8 Careers You Can Have As An Esthetician

A licensed esthetician can explore career opportunities in spas, skincare studios, makeup artistry, brow and lash services, waxing, beauty brands, content creation, and business ownership. Esthetics professionals can specialize in hands-on skincare treatments or use their education to pursue roles in product education, beauty marketing, and wellness, depending on their qualifications and applicable state requirements. At Phagans School of Hair Design in Oregon, students can build foundational skincare skills through hands-on training in facials, makeup, hair removal, brow and lash services, and client relations. The Esthetics program also helps students prepare to sit for the applicable state licensing examinations and explore different paths within the beauty industry.

Choosing a career in beauty is about more than makeup and skincare. It’s also 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 other services permitted within their professional scope of practice. What you may not know is how many different directions your education can take you.

Some estheticians enjoy working directly with clients in spas and salons. Others become interested in makeup, specialized services, skincare products, education, or entrepreneurship.

Here are eight career paths to explore, along with the skills and training that can help you prepare.

What Career Opportunities Can You Pursue as a Licensed Esthetician?

Licensed estheticians can explore a range of roles in beauty and skincare, from providing services in a spa to educating customers about products or operating an independent business. The work you can perform depends on your professional credentials, additional training, and state scope-of-practice requirements.

Eight career paths to consider include:

1. Spa Esthetician
2. Makeup Artist
3. Brow and Lash Specialist
4. Waxing Specialist
5. Beauty Brand or Product Representative
6. Beauty Influencer or Content Creator
7. Esthetics Business Owner
8. Wellness-Focused Esthetician

Each path offers a different way to apply beauty industry knowledge. Some involve direct client services, while others focus on education, communication, creativity, or business development.

Students who are unsure which direction interests them can begin by developing foundational esthetics skills and learning more about the types of work available.

What Hands-On Careers Can You Explore With an Esthetics License?

Hands-on esthetics careers focus on providing beauty and skincare services directly to clients. Spa estheticians, makeup artists, brow and lash specialists, and waxing specialists each concentrate on different services and client needs.

1. Spa Esthetician

A spa esthetician provides skincare and beauty services in settings such as day spas, resort spas, and wellness centers. This path may appeal to people who enjoy working directly with clients in a relaxing, service-focused environment.

Depending on the workplace and the professional’s authorized scope of practice, responsibilities may include:

• Performing facials and skincare treatments
• Providing permitted body treatments, including certain wraps and scrubs
• Offering waxing and temporary hair removal
• Applying makeup for special occasions
• Recommending appropriate home skincare routines

Working in a spa often involves understanding client concerns, selecting suitable services, following sanitation procedures, and helping clients feel comfortable throughout their appointments.

Some estheticians enjoy the atmosphere of day spas, while others are interested in resort or wellness environments. The specific responsibilities and employment requirements vary by workplace.

Skills to develop: Facials, skincare consultations, treatment procedures, product knowledge, sanitation, and client communication.

2. Makeup Artist

Makeup artistry is another career direction for people interested in esthetics. Understanding skin types, textures, and tones can provide a useful foundation when choosing products and creating different makeup looks.

Makeup artists may explore opportunities in:

• Bridal and event makeup
• Editorial and fashion photography
• Film, television, and theater
• Special effects makeup with additional training
• Beauty and skincare businesses

Esthetics education can help students understand the relationship between skincare preparation and makeup application.

For example, learning about skin types and product selection can help a makeup artist plan services for different clients.

Some professionals choose to combine permitted skincare services with makeup appointments, while others focus primarily on makeup artistry. Certain specialized services may require additional education or credentials.

Skills to develop: Skin preparation, makeup techniques, color selection, sanitation, consultations, and creative communication.

3. Brow and Lash Specialist

A brow and lash specialist focuses on services that enhance the appearance of eyebrows and eyelashes. This career direction may appeal to estheticians who enjoy detailed work, precise techniques, and individualized services.

Services in this area may include:

• Brow shaping and tinting
• Lash lifts and tints
• Eyelash extensions
• Other specialized brow treatments

Different services may have different training, credentialing, and scope-of-practice requirements. Some procedures, such as microblading, may be regulated separately from traditional esthetics services.

At Phagans School of Hair Design, the Esthetics program includes education in brow and lash services. The original program description also identifies eyelash extension training as part of the student experience.

Students interested in this specialty should ask about the current eyelash extension curriculum, any separate course completion credentials, and the state requirements for providing these services professionally.

Skills to develop: Precision, attention to detail, client consultation, sanitation, and safe application procedures.

4. Waxing Specialist

A waxing specialist concentrates on temporary hair removal services. Estheticians interested in this field may explore work in salons, spas, and dedicated waxing studios.

Depending on their authorized scope of practice and training, services may include:

• Arm, leg, back, and chest waxing
• Bikini and Brazilian waxing
• Facial hair removal, including brows, lips, and chin

Waxing requires careful attention to sanitation, product use, client comfort, and appropriate service procedures.

Professionals working in this specialty also need strong communication skills, particularly when discussing services that may feel personal or unfamiliar to clients.

