To People That Want a Career in Esthetics But Can’t Get Started
Most people considering a career in esthetics caught the bug long before they started looking to do it professionally.
A few things contribute to people hesitating when it comes to exploring their options though. By and large, it’s safe to say most people don’t know what they’re getting into.
This is why we’ve compiled this handy guide on things you should do if you’re considering a career in esthetics. There’s a big, complicated world beneath the surface when it comes to making sure people look their best and the best way to get to know it, like most things in life is one step at a time.
More than skin deep – What it’s all about
An esthetician works primarily on skin but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t more to it. Your epidermis is actually the largest organ on your body and it reacts to what we do to it. There are all sorts of considerations involving safety and health to keep in mind so it comes down to much more than what looks nice and smells good.
Estheticians are as much technicians as they are artists, often employing unique machinery and techniques that require comprehensive training. Everything from complex skin treatments using devices to manicures and pedicures is fair game and an esthetician learns to look at beauty in a broader sense than most, fusing many different disciplines in their own right.
Lastly, an esthetician is above all, a therapist. They don’t go through the motions and apply shallow beauty tricks or use cheap gimmicks. An esthetician helps their client reclaim their skin and sometimes even go as far as working with essential oils for aromatherapy. An esthetician has to be willing to help their client, not just work on them.
Weighing Your Options – Choosing how to study
Choosing the right place to learn your trade is definitely important and it will have a big influence on where your career in esthetics goes. The most important thing you’ll want to look for is a simply laid out course description.
The costs, materials and dates should all be laid easy to understand and you should be wary if you notice any lack of transparency or vague details. Ask around about the school, see where their graduates have gotten work and most importantly see if there are any testimonials.
These will give you an idea of whether the school is a good fit for you.
Are You a People Person Or a Sales Person? You Need to Be Both
You’ll be working with people and unfortunately that means knowing how to please them. Get ready to dive headfirst into the world of customer service, even if it means stepping outside of your comfort zone. Besides the money, working in retail or sales opens you up to possibilities. Try your hardest to find work in something related to esthetics. A retail health and beauty department, store that sells make up or even something unrelated to your goal but socially intensive will do much to prepare you for dealing with customers.
You don’t get to pick and choose your clients (at least at first) and this will get you ready for anybody. Besides, you may make connections that help your career in esthetics down the road.
Getting to Know Brands
Schooling or not, you should be wetting your feet every chance you get. As often as you can, you should be actually trying and testing skin care products. Besides knowing the differences between brands, you’ll learn about the fundamentals.
There are ingredients and types of product that across the board are meant for one person or another. Understanding the underlying associations between products and skin types will make you more competent and prepared. Getting behind a product with your own experiences also happens to be one of the best ways to sell something. A client can detect genuine enthusiasm and is more likely to give it a shot if you can share what it was like for you. It’s all about showing how passionate you are.
Staying Involved and Up-to-Date
The world of esthetics and beauty is alive and ever-changing. This is both exciting and challenging. There are communities that revolve around industry trends and new products and they’re just a click away. Do some homework and get to know people who are active in the online esthetics scene. You don’t actually have to reach out either – its enough to start watching popular youtube channels and reading active blogs. You’ll find that as the tips and tricks accumulate in your head, you can combine them with the more technical training you’ll get to be well-rounded and flexible.
Selling yourself and getting crafty
Although you may very well end up working somewhere after you’ve received your training, one of the greatest things about being an esthetician is the entrepreneurial doors it opens. Imagine being able to set your own schedule, work at events and even getting clients to come to you! This requires some legwork on your part. Get yourself out there and do what it takes to generate interest in your services. Business cards, social media and blogging are great ways of interacting with people and letting the world know that this is your thing, and you’re going to own it. It may seem difficult or discouraging but as your confidence grows alongside your skills, you’re going to be thankful you laid down this kind of foundation.
Watch That First Step, it’s a Doozy
No matter how you spin it, getting started is hard. Luckily, you’ve got an advantage. A career in esthetics isn’t a dead end, or a last resort – it’s a new beginning. People don’t just try out being an esthetician, it comes from a deeper appreciation or hidden passion. This will fuel you and help you on your journey. This is also why finding the right school is important. Hopefully this guide has cleared up some of the uncertainty behind pursuing a career in esthetics. If you liked this post, remember to stay involved and check out others as well.
Explore, get involved and experiment because ultimately, nothing will happen unless you make it happen!
