So you want to become an esthetician? That’s not surprising, especially with more and more emphasis on the importance of skincare. After watching countless videos on products, extractions, skin conditions and types, skin health, and maybe even other specialties like hair removal, you’re now an aspiring skin care specialist looking into esthetician schools.
Don’t know where to start your esthetics career journey? I can help! My name is Adriana and I’ve been a California-licensed esthetician since 2010. And in this post, I’m going to go over how to become an esthetician in California.
Have you ever thought about starting a career as an esthetician? The beauty industry offers incredible opportunities, and becoming an esthetician is an excellent way to launch your career. Estheticians help clients look and feel their best through skincare treatments and services.
If you’re passionate about health, beauty, and wellness, pursuing esthetics could be the perfect path for you. Follow this comprehensive guide to learn exactly how to become a licensed esthetician.
What Does an Esthetician Do?
Estheticians, also known as skin care specialists, provide a wide range of beauty services and treatments. Their goal is to enhance clients’ appearance and help them achieve healthy, vibrant skin.
Common esthetician duties include
- Analyzing skin to identify concerns and desired results
- Performing facials to cleanse, exfoliate, and nourish the skin
- Providing skin treatments like acne clearance, anti-aging therapies, and more
- Waxing services for hair removal
- Recommending customized home care regimens
- Applying makeup for special occasions
- Performing eyelash and eyebrow treatments
- Selling skincare products
- Providing education on proper skincare techniques
Estheticians may work in salons and spas medical offices, resorts or open their own private practice.
Education Requirements to Become an Esthetician
To become a licensed esthetician, you must complete an esthetics training program approved by your state. Programs are available at community colleges, private beauty schools, and more.
Typical esthetics programs take anywhere from 600 to 1,000 hours to complete. Some states have minimum mandated hour requirements. Coursework covers topics like:
- Facial procedures and protocols
- Hair removal techniques
- Body treatments
- Makeup application
- Skincare chemistry
- Products and ingredients
- Health, safety, and hygiene
- Business practices
Many programs also incorporate hands-on practice so students gain experience with common treatments and services. Look for a program that prepares you for state licensing.
Pass the Esthetician Exam
Upon completing your esthetician education, the next requirement is passing a comprehensive exam issued by your state. The esthetics exam covers both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Typical exam subject areas include:
- Skin structure, disorders, and diseases
- Facial treatments, massage techniques, and equipment
- Hair removal procedures
- Safety, disinfection, and sanitation
- Product ingredients and effects
- State laws and regulations
Allot adequate time to thoroughly study prior to your exam date. Many prep courses and study guides can help you get ready.
Become Licensed in Your State
With education and exam completed, you can apply for your esthetician license through your state’s cosmetology board. Submit the licensing application along with:
- Proof of completing an approved esthetics program
- Passing state board exam results
- Application fee
The state will review your credentials and issue your license if approved. Some states require a criminal background check as well. Make sure to meet all requirements outlined by your state licensing board.
Gain Valuable Experience
Newly licensed estheticians have completed rigorous training, but hands-on experience is critical too. Seek out opportunities to apply your skills and build confidence.
- Complete an apprenticeship or mentorship program.
- Work as an assistant to an experienced esthetician.
- Consider volunteering to provide services at retirement homes, shelters, etc.
- Offer free facials or waxing to friends and family to practice.
Don’t be afraid to start out slow as you continue developing expertise. Patience and persistence will pay off.
Create Your Resume
With some experience under your belt, start crafting an esthetician resume highlighting your specialized skills. Be sure to include:
- Esthetics license number and expiration
- Relevant certification or advanced training
- Previous employers and responsibilities
- Key background like customer service or sales roles
- Hard and soft skills applicable to esthetics
- Education credentials
- Awards or achievements
Also prepare a portfolio of your best before-and-after photos showcasing your work and results.
Search for Esthetician Jobs
Now it’s time to start applying for esthetician jobs. Some places to search include:
- Online job boards like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, etc.