For students who enjoy detailed, hands-on work and direct client interaction, waxing can be an area worth exploring during esthetics education.

Skills to develop: Hair removal techniques, sanitation, consultation, efficiency, and professional communication.

What Beauty Careers Can Estheticians Pursue Beyond the Treatment Room?

Esthetics education can also support interests outside direct skincare services. Professionals who enjoy teaching, sales, marketing, or digital content may explore roles with beauty brands or build an online presence around their knowledge.

5. Beauty Brand or Product Representative

Beauty brand representatives help businesses and customers understand skincare products, techniques, and product lines. This career direction can appeal to people who enjoy skincare science, communication, and building professional relationships.

Potential responsibilities include:

• Educating spa owners or estheticians about product lines
• Hosting product demonstrations or training sessions
• Representing products at trade shows and beauty events
• Working with salons or spas as a brand representative
• Explaining product features and appropriate uses

Some roles involve traveling to meet customers or provide demonstrations. Others may focus on sales, education, or customer support.

Esthetics training can provide useful background in skincare services and products, although specific positions may require additional sales experience, brand training, or other qualifications.

Skills to develop: Product knowledge, public speaking, customer service, professional communication, and relationship building.

6. Beauty Influencer or Content Creator

Beauty content creators share information, tutorials, product experiences, and other beauty-related content through digital platforms. Estheticians interested in communication and creativity may explore content creation alongside other professional activities.

Possible content formats include:

• Skincare tutorials on YouTube or TikTok
• Product reviews on Instagram or blogs
• Educational videos about skincare routines
• Beauty tips and product demonstrations
• Online content related to professional experiences

Some creators also pursue brand partnerships or sponsorships. These opportunities depend on audience development, business arrangements, and the requirements of the platforms involved.

Esthetics education can help creators build a foundation in skincare knowledge. However, licensed professionals must still follow applicable regulations, avoid unsupported treatment claims, and stay within their authorized scope when providing professional advice or services.

Building an online presence requires consistency, communication, and creative planning. Social media success, sponsorships, and income are not guaranteed.

Skills to develop: Skincare knowledge, communication, content planning, photography or video production, and responsible product education.

Can Estheticians Own a Business or Work in Wellness?

Estheticians may explore business ownership or wellness-focused services when they have the appropriate professional credentials, business approvals, training, and other applicable qualifications. These paths involve additional responsibilities beyond learning skincare treatments.

7. Esthetics Business Owner

Some estheticians are interested in eventually opening a skincare studio, spa, or other beauty business. Business ownership offers an opportunity to develop a personal brand, select services, and manage client relationships.

An esthetics business owner may be responsible for:

• Planning services and appointment schedules
• Developing a business identity and brand
• Managing products and supplies
• Building and maintaining client relationships
• Marketing services
• Managing finances and business operations
• Following licensing, facility, and sanitation requirements

Operating a business involves financial responsibilities, regulatory obligations, and ongoing management.

Some professionals begin by gaining experience in existing businesses before exploring independent work. Others may pursue additional business education or training.

At Phagans, students receive education in client relations and business-related subjects that can introduce concepts relevant to professional environments.

Owning a business is a separate undertaking from completing esthetics school, and professional training does not guarantee business success.

Skills to develop: Business fundamentals, service planning, communication, marketing, organization, and financial awareness.

8. Wellness-Focused Esthetician

Wellness-focused estheticians combine an interest in skincare with client comfort and relaxation. They may explore work in spas or wellness environments offering services appropriate to their training and professional authorization.

Depending on the setting and applicable requirements, wellness-oriented services may incorporate:

• Aromatherapy
• Relaxation-focused skincare rituals
• Permitted facial treatments
• Client education about skincare routines
• Other wellness practices supported by appropriate training and authorization

Some wellness businesses also offer massage, lymphatic drainage, or other specialized treatments. These services can have separate licensing or regulatory requirements and should not be assumed to fall within a standard esthetics scope of practice.

Likewise, medical aesthetics procedures and treatments such as certain chemical peels or device-based services may require additional authorization or medical oversight.

Students interested in this direction should research the specific services they want to provide and determine what education and credentials are required.

Skills to develop: Skincare consultations, appropriate treatment planning, client communication, sanitation, and an understanding of professional boundaries.

What Skills Help Estheticians Prepare for Different Career Paths?

Communication, attention to detail, client care, business awareness, and continued learning are useful skills across many esthetics career paths. Whether you’re interested in spa services or working with a skincare brand, developing these abilities during training can support your professional preparation.

Important skills include:

• Strong communication: Listening to client concerns, asking appropriate questions, and explaining services clearly.
• Attention to detail: Following procedures carefully, especially during precision services such as brow work or waxing.
• Empathy: Helping clients feel comfortable and respected while discussing skincare concerns or personal services.
• Business awareness: Understanding customer service, professional relationships, and basic marketing concepts.
• Sanitation and safety: Following appropriate procedures when using products, tools, and equipment.
• Continued education: Learning about new techniques, products, and changes in professional requirements.

These skills can be developed through instruction, supervised practice, and ongoing learning.

