, and Tanning Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the esthetician field?
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in the esthetician field?
What do you consider to be your greatest strength as an esthetician?
Describe a challenging situation you faced in a previous job and how you overcame it.
What sets you apart from other estheticians?
How do you handle clients complaints or special requests?
How do you work with other salon staff to ensure the best customer experience?
How do you manage multiple clients at once?
What is your approach to providing skin care treatments?
How do you make sure that clients skin care needs are met?

Common Tools in Industry

Facial Steamer. Facial steamers use warm steam to open up pores and help cleanse the skin. (eg: DermalZone Facial Steamer)
Extractors. Extractors are small metal tools used to remove blackheads and whiteheads from the skin. (eg: Tweezerman Skin Care Kit)
Microdermabrasion Machine. Microdermabrasion machines use tiny crystals to exfoliate the skin and reduce signs of aging. (eg: PMD Personal Microderm Classic)
High Frequency Machine. High frequency machines use a high-frequency current to stimulate circulation, shrink pores, and reduce inflammation. (eg: DermalZone Pro High Frequency Machine)
Ultrasonic Facial Machine. Ultrasonic facial machines use vibrations to break down dirt and oils in the skin. (eg: Dermashine Ultrasonic Skin Scrubber)
Diamond Tip Microdermabrasion Machine. Diamond tip microdermabrasion machines use diamond tips to deeply exfoliate the skin and reduce signs of aging. (eg: PMD Personal Microderm Pro)
LED Light Therapy Machine. LED light therapy machines use different colored lights to improve skin tone and reduce inflammation. (eg: TENDLITE Red Light Therapy System)
Waxing Kit. Waxing kits include everything necessary for waxing, such as wax, strips, and pre- and post-waxing solutions. (eg: Complete Waxing Kit by Clean + Easy)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Med Spa Association (AMSPA)
Professional Beauty Association (PBA)
Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP)
Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP)
National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers & Distributors (NCEA)
International Dermal Institute (IDI)
International Dermal Institute Alumni Association (IDIAA)
American Association of Estheticians and Cosmetologists (AAEC)
International Association for Professional Estheticians (IAPE)
Esthetician Association of Canada (EAC)

We also have Image Consultant, Permanent Makeup Artist, and Spa Attendant jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Skin Care. The practice of caring for the skin, including cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, and other treatments.
Facial. A specific type of skin care treatment designed to nourish, cleanse, and rejuvenate the face.
Waxing. A semi-permanent method of hair removal that involves applying a warm wax to the skin to remove unwanted hair.
Makeup. The application of makeup products to enhance or change the appearance of the face.
Lash Extensions. A type of semi-permanent eyelash extension service that is applied individually to natural lashes to give a fuller, longer look.
Microdermabrasion. A minimally invasive medical procedure used to revitalize the skin and reduce wrinkles, acne scars, and other minor imperfections.
Peels. A chemical exfoliation treatment that helps improve the texture and appearance of the skin by removing dead skin cells, stimulating collagen production, and reducing wrinkles.
Body Treatments. A variety of treatments that are intended to cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize the body.
Aesthetics. The study of beauty and the ways in which people perceive it.
Spa Services. Treatments designed to relax and rejuvenate the body, such as massages and facials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications does an Esthetician need?

An Esthetician typically needs to have a high school diploma or GED and complete a state-approved cosmetology program, which can be up to 600 hours of instruction.

What services do Estheticians provide?

Estheticians provide skin care treatments such as facials, waxing, body treatments, chemical peels, and make-up application.

What is the difference between an Esthetician and a Cosmetologist?

An Esthetician specializes in skin care treatments and is not allowed to cut or color hair. A Cosmetologist is a professional who is licensed to cut and color hair, and also provide skin care treatments.