Types of Estheticians and Their Specializations: How to Decide

Choosing to become an esthetician can be the beginning of an exciting new career! Several different specializations within the field offer a world of possibilities.

Whether you want to focus on makeup and facials or you’d prefer to work on the medical side, there’s a path for you.

Today, we’re taking a close look at the different opportunities that await you in the exciting world of estheticians.

How do you decide what type of esthetician you should be?

Beginning a new career is an exciting and challenging time. Even if you know that becoming an esthetician is your dream job, you have some choices. Estheticians focus on several different areas of health and beauty. You’ll probably discover that there are one or two specialties that you’re interested in pursuing.

What field interests you the most?

While plenty of people will happily advise you, remember that this is your career. Whichever path you choose should be something you’re passionate about.

You might be drawn to eyebrow and lash work if you're more interested in promoting beauty. But, if you’re more intrigued by the medical applications of esthetics, becoming a medical esthetician might be a better fit.

States usually have similar courses for estheticians pursuing licensure. If you’re trying to specialize in some more advanced techniques, you’ll have to take continuing education courses post-graduation. You'll also need medical training for some modalities, like laser hair removal and LED therapy.

Ask others around you what their experiences are like

One often overlooked factor in choosing a specialization is the daily ins and outs of a particular path. We recommend finding a mentor or established technician who can give you the scoop on potential careers. Beyond just making connections, they’ll be able to provide you with insight into different aspects of the job that don’t come up in school.

Master estheticians can help you understand your job and role in a larger salon or medical spa. Looking at the everyday tasks and even some tips on starting your own business can help you find the best fit.

What are the common types of estheticians? 

Before you can call yourself an esthetician and offer any services, you’ll need your esthetician license. States issue these after you’ve met their requirements, and each has different expectations.

Generally, we think about five different types of estheticians operating under the same title. Unless you’re a medical esthetician, you’ll work in a salon or spa and cater to a specific clientele.

Eyebrow and lash specialists

Eyebrow and lash specialists are estheticians who focus on these two areas. If you pursue this career path, you have an exciting job in the beauty industry ahead of you! You could specialize in tinting and lifting, extensions, microblading, or permanent makeup. This path could also include some waxing or threading techniques and cosmetology-related skills related to hair coloring.

Medical aestheticians

Medical estheticians usually work alongside dermatologists or other medical professionals. As a medical esthetician, you’ll have extensive training on treating certain skin concerns. You’ll work with acne-prone skin, scarring, and other difficult-to-treat concerns using minimally invasive techniques like chemical peels.

Depending on the state you work in, you could have access to some advanced treatments. Laser hair removal, LED therapy, and injectables usually require specific training and aren’t available in a typical spa. Medical spas have a doctor on staff who oversees these treatments.

Estheticians in this career path can also overlap with some spa therapies. Besides techniques like micro-needling, you might also offer facials or other skincare treatments.

Wax technicians or experts

One of the most sought-after esthetician specialties is waxing. Clients seeking this type of treatment usually build long-term relationships with their esthetician. You’ll focus on removing unwanted body hair and improving the quality of your client's skin.

You might start out waxing different parts of the body for your clients. Over time, you can specialize in more specific areas like bikini waxing or eyebrows. As you build trusting relationships with your clientele, your roster will grow! Waxing experts with several years of experience are highly sought after.

Skincare specialists

Skincare specialists focus on helping their clients improve the health of their skin. You’ll help people with chronic skin conditions through facials, peels, skin resurfacing, and other modalities. Different skin types bring different challenges, but you’ll be their source of information for healthier, more manageable skin.

Clients with persistent acne, rosacea, and dry or oily skin can benefit from your services. You’ll provide expert advice about which skincare products and therapies will benefit them.

Estheticians with a focus on spas

Spa therapists often provide a range of treatments to their clients. Estheticians offer many different services in this job. You could do facials, massage, waxing, and aromatherapy for different clients in one day. It’s the ideal path if you like variety and don’t want to focus on one area.

You can even look into becoming an esthetician instructor

After you’ve had several years of experience in the field of your choice, you might consider becoming an instructor. Sharing your knowledge through teaching classes at a health and beauty training school could inspire the next generation of skincare experts.

Bosses in Beauty will help guide you into your dream career path!

As you explore esthetician specialties, Bosses in Beauty is here to guide you! Our years of experience in the health and beauty industry can benefit you. And, when you’re ready to start your own business, our courses can help you with everything from choosing a business name to hiring employees.

Embarking on this rewarding career path is one of the best choices you can make for your future. Check out our programs and start building your dream career today!