5 Things Estheticians Want You to Know About Their Job

Are you interested in pursuing a career in the beauty industry? Perhaps you’re considering becoming an esthetician, but you’re not quite sure what the job entails. Estheticians are skincare professionals who can provide services such as skincare treatments, makeup, body treatments, temporary hair removal, lash and brow services, and more, depending on their training and scope of practice.

At Phagans School of Hair Design, our 600-hour Esthetics program is designed to help students build their knowledge and practical skills as they prepare to pursue licensure in Oregon. If you’re considering this career path, here are five things to know about what being an esthetician can involve.

1. How Much Training Does It Take To Become an Esthetician?

Becoming an esthetician requires dedicated education and hands-on training. Skincare techniques may seem simple on the surface, but students study the skin, safety and sanitation, treatments, products, and practical skills as they prepare to pursue licensure.

For applicants graduating from a Board-approved Oregon school, the current Oregon curriculum includes 444 hours of esthetics education and 220 practical operations, plus 20 hours of Oregon Laws and Rules and 20 hours of Career Development. Applicants must also meet Oregon’s practical and written examination requirements to become licensed.

At Phagans School of Hair Design, our Esthetics program includes 600 hours of training. As part of our curriculum, students can learn:

• Skincare treatments
• Makeup
• Body treatments
• Temporary hair removal
• Lash and brow tints
• And more!

Students begin by learning esthetics fundamentals in a classroom environment and practicing on each other and models. After successfully completing the beginning portion of the program, students can progress to the clinic floor, where they practice practical and customer service skills with actual clients under the supervision of licensed instructors.

Becoming an esthetician takes practice, education, and a willingness to continue developing your skills.

2. Is Esthetics a Good Career for People Who Love Working With Others?

Being an esthetician is not just about performing treatments and recommending skincare products. It’s also a people-focused profession that can involve building relationships with clients.

Estheticians often spend one-on-one time with clients learning about their skincare goals and providing services based on their needs. Communication and customer service can therefore be important parts of the job.

If you enjoy meeting new people, listening to others, and helping clients feel comfortable during their services, esthetics may be a field worth exploring.

3. What Services Can Estheticians Provide?

When most people think of an esthetician, they probably think of facials. However, esthetics can cover a much broader range of skincare and beauty services.

Depending on an esthetician’s training, workplace, licensing, and applicable scope-of-practice requirements, services may include:

• Skincare treatments
• Facials
• Makeup application
• Temporary hair removal
• Body treatments
• Lash and brow services
• Skincare product recommendations

At Phagans, students study the skin and its associated structures, skin diseases and disorders, and a variety of esthetics treatments as part of the program.

4. Why Can Being an Esthetician Be a Rewarding Career?

One reason people are drawn to esthetics is the opportunity to work directly with clients while pursuing an interest in skincare and beauty. Estheticians may have opportunities to work in a variety of professional environments after becoming licensed.

Depending on their goals, experience, and any additional requirements, licensed estheticians may explore opportunities in settings such as spas, salons, skincare businesses, and other beauty environments. Some professionals may also pursue paths related to product representation or beauty education.

The beauty industry also continues to evolve, which means estheticians can continue learning about new products, techniques, and trends throughout their careers.

5. Why Is Product Knowledge Important for Estheticians?

Estheticians don’t only develop practical treatment skills. Understanding skincare products and ingredients can also be an important part of their education and work.

Clients have different skin types, concerns, routines, and goals. Learning about products can help an esthetician understand how different options may fit into a client’s skincare routine while staying within their professional scope of practice.

Product knowledge can also change over time as new products, ingredients, and trends enter the beauty industry. Continuing to learn can help estheticians stay informed as they develop professionally.

What Is Esthetics School Like at Phagans?

Phagans’ Esthetics program includes 600 hours of education designed to help students prepare for Oregon licensure and develop practical skincare skills.

Students progress through the program in levels. The first three weeks are spent in a classroom setting learning esthetics basics and practicing on each other and models. Students also complete written and practical evaluations throughout their education.

After successfully completing the first three weeks, students are assigned to the clinic floor, where they can practice practical skills and customer service with actual clients under the supervision of licensed instructors. Classroom education continues as students advance through the program.

This combination gives students opportunities to develop both their technical skills and their ability to work with clients before completing their education.

Could You Become an Esthetician?

If you enjoy skincare, beauty, hands-on learning, and working with people, esthetics may be a field worth exploring. Students come to beauty school at different stages of life, whether they’re beginning their first career or looking for a change.

In Oregon, becoming a licensed esthetician requires completing the applicable education and practical requirements and passing the required examinations. Phagans’ Esthetics program is designed to provide education and practical experience as students prepare to sit for the applicable Oregon licensing exams.

How Can Phagans Help You Start Your Esthetics Education?

Are you ready to find out more about becoming an esthetician? Contact Phagans School of Hair Design to learn more about our Esthetics program, the enrollment process, and what you can expect as a student.

If skincare is a field you’re excited to explore, our team can answer your questions and help you understand the next steps toward beginning your beauty education.