At Phagans School of Hair Design, students receive training in technical esthetics skills alongside customer service and business concepts. This helps connect practical education with the professional interactions students may encounter in different beauty settings.

How Does Phagans School of Hair Design Prepare Students for Esthetics Careers?

Phagans School of Hair Design prepares students for the esthetics field through classroom education, hands-on practice, and instruction in skincare services, sanitation, client communication, and business fundamentals.

Students enrolled in the Esthetics program at Phagans School of Hair Design can receive training in:

• Facials and skincare treatments
• Makeup artistry
• Temporary hair removal, including waxing and tweezing
• Brow and lash services
• Client consultations
• Customer service and business-related skills
• Professional sanitation and safety practices

The program also provides opportunities for supervised practical experience, helping students apply what they learn while working with clients.

Phagans includes eyelash extension education as described in the original program information. Students should confirm the current training details and whether any separate course credential is awarded.

In addition to technical education, the program helps students prepare to sit for the applicable state licensing examinations after meeting the relevant requirements.

Graduation and state authorization to practice are separate steps. Completing the program does not automatically grant a professional license or guarantee employment.

Prospective students can also explore financial aid and ways to manage the cost of education, including financial aid for those who qualify.

How Do You Choose the Right Esthetics Career Path?

Choosing an esthetics career direction starts with understanding which services and working environments interest you most. You can compare the daily responsibilities, required qualifications, and skills involved in each type of work before deciding what to explore further.

Consider these steps:

1. Identify your interests: Think about whether you enjoy skincare treatments, makeup, waxing, lash services, product education, or business-related work.
2. Consider your preferred work environment: You may be drawn to a spa, salon, skincare studio, beauty brand, or independent business setting.
3. Research professional requirements: Understand which services your state authorizes and whether additional education or credentials are necessary.
4. Explore the training involved: Review the curriculum of the esthetics program you’re considering, including supervised practice and client service education.
5. Learn about different roles: Ask instructors and industry professionals about their experiences and the skills they use in their work.
6. Allow room for your interests to develop: You can begin by learning foundational esthetics skills and explore additional training as your goals become clearer.

You don’t need to commit to a single specialty before beginning your education. Learning about different services during school may help you discover which aspects of skincare you enjoy.

At Phagans, students can explore a range of esthetics techniques while developing practical skills and learning about professional expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Esthetician Careers

What jobs can you get with an esthetics license?

Licensed estheticians may explore work as spa estheticians, skincare specialists, makeup artists, waxing specialists, and brow or lash service providers. They may also pursue opportunities in skincare product sales, education, content creation, or business ownership. Specific services and professional roles depend on state requirements, additional qualifications, and employer expectations.

Can an esthetician work in a medical spa?

Estheticians may work in medical spa environments, but the procedures they can perform depend on their state-authorized scope of practice. Medical treatments, certain advanced skincare procedures, and services requiring medical supervision may not be covered by a standard esthetics credential. Additional requirements may apply.

Can estheticians specialize in eyelash extensions?

Estheticians may pursue eyelash extension work when they meet their state’s applicable training and professional authorization requirements. Phagans includes eyelash extension education in its Esthetics program. Students should confirm current training details and whether any additional credential or authorization is required before providing these services professionally.

Can an esthetician open their own business?

Estheticians may explore owning skincare studios, spas, or other beauty businesses after meeting applicable professional, facility, and business requirements. Operating a business involves responsibilities such as scheduling, marketing, finances, sanitation, and regulatory compliance. Completing esthetics school alone does not guarantee the ability or financial resources to open a business.

What skills do you learn in esthetician school?

Esthetics students can learn skincare treatments, facials, makeup, temporary hair removal, brow and lash services, sanitation, client consultations, and professional communication. At Phagans School of Hair Design, education also includes hands-on practice, customer service, and business-related concepts.

Does esthetician school prepare you for a state licensing exam?

Esthetics programs can help students develop the technical knowledge and practical skills relevant to state examination requirements. At Phagans, students receive preparation to sit for the applicable state licensing examinations after meeting eligibility requirements. Completing a program does not guarantee passing an exam or obtaining state authorization to practice.

How Can You Start Your Esthetics Education at Phagans?

The first step toward exploring esthetics is learning about the training, professional requirements, and educational options available to you.

At Phagans School of Hair Design, students can develop practical skincare skills while exploring services related to spas, makeup artistry, waxing, brow and lash work, and other beauty industry interests.

Our team can help you learn more about:

• The Esthetics program curriculum
• Hands-on student training
• Program schedules and enrollment requirements
• State examination preparation
• Financial aid options for those who qualify
• The next steps for beginning your education

Whether you’re interested in working directly with skincare clients, exploring makeup artistry, or eventually learning more about business ownership, esthetics education can provide a foundation for developing your skills.

Ready to explore your options? Contact Phagans School of Hair Design to learn about Esthetics enrollment, ask questions, or schedule a campus tour.

Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Program completion does not guarantee employment, a particular income, successful business ownership, or state licensure. Additional education or professional authorization may be required for certain services.