- Spa and salon websites directly
- Local cosmetology association listings
- Social media groups for estheticians
- Classified ads in industry trade magazines
Look for apprenticeship roles, commission-based jobs, or opportunities at medical spas and dermatology offices which offer great experience starting out.
Be prepared to attend interviews with your resume, portfolio, availability, and enthusiasm. Getting your first job can really give your career a jump start.
Consider Continuing Education
Esthetics is an industry where continual learning is valued. Consider enrolling in advanced courses to expand your skillset. Possibilities include:
- Advanced modalities like microdermabrasion, laser treatments, microcurrent facials
- Specialties like oncology esthetics or working with aging skin
- Complementary services like lash extensions
- Business, marketing, or social media classes
Continuing education shows commitment and makes you more marketable. Explore options online or nearby.
Tips for Esthetician Career Success
Follow these tips to thrive in your esthetics career:
- Focus on listening and understanding each client’s unique needs.
- Tailor recommendations and services accordingly. Don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Practice patience, compassion, and positivity.
- Stay on top of skincare trends and new technologies.
- Build relationships and trust by underpromising and overdelivering.
- Set yourself apart with exemplary sanitation and professionalism.
- Ask clients to share reviews, testimonials, and referrals.
- Keep growing your expertise through experience and education.
The possibilities in the beauty industry are endless for passionate, hardworking estheticians. Use this guide to start your fulfilling career and help clients look and feel their absolute best.
The Basics of Becoming an Esthetician in California
If you want to be an esthetician, the steps are fairly straightforward:
- Find a school Research schools local to you.
- Complete esthetician school (600 hours of training) You must complete 600 hours of training before you take the State Board exam.
- Take and pass your state board exam Once you complete 600 hours of training, apply for an examination date and pass your exam to earn your license. Before January 1, 2022, the exam consisted of a written portion and a practical portion. Now there is just a written exam. The written esthetician exam consists of 75 scored questions and 10 pretest questions, and it must be completed within 90 minutes.
Easy, right? Kind of. Good thing we don’t do basic here.
I believe in giving as much real info as possible to help you make an informed decision, so let’s dive a bit deeper into what it takes to become a California-licensed esthetician and what factors to consider.
Be Realistic About Repaying Your School Loans
If you’re confident you will be able to pay your loans back quickly once you get a job in esthetics, please consider this: it’s difficult to find a well-paying esthetician job right out of school.
There is a lot of glamorization of esthetics going around right now, especially on social media. I find this misleading.
While there are always exceptions, most people really have to remain committed and work their way into a well-paying job or building a clientele as a solopreneur. Clients don’t just magically appear because you start working.
Additionally, many people must maintain a second job while building a client list. There’s no shame in that, do what you have to do to achieve your goals.
Do you have that kind of patience and dedication? I’m not trying to dissuade you, all I’m saying is to be realistic about the amount of loans you take and how quickly you will be able to pay them off. If you decide to go the loan route, be sure you 100% understand the terms.
BECOMING AN ESTHETICIAN | EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO GET YOUR LICENSE { SCHOOL + SALARY + JOB OUTLOOK }
How do I get an Esthetician License?
Complete a state-approved esthetician training program or apprenticeship (if allowed). Take and pass all required exams. Submit an esthetician license application and fee to the state. Select a state below to learn more about its esthetician license requirements. Not every state calls this an “esthetician” license.
How do aspiring estheticians choose a program?
Aspiring estheticians often select a program based on a number of factors, including: While some states use their own state-specific exams, many use the national esthetics examinations created by the National-Interstate Council on State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC).
How do I become an esthetic therapist?
Complete an Esthetics Program: Enroll in a state-approved esthetics program at a vocational school, community college, or specialized esthetics school. Programs typically range from 300 to 1,500 hours of training, depending on state regulations.
Do you need a college degree to become an esthetician?
To become an Esthetician, a college degree is not a prerequisite. Instead, the profession requires completion of a state-approved esthetics program and obtaining a license. These programs focus on skin care, makeup, and other beauty treatments, combining both theoretical knowledge and practical training.
