The Pros and Cons of an Esthetics Career

Being an esthetician can be a rewarding career, and before pursuing your esthetician license, it’s wise to weigh the pros and cons. While the positive aspects may be abundant, the less appealing territory of the job, like physical demands and irregular hours, can be deal breakers. 

In this article, you’ll better understand if the life of an esthetician is the right path for you.

What are the pros of being an esthetician?

From doing chemical peels to recommending skincare products to handling laser hair removal, here are some pros to becoming an esthetician.

• Communication: Students will build solid communications skills in a esthetics programs where they will learn how to effectively consult clients.
• Job fulfillment: In the esthetics field, you’re making people look and feel good, and that can be very satisfying for both the beauty professional and the client. 
• Employment opportunities: Whether you decide to become a medical esthetician or take the conventional route of working at a spa, job opportunities in esthetics are in high demand. 
• Continued education: Skincare professionals are expected to constantly learn new tips and tricks in the industry, so there are many opportunities to travel, take workshops, and attend conventions featuring the latest technology and techniques.
• Flexibility: Estheticians have the ability to start their own businesses or work for other people in the beauty industry. Many estheticians can create their own schedules. 

What are the cons of being an esthetician?

Every career has some minor drawbacks. In esthetics, some may see one attribute of the job as a challenge, and others may find those exact job requirements alluring. It’s all about perspective and relies on the person. Skincare services often require long standing hours and repetitive motions,which may lead to fatigue for some.

While the field of esthetics is highly competitive, it also offers the potential to build a loyal client base. Unless you work in a spa or resort as an esthetician, you’ll often be responsible for finding your own clients. Your reputation is crucial, and initially, you’ll need to work hard to attract new clients who may become returning customers.

Meeting diverse skincare goals can be challenging due to varying skin types and needs. This necessitates a commitment to ongoing education to stay updated with trends and techniques. While this aspect of the job can be exciting for many skincare enthusiasts, it can also be daunting for others due to the ever-evolving innovations in beauty.

Income can vary, and is often dependent on the number of clients and treatments performed.  Some jobs in esthetics also lack benefits like health insurance or retirement plans, especially for the self-employed or those in small salons.

Overall, while esthetics offers creativity and personal fulfillment, it may pose challenges for some related to physical demands, competition, and income stability.

Here is a recap of the pros and cons of having a career in esthetics: 

Pros

• Interpersonal skills
• High job outlook
• Forward-thinking education and continual learning
• Flexible schedules

Cons

• Standing long hours
• Competitive beauty field
• Continued learning in the esthetic field
• Possible income variability

How can I decide if esthetics is for me?

If you’re reading this article, you’re curious about esthetics and may be ready to dip your toe into the life of an esthetician. Now that we’ve examined the list of pros and cons, the best way to really immerse yourself in the experiences shared by others is to listen to their stories about what it’s like to be an esthetician.

Remember, this career isn’t for everyone. It’s crucial to ensure this journey is a good fit before you commit to the rigorous hours of training required at a cosmetology school.

Next, spend some time curating a personal list of reasons why you feel drawn to becoming an esthetician. While helping people achieve radiant skin is a noble goal, make sure it’s not your only motivation. If your reasons are abundant and genuine, you’re more likely to thrive and stay passionate about this field for the long haul.

Once you’ve made up your mind, it’s time to explore your options for obtaining your esthetician license.

Reach out and schedule a visit to a local esthetics program—there’s nothing quite like hearing from those who are already immersed in this captivating world. Let the students and instructors at Evergreen Beauty College help illuminate your path forward. 

You can book a tour with your local esthetics program to get more information straight from the source of our esthetician program. Here’s a quick survey you can take to learn if cosmetology or esthetics is the career for you. 

Find a beauty career that works for you

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. We also have a job board for the employment of skin care specialists and more!

FAQ: The pros and cons of 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 age requirements and other eligibility. 

Do I need a degree to be an esthetician?

Esthetics is a trade, which means you’ll train at a vocational school specializing in cosmetology or esthetics. In most states, you need an esthetician license. To obtain a license, you must 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 commonly used terms in the beauty field. Generally, an esthetician is someone who works specifically in the science of skin care. An esthetician’s career may include facial treatments and sometimes makeup application. A cosmetologist is a generalized term that can include all sorts of beauty treatments, including hair care, makeup, skin treatments, and more.