3 answers
Livvy
Student
Commodore, Pennsylvania
2
Questions
Asked
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What should I do before high school graduation before becoming an esthetician?
I want to become an esthetician though I don't know how to prepare myself or what I should do before enrolling in a beauty school.
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3 answers
Miha B
Academic and Career Counselor | Human Resources Specialist | Internal Auditor
30
Answers
Winter Park, Florida
Updated
Miha’s Answer
Hi Livvy,
Becoming an esthetician is an exciting and rewarding career choice for those passionate about skincare, beauty, and wellness. If you’re in high school and considering this path, there are several steps you can take to prepare yourself for beauty school and a successful career as an esthetician.
1. Research the Profession
Understanding what estheticians do is the first step. They specialize in skin care services, including facials, waxing, makeup application, and more. Research the roles, responsibilities, and potential career paths in the beauty industry to confirm that this is the right fit for your interests.
Visit local salons or spas: Shadow professionals to observe their daily tasks.
Look up state licensing requirements: Different states have specific regulations for estheticians.
Explore specializations: Consider areas like medical esthetics, makeup artistry, or lash extensions.
2. Focus on Relevant High School Classes
Certain subjects can provide a strong foundation for your future training:
Biology and Anatomy: These classes help you understand skin structure and functions.
Chemistry: Learn about the ingredients and formulations in skincare products.
Health and Wellness: Gain insight into general wellness practices and self-care.
Business or Marketing: Many estheticians run their own businesses, so knowledge of these fields is valuable.
3. Develop Personal Skills
Estheticians work closely with clients, so developing strong interpersonal and practical skills is essential:
Communication: Practice active listening and clear communication.
Customer Service: Build experience in hospitality or retail to learn how to work with clients.
Time Management: Being punctual and organized is key in this field.
Attention to Detail: Focus on perfecting small details, which is critical in skincare treatments.
4. Gain Early Experience in Beauty and Skincare
Start building a foundation in beauty while you’re still in high school:
Experiment at Home: Practice basic skincare routines and makeup techniques on yourself or friends.
Take Online Courses: Learn about skincare, makeup, or basic esthetics through free or paid online resources.
Work Part-Time: Consider working in a salon or spa as a receptionist or assistant to observe professionals.
Volunteer: Participate in community beauty or wellness events to gain experience.
5. Research and Choose a Beauty School
Look for accredited esthetician programs in your area. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Accreditation: Ensure the school is accredited and meets state licensing requirements.
Program Length: Programs usually last 6 months to 2 years, depending on whether you study full-time or part-time.
Specializations Offered: Check if they offer training in areas you’re interested in.
Financial Aid: Explore scholarships, grants, and payment plans.
6. Save Money for School
Many beauty schools have tuition fees, and additional costs may include books, tools, and supplies. Start saving money now through part-time jobs or budgeting your allowance.
7. Practice Self-Care
As an esthetician, you’ll be promoting wellness, so it’s important to embody those principles yourself:
Maintain Your Skin: Develop a consistent skincare routine.
Stay Healthy: Focus on nutrition, hydration, and stress management.
Build Confidence: Learn to present yourself professionally and with poise.
8. Network with Industry Professionals
Attend beauty expos, career fairs, or workshops to connect with professionals and learn from their experiences. Follow skincare experts and estheticians on social media for inspiration and advice.
9. Stay Updated on Trends and Innovations
The beauty industry evolves quickly. Keep up with new skincare treatments, products, and tools by reading magazines, blogs, and watching tutorials.
10. Plan for the Future
Set goals for what you want to achieve as an esthetician, whether that’s working in a luxury spa, opening your own business, or specializing in a niche field like medical esthetics.
By taking these steps before graduating high school, you’ll build a strong foundation for your future as an esthetician and enter beauty school feeling prepared and confident.
Becoming an esthetician is an exciting and rewarding career choice for those passionate about skincare, beauty, and wellness. If you’re in high school and considering this path, there are several steps you can take to prepare yourself for beauty school and a successful career as an esthetician.
1. Research the Profession
Understanding what estheticians do is the first step. They specialize in skin care services, including facials, waxing, makeup application, and more. Research the roles, responsibilities, and potential career paths in the beauty industry to confirm that this is the right fit for your interests.
Visit local salons or spas: Shadow professionals to observe their daily tasks.
Look up state licensing requirements: Different states have specific regulations for estheticians.
Explore specializations: Consider areas like medical esthetics, makeup artistry, or lash extensions.
2. Focus on Relevant High School Classes
Certain subjects can provide a strong foundation for your future training:
Biology and Anatomy: These classes help you understand skin structure and functions.
Chemistry: Learn about the ingredients and formulations in skincare products.
Health and Wellness: Gain insight into general wellness practices and self-care.
Business or Marketing: Many estheticians run their own businesses, so knowledge of these fields is valuable.
3. Develop Personal Skills
Estheticians work closely with clients, so developing strong interpersonal and practical skills is essential:
Communication: Practice active listening and clear communication.
Customer Service: Build experience in hospitality or retail to learn how to work with clients.
Time Management: Being punctual and organized is key in this field.
Attention to Detail: Focus on perfecting small details, which is critical in skincare treatments.
4. Gain Early Experience in Beauty and Skincare
Start building a foundation in beauty while you’re still in high school:
Experiment at Home: Practice basic skincare routines and makeup techniques on yourself or friends.
