- Qualifications & Licensing: What You Need To Get Started
- The 6 Main Types Of Esthetician Specializations
- Choosing Your Specialization: A Practical Guide
- Industry Trends To Watch In Each Specialty
- Setting Up For Success In Your Esthetics Career
Starting a career in esthetics is an exciting step, but choosing the types of estheticians that align with your interests can make all the difference in shaping your future success.
With esthetics, you enhance skin health and beauty while helping clients feel more confident and cared for. Esthetician types allow you to explore specific skills more deeply—whether you’re mastering advanced facial treatments, medical-grade skincare, or precision waxing techniques.
This guide will introduce you to six popular types of estheticians and explore the unique career paths each offers.
Qualifications & Licensing: What You Need to Get Started
Foundational qualifications and licensing are key to beginning your journey as an esthetician specialist.
First, completing an accredited esthetics program is essential, covering core skills like skin anatomy, treatment techniques, and client safety—usually requiring 600 to 1,200 hours, depending on your state.
Afterward, you’ll need to pass your state’s licensing exam to verify your knowledge of safe practices. Note that each state has its own licensing requirements and specifications for various types of estheticians.
Certain types of estheticians may also be required for additional certifications. Medical estheticians, for example, often train in laser treatments, while lash and brow specialists may need microblading certification.
Also read:
Top 5 Esthetician Schools: Your Guide to Excelling in the Beauty Industry
Essential Esthetician Training Programs for Aspiring Professionals
Top 10 Esthetician Books: Learn from the Best to Enhance Your Spa Professional Skills
Top 7 Professional Skin Care Lines For Estheticians: What The Experts Recommend
Extra Certifications for Estheticians: New Career Opportunities with Specialized Skills
Here’s a concise table outlining what estheticians are typically permitted and restricted from doing based on common regulations in the U.S.
| Estheticians Can Do | Estheticians Cannot Do |
| Perform facials, including cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing treatments | Diagnose medical skin conditions (e.g., eczema, psoriasis) |
| Provide waxing and hair removal services (e.g., eyebrows, legs, arms) | Prescribe medications for skin conditions |
| Conduct chemical peels up to a certain depth depending on state regulations | Perform surgical procedures of any kind |
| Offer microdermabrasion and dermaplaning (state-specific) | Administer Botox, fillers, or other injectables |
| Perform light therapy (e.g., LED) for skin treatments | Use laser treatments unless certified as a medical esthetician |
| Provide makeup application services for events, photoshoots, etc. | Treat infectious skin conditions without doctor approval |
| Perform massage (limited to the face, neck, and décolletage, unless licensed in massage therapy) | Work beyond the epidermis (outer skin layer) |
Note: State regulations vary, so estheticians should verify the scope of practice and any specialty certifications needed for different esthetician types.
The 6 Main Types Of Esthetician Specializations
Choosing the right esthetician specialty allows you to tailor your skills to specific client needs and interests. Here, we explore six popular types of estheticians, each with its own focus, tools, and techniques that make the work rewarding and unique.
Facial Specialist
As a facial specialist, you’ll go beyond basic skincare to master deep cleansing techniques, chemical peels, and targeted treatments that address clients’ skin concerns. Your daily tools may include steamers, facial scrubbers, and masks designed to revitalize the skin.
Medical Esthetician
Medical estheticians work in clinical environments, often alongside dermatologists or surgeons, to perform advanced skincare treatments like laser therapy, microdermabrasion, and microneedling. With specialized training, you’ll be able to treat a range of skin issues, from scars to pigmentation, using clinical-grade equipment.
Skincare Specialist
If you’re drawn to the science of skincare, specializing in personalized treatment plans could be a perfect fit. Skincare specialists focus on assessing skin types, managing chronic conditions, and guiding clients with tailored at-home routines. Tools like skin analyzers are central to your work.
Spa Therapist
Spa therapists offer holistic, wellness-focused services in environments designed for relaxation. In this role, you might provide massages, aromatherapy, and soothing facials, making it an ideal path for those who enjoy creating calming experiences for clients.
Waxing Specialist
Specializing in waxing allows you to work with clients on a regular basis, providing high-demand hair removal services. Waxing specialists often develop expertise in specific areas, such as eyebrow shaping or Brazilian waxing, using precision tools for safety and comfort.
Lash and Brow Specialist
Lash and brow specialists focus on enhancing clients’ eyes through lash extensions, brow shaping, and treatments like microblading. This specialty combines artistic precision with technical skills, using specialized tools like fine tweezers and styling solutions.
Each path brings its own challenges and rewards, so take the time to explore these options to find the one that aligns with your career goals and interests.
Choosing Your Specialization: A Practical Guide
Finding the right esthetician specialty matches your skills, interests, and career goals with client demand. Here’s a step-by-step approach to help:
- Evaluate Your Strengths
Think about your natural skills and preferences. Are you drawn to science-driven, precise treatments or enjoy creating a calming spa atmosphere? - Consider Local Demand
Research which esthetician services are in demand in your area. High-demand specialties can lead to a strong client base and stable earnings. - Compare Earning Potential & Client Loyalty
For example, medical estheticians have higher rates for advanced treatments. In contrast, waxing & lash specialists have regular client visits to create repeat business.
Exploring each specialty can help you choose a fulfilling, sustainable career path in esthetics.
Industry Trends To Watch In Each Specialty
The esthetics field constantly evolves, with new trends shaping client expectations and treatment options. Staying updated on these trends can help you stand out in your specialization:
- Advanced Technology
High-tech treatments like microcurrent facials, laser therapies, and radiofrequency skin tightening are in demand, especially for medical and facial specialists. - Natural & Organic Skincare
Many clients seek products with fewer chemicals. Spa therapists and skincare specialists who offer organic, clean products are meeting a growing demand. - Holistic & Wellness-Focused Treatments
Clients are increasingly interested in wellness-centered treatments like lymphatic drainage, facial massage, and aromatherapy. Spa therapists especially benefit from offering these holistic options. - Personalized & At-Home Skincare
Customized skincare routines and at-home tools like LED masks and dermaplaning kits are popular. Skincare specialists can create personalized plans that extend clients’ treatments beyond the spa.
Staying ahead of these trends allows you to adapt your services to meet client preferences and position yourself as an expert in your specialty.
Setting Up For Success In Your Esthetics Career
Choosing a specialization as any type of esthetician is a step toward a rewarding career tailored to your unique skills and passions.
Whether you’re drawn to the precision of medical esthetics, the artistry of lash and brow design, or the calm of spa therapies, the right tools and equipment are essential for delivering high-quality results.
Investing in top-notch salon equipment like facial steamers, microdermabrasion machines, and waxing products ensures that you can safely and effectively meet client expectations.
At Spa & Equipment, we provide a comprehensive selection of equipment, salon tools, and salon products for every esthetician’s specialty.
With benefits like our Pro Plan, which includes free shipping and exclusive discounts, flexible financing options, and reliable warranties on all our equipment, you’re supported every step of the way.
Our dedicated customer support team is always available to help you find the perfect setup for your specific needs.
