Pros and Cons of Pursuing an Esthetics Career

why become an esthetician

Yakobchuk Olena – istockphoto.com

If you’re thinking about pursuing esthetics, it’s extremely important that you understand all the components of your future job before you go for it. Before you start pursuing an esthetics license, keep these pros and cons in mind so you can make a balanced choice.

As a licensed esthetician, you can pursue a number of jobs under the umbrella of “being an esthetician.” Regardless of what you’re interested in doing, however, it’s good to prepare yourself for the work that is required in the aesthetics field. From doing chemical peels to recommending skincare products to handling laser hair removal, here are some of the pros and cons of deciding to become an esthetician.

What are the pros of being an esthetician?

There are plenty of positives that you can find in the field of esthetics. Here are a few of the most prominent things that people list as pros of the job.

  • Emotional satisfaction. A consistent part of being an esthetician is making people look and feel good, and that can be a very satisfying part of your life in the beauty industry.
  • A wide range of employment options. Whether you decide to become a medical esthetician working with a dermatologist or you gain employment with a local spa handling skin treatments, there are many, many options available.
  • Ongoing learning. Skincare professionals are expected to constantly learn new tips and tricks in the industry, which means you’ll never worry about becoming bored with your existing knowledge.
  • Flexibility and entrepreneurial opportunities. Estheticians have the ability to start their own businesses or to work for other people, and in both cases, it’s very common to have an especially flexible schedule.

What are the cons of being an esthetician?

While knowing the pros is definitely important, being prepared for the cons is equally as critical. Many of these can also be opportunities for you to grow, so not everyone will consider them “cons.”

  • The beauty field is often dependent on the economy. During times of economic downturn, it can be less likely that people will spend their money on body treatments, which can lead to tight times for estheticians.
  • It isn’t always easy to build up a clientele. As an esthetician, you’ll often be responsible for finding your own clients, whether you’re in private practice or working for another employer. A career in esthetics is as much about customer outreach as it is about handling skin issues.
  • You have to be willing to work uncommon hours. Most people are looking to get help with their skincare goals outside of their working hours. Many estheticians work nights and weekends in order to accommodate clients.
  • You always need to have a smile on your face. No matter how difficult your day or what’s been happening outside of work, you need to make sure that your clients always see you with a smile, which can be difficult for some people.

How can I decide if esthetics is for me?

First of all, it’s a good idea to look over this list of pros and cons and do more research, looking at what other people have said about whether they enjoy or don’t enjoy working as an esthetician. It’s not a job for everyone, and you don’t want to go through the hours of training at a cosmetology school if you don’t think it’ll be a good job for you.

Next, compile a list of reasons why you specifically want to go through an esthetician program. You should have an array of reasons, and while “I want to help people have beautiful skin” is a good one, it shouldn’t be your only reason. If it’s easy to consistently come up with reasons why you want to enter the field, you’re more likely to last for a long time.

Once you’ve decided that you’re interested enough in the field to pursue it, start looking into where you can get your esthetician license. You can book a tour with your local esthetics program to get more information straight from the source.

Find a beauty career that works for you

esthetician benefits and downsides

Studio Romantic – istockphoto.com

If you’ve read through this whole post and you still think you’d like to become an esthetician, congratulations! From makeup application to mitigating sun damage and helping people create a daily skincare routine, there’s plenty to love about being an esthetician. Check out the esthetician program from Evergreen Beauty College to start your journey today.

FAQ: Pursuing an esthetics career

How old do I need to be to start training in esthetics?

It depends on the state. In most states, you need to be either 17 or 18 to enroll in an esthetician program. However, you may be able to start talking to beauty schools and planning your career path before then. Talk to your local beauty school to learn more about how old you need to be to start and what you can do before you’re old enough.

Do I need a degree to be an esthetician?

