Pros and Cons of Pursuing an Esthetics Career (2024)

If you’re thinking about pursuing esthetics, it’s extremely important that you understand all the components of your future job before you go for it. Before you start pursuing an esthetics license, keep these pros and cons in mind so you can make a balanced choice.

As a licensed esthetician, you can pursue a number of jobs under the umbrella of “being an esthetician.” Regardless of what you’re interested in doing, however, it’s good to prepare yourself for the work that is required in the aesthetics field. From doing chemical peels to recommending skincare products to handling laser hair removal, here are some of the pros and cons of deciding to become an esthetician.

What are the pros of being an esthetician?

There are plenty of positives that you can find in the field of esthetics. Here are a few of the most prominent things that people list as pros of the job.

• Emotional satisfaction. A consistent part of being an esthetician is making people look and feel good, and that can be a very satisfying part of your life in the beauty industry.
• A wide range of employment options. Whether you decide to become a medical esthetician working with a dermatologist or you gain employment with a local spa handling skin treatments, there are many, many options available.
• Ongoing learning. Skincare professionals are expected to constantly learn new tips and tricks in the industry, which means you’ll never worry about becoming bored with your existing knowledge.
• Flexibility and entrepreneurial opportunities. Estheticians have the ability to start their own businesses or to work for other people, and in both cases, it’s very common to have an especially flexible schedule.

What are the cons of being an esthetician?

While knowing the pros is definitely important, being prepared for the cons is equally as critical. Many of these can also be opportunities for you to grow, so not everyone will consider them “cons.”

• The beauty field is often dependent on the economy. During times of economic downturn, it can be less likely that people will spend their money on body treatments, which can lead to tight times for estheticians.
• It isn’t always easy to build up a clientele. As an esthetician, you’ll often be responsible for finding your own clients, whether you’re in private practice or working for another employer. A career in esthetics is as much about customer outreach as it is about handling skin issues.
• You have to be willing to work uncommon hours. Most people are looking to get help with their skincare goals outside of their working hours. Many estheticians work nights and weekends in order to accommodate clients.
• You always need to have a smile on your face. No matter how difficult your day or what’s been happening outside of work, you need to make sure that your clients always see you with a smile, which can be difficult for some people.

How can I decide if esthetics is for me?

First of all, it’s a good idea to look over this list of pros and cons and do more research, looking at what other people have said about whether they enjoy or don’t enjoy working as an esthetician. It’s not a job for everyone, and you don’t want to go through the hours of training at a cosmetology school if you don’t think it’ll be a good job for you.

Next, compile a list of reasons why you specifically want to go through an esthetician program. You should have an array of reasons, and while “I want to help people have beautiful skin” is a good one, it shouldn’t be your only reason. If it’s easy to consistently come up with reasons why you want to enter the field, you’re more likely to last for a long time.

Once you’ve decided that you’re interested enough in the field to pursue it, start looking into where you can get your esthetician license. You can book a tour with your local esthetics program to get more information straight from the source.

Find a beauty career that works for you

If you’ve read through this whole post and you still think you’d like to become an esthetician, congratulations! 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.

FAQ: Pursuing 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 how old you need to be to start and what you can do before you’re old enough.

Do I need a degree to be an esthetician?

Esthetics is a trade, which means you’ll train in the career directly rather than getting a degree that you can apply to the career. However, in most states, you need some kind of certification in order to work as an esthetician. An esthetician license is mandatory in most places and considered a good practice everywhere. To get your esthetician license, you’ll usually need to 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 terms that are commonly used in the same field. Generally, an “esthetician” is someone who works specifically in the science of skin. An esthetician career may include facial treatments, general skincare, and sometimes makeup application. “Cosmetologist” is a generalized term that can include all sorts of beauty treatments, including hair care, makeup, skin treatments, and more. In some cases, an esthetician may also consider themselves a cosmetologist, as the term “cosmetologist” is often used as an umbrella term.