Let's begin by understanding what an Esthetician is.

An Esthetician is a non-medical, State licensed skin care specialist with formal training about how to benefit, enhance and beautify the skin through facials, specialized treatments, and protocols using FDA-cleared devices. An Esthetician is also an educator for their clients. A large part of the Esthetician's role is to provide relevant education and support to their clients regarding the best methods, treatments, and practices for their skin. They would also guide for home skin care protocols to further improve the quality of the clients’ skin with daily use treatments.

Looking for a new esthetician can be daunting. How do you know who to trust with your skin? How do you find someone who will give you the results you want? In this article, we will walk you through 8 steps to finding the best esthetician for your needs. Following these tips, you can narrow your options and find the perfect person to help you achieve beautiful, healthy skin!

Step 1

Decide what type of treatment you need.

There are a variety of treatments that estheticians offer, from facials to waxing to laser hair removal. Make sure you know what type of treatment you want before looking for an esthetician. That way, you can focus your search and avoid wasting time on professionals who don’t offer the services that you need. Be clear with your search to narrow it down 

(Search examples: "peels", "natural and organic", "spa experience", "anti-aging facials")

Step 2

Do your research.

Ask friends, family, and coworkers for recommendations of estheticians they’ve tried and liked. Check out online reviews or look up estheticians on social media to see what others say about them.

*Specialties

*Services

*Expertise

Check to see that they are Certified.

Estheticians must hold a valid license in the state where they practice. A valid license means that the esthetician has completed the necessary training and passed all required exams. To become licensed, estheticians must complete a state-approved program in aesthetics. Programs can vary in length, but most last around 600 hours. Upon completing a program, estheticians must pass an exam from the state board of cosmetology to receive their license. Most estheticians expand their education beyond what they were taught in their initial training. This keeps them on the cutting edge of skincare technology, advances, and protocols.

Step 3

Set some criteria.

What are your needs? What are you looking for in an esthetician? Do you want someone who specializes in a certain type of treatment? Or do you just want the best person for the job, regardless of their specialization?

Here are some factors to consider:

• Location

• Price range

• Level of experience

• Treatment specializations

• Availability

• Reviews from others

• Relatable, Supportive 

Step 4:

Schedule consultations

The best way to find the right esthetician for you is to schedule consultations with 2-3 professionals. This will allow you to meet them in person and ask questions. Be sure to ask questions during the consultation to get a feel for whether or not this is the right person for you. 

Questions to Ask During an Esthetician Consultation:

How long have you been practicing?

What services do you offer?

Do you have any specialties?

What products do you use in your treatments and why?

How would you approach my specific concerns?

Step 5

Read reviews

The best way to find a great esthetician is by reading reviews. Checking what other people say about their experiences can help you understand who might be the right fit for you.  Find reviews on Google and Yelp.

When reading reviews, pay attention to:

How happy people are with their results.

How knowledgeable and skilled the esthetician is.

How comfortable do they feel in the salon/spa.

The price point of services offered.

If there’s anything they don’t like about their experience.

Keep all of this in mind as you review your options, and you’ll be sure to find the perfect esthetician for you.

Step 6 

Set up a trial or "mini" treatment

The best way to find an esthetician is to set up a trial or "mini" treatment. Most estheticians offer "mini" or "lunchtime" facials. Some offer discounted treatments for new clients. This will allow you to see if the esthetician is a good fit for your needs. If you’re unhappy with the trial treatment, don’t hesitate to switch estheticians.

Step 7: Relax and enjoy!

Now that you’ve found the perfect esthetician, it’s time to start your skincare journey. Be sure to follow their instructions and stick to any post-treatment recommendations they give you. With dedication, you should start seeing results quickly!

Step 8: Maintain your results

Just like you would maintain any other healthy habit, it’s important to keep up your esthetician treatments once you find one that works for you. Regular facials and treatments will help ensure your skin stays clear and glowing—plus, it just feels good to take some time out for yourself every month or so!

In Summary

There is no such thing as the perfect esthetician for you, and some degree of trial and error is unavoidable. What’s most important is that you feel at ease with someone and like you’re being heard. You should come away from your visits feeling refreshed and supported.