What Does an Esthetician Do?
Do you dream of a career in the beauty industry? If you’re passionate about skincare, beauty treatments, and helping people look and feel their best, then becoming an esthetician might be the perfect career choice for you. At Pickens Technical College, we help aspiring professionals in Aurora, CO achieve their dreams. Our esthetics training program is perfect for students who want to provide skincare, hair removal, and makeup application services. Learn more about this exciting career field.
What Is an Esthetics Program?
Esthetics programs typically focus on the science of skincare, beauty treatments, and wellness practices. Our program is about 50% classroom lectures and 50% hands-on practical work. Our year-long program includes training on how to assess a client’s skin needs, recommend treatments, and provide soothing services like facials, waxing, and more. Courses cover the following topics, among others:
- Skin structure and function
- Cosmetic application
- Hair removal
- Facial massage
- Lash and brow tinting
- Business management
Understanding the Role of an Esthetician
In short, estheticians focus on improving a client’s skin health and appearance. Unlike dermatologists, who deal with medical skin concerns, estheticians focus on non-medical, cosmetic treatments. However, maintaining healthy skin isn’t always so straightforward. Every client is different, and estheticians work with a diverse range of skin conditions. After completing an esthetics training program, you’ll be equipped to provide these kinds of services:
- Facials
- Exfoliation treatments, like chemical peels and microdermabrasion
- Waxing
- Skin consultations
- Body treatments, such as wraps and scrubs
- Makeup application
Skills and Qualities of a Successful Esthetician
What sets a good esthetician apart from a great one? The best industry professionals have more than just technical training—they also have a variety of traits that help them best serve their clients. While not every esthetician has all these characteristics, they can increase their success:
- Attention to Detail—Every client’s skin is different, and it pays to focus on the details. This allows you to successfully tailor treatments to unique needs.
- Interpersonal Skills—Building a rapport with your clients encourages trust and loyalty.
- Empathy and Patience—Putting clients at ease during procedures (and fielding their skincare worries) is essential.
- Manual Dexterity—You’ll need steady hands to deliver treatments like facial massages and hair removal.
- A Passion for Learning—Trends in beauty are constantly changing, so a willingness to stay updated is key.
Becoming an Esthetician from Start to Finish
At Pickens Technical College, we’re proud to have helped many beauty professionals grow their careers. The journey to becoming an esthetician begins with a high school diploma and enrolling in our course. Once you complete our 24-credit esthetics training program, you can take the following steps to build upon your education:
- Get Hands-On Experience—Always take advantage of opportunities for hands-on learning. You’ll get some of this during your training program, but you can expand your knowledge through apprenticeships.
- Pass the Licensing Exam—Students who successfully complete our program are equipped to take the Colorado State Agency Licensing Exam. Some also receive certificates for chemical peels and microdermabrasion.
- Stay Licensed—Most states require ongoing education or license renewal every few years to ensure estheticians stay up to date on current practices and safety standards.
Career Opportunities After an Esthetics Program
Estheticians work in a variety of settings, and completing an esthetics program opens doors to several career options. Whether you’re passionate about creating spa-like experiences or have a flair for high-fashion makeup artistry, opportunities are waiting for you! Consider the following job titles:
- Spa or Salon Esthetician—These professionals perform facials, skin analysis, and beauty treatments at spas or salons.
- Medical Esthetician—Work alongside dermatologists and plastic surgeons to offer advanced skincare treatments in a clinical setting.
- Makeup Artist—Are you always looking for the latest makeup products? Become a makeup artist, where you could work with brides, fashion models, or special effects.
- Esthetics Educator—Teachers are the backbone of many industries, and becoming an educator allows you to help others achieve their goals.
- Entrepreneur—Many estheticians have their own spa or skincare business.
Take the Next Step with Pickens Technical College
Skincare specialist jobs are projected to grow by 20% over the next few years—faster than average for all occupations. This means your skills will be in demand as the beauty industry thrives. If you’re ready to start your esthetics training program, Pickens Technical College is here for you. Our program stands out from the rest, thanks to:
- Expert-Led Curriculum—Learn from certified instructors with extensive industry experience.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities—Train using the latest tools and equipment in a real-world setting.
- Flexible Scheduling—We offer flexible scheduling and evening classes to help you balance your studies with other commitments.
- Dedicated Career Support—Our career services team provides guidance for internships, licensure, and job placement.
Kickstart a Rewarding Career Today
A career in the beauty industry is waiting for you! Our admissions team would be glad to help you through the enrollment process and answer your questions about starting your career journey with Pickens Technical College. Contact our Aurora, CO campus to learn more.