Take Online Courses: Learn about skincare, makeup, or basic esthetics through free or paid online resources.
Work Part-Time: Consider working in a salon or spa as a receptionist or assistant to observe professionals.
Volunteer: Participate in community beauty or wellness events to gain experience.
5. Research and Choose a Beauty School
Look for accredited esthetician programs in your area. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Accreditation: Ensure the school is accredited and meets state licensing requirements.
Program Length: Programs usually last 6 months to 2 years, depending on whether you study full-time or part-time.
Specializations Offered: Check if they offer training in areas you’re interested in.
Financial Aid: Explore scholarships, grants, and payment plans.
6. Save Money for School
Many beauty schools have tuition fees, and additional costs may include books, tools, and supplies. Start saving money now through part-time jobs or budgeting your allowance.
7. Practice Self-Care
As an esthetician, you’ll be promoting wellness, so it’s important to embody those principles yourself:
Maintain Your Skin: Develop a consistent skincare routine.
Stay Healthy: Focus on nutrition, hydration, and stress management.
Build Confidence: Learn to present yourself professionally and with poise.
8. Network with Industry Professionals
Attend beauty expos, career fairs, or workshops to connect with professionals and learn from their experiences. Follow skincare experts and estheticians on social media for inspiration and advice.
9. Stay Updated on Trends and Innovations
The beauty industry evolves quickly. Keep up with new skincare treatments, products, and tools by reading magazines, blogs, and watching tutorials.
10. Plan for the Future
Set goals for what you want to achieve as an esthetician, whether that’s working in a luxury spa, opening your own business, or specializing in a niche field like medical esthetics.
By taking these steps before graduating high school, you’ll build a strong foundation for your future as an esthetician and enter beauty school feeling prepared and confident.
Christal Smith
Celebrity Esthetician
4
Answers
Newark, New Jersey
Updated
Christal’s Answer
Hey 👋🏽,
I am Christal I happen to be a Licensed Esthetician to celebrities. You are still young I would complete the courses you need during high-school. Some schools allow you to do it and once you graduate you are fully licensed. This is if they have hair/skincare beauty school at your school. Definitely practice on friends and family. Now what you learn in a book is different from being in the field. I would work somewhere to get the hands on and real in the field training. Being an esthetician doesn’t just lock you into skin that also covers waxing which is the real money maker!
I am Christal I happen to be a Licensed Esthetician to celebrities. You are still young I would complete the courses you need during high-school. Some schools allow you to do it and once you graduate you are fully licensed. This is if they have hair/skincare beauty school at your school. Definitely practice on friends and family. Now what you learn in a book is different from being in the field. I would work somewhere to get the hands on and real in the field training. Being an esthetician doesn’t just lock you into skin that also covers waxing which is the real money maker!
Michelle M.
Actress
2646
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi, Livvy !
It's great that you want a career as an Esthetician ! You will learn everything you need to know for the career in Esthetician School.
While you are still in high school you can read books that familiarize you with the skin since you will be working directly on customers' skin. I left a link below to an online book that you can start reading. You can look for more books online or at your school and community Library. This will familiarize you with the anatomy and basics of the skin.
By volunteering to do make up for your high school's plays and shows, you can gain experience. There is also a wealth of information about make up applications, facials and skin disorders that you can find online. Also go to live Theatres and offer to volunteer to do makeup for their plays or shows. Do makeup and facials for your friends and family. It might be a good idea to also visit local Dance Schools because they usually have Recitals and perhaps you could offer to do the make up for the dancers for their shows. You will start to feel like you're in the swing of things if you do something like that everyday.
As for classes in high school, you can take a chemistry class to become familiar with the different elements and chemical reactions as you will be working with various products in your career. Another thing to do is invest in a large makeup box and begin to collect makeup and nail polish. Buy foundation in all skin tones and a variety of colors of other makeup, too.
Although these are things that can prepare you for Esthetician School, you will learn everything you need to know once you enroll as an Esthetician student. Right now, have fun doing facials, nails and makeup everyday and take advantage of every opportunity to practice like that.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
THE ANATOMY AND ORGANIZATION OF HUMAN SKIN https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9781444317633.ch3
It's great that you want a career as an Esthetician ! You will learn everything you need to know for the career in Esthetician School.
While you are still in high school you can read books that familiarize you with the skin since you will be working directly on customers' skin. I left a link below to an online book that you can start reading. You can look for more books online or at your school and community Library. This will familiarize you with the anatomy and basics of the skin.
By volunteering to do make up for your high school's plays and shows, you can gain experience. There is also a wealth of information about make up applications, facials and skin disorders that you can find online. Also go to live Theatres and offer to volunteer to do makeup for their plays or shows. Do makeup and facials for your friends and family. It might be a good idea to also visit local Dance Schools because they usually have Recitals and perhaps you could offer to do the make up for the dancers for their shows. You will start to feel like you're in the swing of things if you do something like that everyday.
As for classes in high school, you can take a chemistry class to become familiar with the different elements and chemical reactions as you will be working with various products in your career. Another thing to do is invest in a large makeup box and begin to collect makeup and nail polish. Buy foundation in all skin tones and a variety of colors of other makeup, too.
Although these are things that can prepare you for Esthetician School, you will learn everything you need to know once you enroll as an Esthetician student. Right now, have fun doing facials, nails and makeup everyday and take advantage of every opportunity to practice like that.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps: