8 Careers You Can Have As An Esthetician

Choosing a career in beauty is about more than just makeup and skincare—it’s about helping people feel confident, radiant, and comfortable in their own skin. If you’ve been considering esthetics, you might already know the basics: estheticians specialize in skincare treatments, facials, waxing, and advanced services like chemical peels and microdermabrasion. But what you may not know is just how many career paths are available to licensed estheticians.

This blog will walk you through some of the careers you can pursue as an esthetician. By the end, you’ll see that esthetics is not a one-size-fits-all profession—it’s a flexible career that grows with you and your passions.

Why Choose Esthetics?

Before diving into the careers, it’s worth asking: why esthetics in the first place?

• Flexibility: Many estheticians work full-time, part-time, or on a freelance basis. You can design your schedule around your lifestyle.
• Diverse paths: From hands-on services to product sales, education, or medical aesthetics, there are countless ways to grow.
• Impact: Estheticians make a difference by boosting confidence, treating skin concerns, and teaching clients how to care for their skin.

Now let’s explore the career options that open up once you’ve earned your esthetics license.

1. Spa Esthetician

This is one of the most popular career paths for licensed estheticians. As a spa esthetician, you’ll work in day spas, resort spas, or luxury wellness centers. Your daily tasks may include:

• Performing facials and skincare treatments
• Body wraps and scrubs
• Waxing and hair removal
• Makeup application for events
• Recommending home skincare routines

Spas are ideal for those who love a serene, calming environment and want to help clients relax while improving their skin health. You may even get the chance to work in high-end resorts, where clients travel from around the world to be pampered.

2. Makeup Artist

Makeup artistry is a natural extension of esthetics. As an esthetician, you’ll understand skin types, textures, and tones, which gives you an advantage when it comes to applying makeup flawlessly.

Career options for makeup artists include:

• Bridal and event makeup
• Editorial and fashion shoots
• Film, television, and theater makeup
• Special effects makeup (with additional training)

Many estheticians enjoy combining skincare and makeup—prepping a client’s skin before applying products ensures longer-lasting, professional results.

3. Brow and Lash Specialist

Brows and lashes have become a huge trend in the beauty industry. With specialized certifications, you can focus your career entirely on these services.

Popular treatments include:

• Brow shaping and tinting
• Lash lifts and tints
• Eyelash extensions
• Microblading (requires advanced training/licensing in some states)

As a licensed esthetician, you can even become an eyelash technician. Eyelash extensions are one of today’s most popular services, and at Phagans School of Hair Design, our esthetics program includes certification in eyelash extensions. This is one of the biggest reasons many students choose our program—they graduate already certified and ready to offer this in-demand service.

Specializing in brows and lashes is ideal for estheticians who enjoy detailed, precision work and want to ride the wave of one of beauty’s most in-demand services.

4. Waxing Specialist

If you enjoy hair removal services, you can build a niche career as a waxing specialist. Salons, spas, and dedicated waxing studios are always seeking skilled professionals.

Waxing specialists focus on:

• Full-body waxing (arms, legs, back, chest)
• Bikini and Brazilian waxing
• Facial hair removal (brows, lip, chin)

This career path is perfect for estheticians who are efficient, detail-oriented, and able to make clients feel comfortable during intimate services.

5. Brand or Product Representative

Do you love skincare products as much as treatments? Many estheticians find careers working for professional skincare brands. As a representative, educator, or sales consultant, you’ll use your expertise to help businesses and clients understand the benefits of different products.

Responsibilities may include:

• Educating spa owners or estheticians on product lines
• Hosting demonstrations and training sessions
• Selling products at trade shows or beauty expos
• Traveling to salons and spas as a brand ambassador

This path is a great option for those who love networking, traveling, and sharing their passion for skincare science.

6. Beauty Influencer or Content Creator

The rise of social media has created new opportunities for estheticians. If you enjoy creating content and connecting with an online audience, you can build a career as a beauty influencer or content creator.

Ways estheticians thrive in this space include:

• Filming skincare tutorials on YouTube or TikTok
• Reviewing products on Instagram or blogs
• Offering virtual skincare consultations
• Building a personal brand that attracts sponsorships or partnerships

This career requires creativity, consistency, and a willingness to grow your personal brand—but the rewards can be incredible, especially if you combine it with offering in-person services.

7. Business Owner

Many estheticians dream of becoming their own boss. With the right combination of skills, licensing, and business savvy, you can open your own spa, salon, or studio.

Owning your own esthetics business means you can:

• Set your schedule and services
• Build your brand around your vision
• Offer specialized treatments
• Create a loyal client base

Entrepreneurship comes with challenges, but it also provides independence and the opportunity to shape your career exactly how you want it.

8. Wellness and Holistic Esthetician

Some estheticians choose to combine skincare with holistic wellness practices. These professionals may work in spas, wellness centers, or private practices.

They often integrate:

• Aromatherapy
• Lymphatic drainage massage
• Energy-based therapies (like Reiki)
• Stress-relieving skincare rituals

This path is ideal if you’re drawn to a mind-body-skin connection and want to provide clients with more than just surface-level beauty care.

What Skills Help Estheticians Succeed?

No matter which path you choose, successful estheticians share certain skills:

• Strong communication: Understanding client concerns and explaining treatments clearly.
• Attention to detail: Especially important for precision services like lashes or waxing.
• Empathy: Clients often seek skincare help when they’re feeling insecure—compassion goes a long way.
• Business sense: Even if you don’t own a salon, you’ll benefit from knowing how to market yourself and build a client base.
• Continued education: The beauty industry is always evolving, and staying updated on new techniques is key.

At Phagans School of Hair Design, we teach not only technical esthetics skills but also customer service and business training to help you succeed in any career path.

How Phagans School of Hair Design Prepares You

When you enroll in our esthetics program, you’ll receive hands-on training in:

• Facials and advanced skincare
• Makeup artistry
• Hair removal (waxing, tweezing, etc.)
• Brow and lash services
• Business and client relations
• Plus, you’ll graduate certified in eyelash extensions—a highly requested service that can set you apart from other estheticians right from the start.

We also prepare students to sit for the state licensing exam and offer support as you explore different career paths. Whether you see yourself in a spa, a medical office, or running your own business, we’re here to help you achieve your goals.

Your Esthetics Journey Starts Here

The beauty of becoming an esthetician is that your career can be whatever you make it. From relaxing spa treatments to high-tech medical aesthetics, from artistry in makeup to building a skincare empire online, the opportunities can be vast and exciting.

At Phagans School of Hair Design, we’re here to help you take the first step. With our training, supportive educators, and a focus on preparing you for real-world success, we can help turn your passion for beauty and skincare into a career.

Are you ready to start your esthetics journey? Contact Phagans School of Hair Design today to learn more about our esthetics program and how you can get started.