Esthetics is a trade, which means you’ll train in the career directly rather than getting a degree that you can apply to the career. However, in most states, you need some kind of certification in order to work as an esthetician. An esthetician license is mandatory in most places and considered a good practice everywhere. To get your esthetician license, you’ll usually need to complete training with a beauty school diploma and then take a practical exam that tests your actual skills in esthetics.

What’s the difference between an esthetician and a cosmetologist?

“Cosmetologist” and “esthetician” are two terms that are commonly used in the same field. Generally, an “esthetician” is someone who works specifically in the science of skin. An esthetician career may include facial treatments, general skincare, and sometimes makeup application. “Cosmetologist” is a generalized term that can include all sorts of beauty treatments, including hair care, makeup, skin treatments, and more. In some cases, an esthetician may also consider themselves a cosmetologist, as the term “cosmetologist” is often used as an umbrella term.

Author
Frank Trieu
Vice President of Business Development & Industry Relations

Frank Trieu is a cosmetology industry leader, and despite his accomplishments and accolades, he still prioritizes students on the Evergreen campus. Through building relationships within the community and local salons, retail stores, and spas, he helps facilitate job placements for aspiring beauty professionals using his expansive network.

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Janice
Janice
4 years ago

Where can I get medical esthetician training?

Mayfa Age Confident - Canadian Makeup, Skincare On
Mayfa Age Confident - Canadian Makeup, Skincare On
3 years ago

i just discovered your blog and i’m already in love! Thank you for posting so many helpful articles, especially this one which helps break down popular brands that we can trust. I just started working at Sephora so I’m still learning everything in the industry, and this article has made me much more knowledgeable!

Liane
Liane
3 years ago

Do estheticians get health benefits from their employer?

Lintyra vining
Lintyra vining
3 years ago

I went to cosmetologly school and finish it but I didn’t lik the hair part but I want to become a esthetic so

Chris Pederson
Chris Pederson
3 years ago

I didn’t know that estheticians have flexible schedules. My daughter is looking into different careers. I’ll talk to her about becoming an esthetician so she can keep the freedom she loves.
aiskin.org/

Xeniw
Xeniw
3 years ago

Can I start my studies of medical esthetician at age of 15 ?

Eli Richardson
Eli Richardson
3 years ago

It’s great that you talked about how a cosmetology career offers different employments options. My little sister is thinking about what career to pursue. She needs to make a decision soon, so I want to help her out. She likes to cut the hair of my aunts, and she often helps my mother with her makeup, so that’s why I believe she could like a cosmetology career. I appreciate your information about the benefits of choosing to be an esthetician. salonproacademy.com/cosmetology-onalaska-school/

Jackie Menci
Jackie Menci
3 years ago

Hi I did facials in a spa years ago and would like to see if I can fond a quick and inexpensive refresher course ?

Chhaian
Chhaian
2 years ago

With proper research datas, how will the job as esthetician impact the global economy in the future (5 or 10 more years)?

Jessica Gomez
Jessica Gomez
2 years ago

I really want to start my esthetician career but my husband always puts mee down on it saying it has no real benefits, how will I retire, will I just be working client from client & what about vacation pay or maternity leave. I’m really doubting on doing it now but at the back of my mind I really want to. Idk what to do or tell my husband to make him believe this is a real career

Formula Skin Lab SD
Formula Skin Lab SD
2 years ago
Reply to  Jessica Gomez

Hello, I make six figures as a spa owner. Do it!

Tinae A Nassourou
Tinae A Nassourou
2 years ago

Thank you Jessica

suzanne
suzanne
1 year ago

Hi,
I am in my early 60’s and have had a fantastic experience with my local Esthetician. I keep thinking how much I would love to help people with their aging skin. I wouldn’t be in it to make alot of money. Also we live in the country on a small acreage and we have a beautiful barn on the property and I would love to use that for my work space. Yes people would have to drive 15 or 20 minutes to be here but its a lovely drive. Just want to get some thoughts from someone with experience.
Thank you.
Suz