Welcome to the world of esthetics! I’m Laura Lorusso, the founder of the Skincare Academy of Florida, the country’s fastest-growing spa, beauty, and esthetician school located in Sunny Southwest Florida. With plans to open new locations nationwide and a comprehensive suite of online courses, our academy is committed to providing top-tier education and training for aspiring estheticians.

I started the school for a number of reasons… first, I have been (and remain to this day) a practicing esthetician so I understand the business as a sole practitioner, and someone that’s just crazy passionate about skin, beauty, and helping people look and feel their best. Next, I had the privilege of running some of the top spas in Naples (one of the most prestigious, “fancy” communities in the country). Naples is hoity toity, even though it’s relatively less well known then Miami, LA, Hollywood, etc. but some of the wealthiest men and women IN THE WORLD call this their home in the US and as such the beauty and skincare business in the area is booming. Some residential communities, in fact, are SO FANCY, they have their own club houses, multiple restaurants, gyms, gas stations, and even SPAS inside their premises. It’s like a city within a city. Having run some of these spas (both public and private) at every level – I know what it takes, from being the owner/operator, to the manager of a team, to the girl that does the laundry and aspires to work on skin one day.

Finally, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to already be a teacher in this field, helping to teach and design coursework for accredited esthetician at some of the largest schools in the region. As such, I was kind of shocked at how dated the materials are, how not in tune with modern practices, modern science, etc. PLUS – OF COURSE – the real challenge of educating students so that DAY ONE you could leave school and get a job practically anywhere, now knowing and having practical hands on knowledge on the things really being done in businesses across the country (not just theory). Seriously, there’s nothing worse than wasting hundreds of hours on a license, only to have to be retaught everything on the job (expensive and frustrating for both you as a student and new employee and INCREDIBLY expensive and frustrating for your employer).

A Different Kind of Esthetician Program – Designed to Help You Become an Esthetician

So it is with all of the above that I set out to design a program that was ideal I kept all of the above in mind (and more) including the following:

1. Quick – A SUPER quick program (cut out the fluff)
2. Environment – Gorgeous surroundings, and an environment designed to encourage safety, security, beauty that at the same time encourages learning.
3. Small Classes – Intimate class sizes for an amaazing experience, and fast learning no matter what your existing knowledge is.
4. Price – Less expensive then comparative programs
5. Curriculum – I’m currently working on literally “writing the book” creating the defacto reference book for the esthetician industry that all future schools will utilize
6. Job/Business Training – Coursework & hands-on training that ACTUALLY prepares you for a job
7. Job Placement & Business Mentorship – Complete resources for job placement (including partnerships with local spas through our partner business program as well as COMPLETE post-license support for girls that want to break out on their own through our online courses and business incubator).

It’s been quite the undertaking, but an amazing experience and I’m so glad you’ve arrived at this blog post about how to become an esthetician. In this post we’re going to cover a lot. This is for any body out there that is curious about the industry and wants a soup-to-nuts understanding of exactly what it takes to become a licensed esthetician as well as what the steps generally are AFTER getting your license.

Holistic means “total” – we took the “holistic” TOTAL approach when crafting this business, and are excited to have you reading and potentially joining the Skincare Academy family. And… even if we’re not in your area, contact us, and we’ll let you know when we are (and you can stay up to date on all of our happenings, courses, continuing education, and other goodies).

How to Become an Esthetician

The field of esthetics is booming, and there’s never been a better time to join this rewarding profession. Whether you’re passionate about skincare, makeup, or holistic beauty treatments, becoming a licensed esthetician can open doors to numerous exciting opportunities. In this guide, I will walk you through the essential steps to becoming an esthetician, from education to licensing, and highlight state-specific requirements to ensure you are well-prepared for your journey.

Understanding the Role of an Esthetician

An esthetician is a skincare specialist who provides various treatments to enhance the appearance and health of the skin. The responsibilities of an esthetician include:

• Performing facials, exfoliations, and skin treatments
• Applying makeup and advising on skincare routines
• Conducting hair removal through waxing, threading, or laser treatments
• Offering specialized treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and light therapy
• Educating clients about skincare products and practices

Estheticians work in various settings, including spas, salons, dermatology offices, and even as freelance professionals. The benefits of a career in esthetics are plentiful: you get to help clients look and feel their best, stay updated with the latest beauty trends and technologies, and enjoy flexible working hours.

Educational Requirements of Becoming an Esthetician

To embark on a career as an esthetician, you’ll need to complete a formal education program. Here’s an overview of what this entails:

• Certificate Programs: Typically take a few months to a year to complete and focus on the fundamentals of esthetics.
• Diploma Programs: Offer more in-depth training and may take up to a year.
• Associate Degree Programs: Provide comprehensive education, including business and marketing skills, over two years.

Accredited programs ensure that you receive a quality education that meets industry standards. The Skincare Academy of Florida offers various programs tailored to fit different career goals and schedules.

State Regulations and Licensing Requirements

To practice as an esthetician, you must obtain a license from the state where you intend to work. Each state has specific requirements regarding training hours, exams, and license renewal procedures. We recommend doing a search for “[state] esthetician license” and then reviewing the actual board that governs this state-by-state’s information. For example in California BarberCosmo (the Board of Barbers & Cosmetology) governs the current practices and up to date information on estheticians to become licensed in California.

Florida, on the other hand, doesn’t have a seperate board for barbers and cosmetologists, instead it has one master board (the DBPR – the department of business & professional regulations).

Connecticut has a Board of Public health that governs requirements, licensing and various other factors for certain kinds of business. Here’s a sample from their website on estheticians:

In order to quality for licensure, each person seeking an initial license as an esthetician shall:

Have completed a course of not less than six hundred hours of study and received a certification of completion from an approved school; OR

If applying for licensure prior to 01/01/2025, has practice esthetics continuously in this state for a period of not less than two years prior to January 1, 2021; and

Attest that the applicant is in compliance with the infection prevention and control plan guidelines prescribed by the department under section 19a-231 of the general statutes.

Documentation Requirements: A completed application.  Applications are only accepted online.  Please select this link to apply online.  After you have registered for an account, please select ‘Initial Application’ at the bottom left of the screen and then expand the ‘Appearance Enhancement’ grouping.  The application fee is $100.

A certificate of completion issued by an approved school documenting completion of 600 hours of study in esthetics.  The applicant will upload this document as part of their online application; OR

A completion of the affidavit of experience form.  Note that you will upload a copy of this completed form when submitting your online application.

Below is a state-by-state breakdown of the basic requirements becoming an esthetician in each state:

Alabama to California:

• Alabama: 1,000 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Alaska: 350 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Arizona: 600 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Arkansas: 600 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• California: 600 hours of training, written and practical exams.

Colorado to Hawaii:

• Colorado: 600 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Connecticut: 600 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Delaware: 600 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Florida: 260 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Georgia: 1,000 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Hawaii: 600 hours of training, written and practical exams.

Idaho to Massachusetts:

• Idaho: 600 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Illinois: 750 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Indiana: 700 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Iowa: 600 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Kansas: 1,000 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Kentucky: 1,000 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Louisiana: 750 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Maine: 600 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Maryland: 600 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Massachusetts: 300 hours of training, written and practical exams.

Michigan to New York:

• Michigan: 400 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Minnesota: 600 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Mississippi: 600 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Missouri: 750 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Montana: 650 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Nebraska: 600 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Nevada: 900 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• New Hampshire: 600 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• New Jersey: 600 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• New Mexico: 600 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• New York: 600 hours of training, written and practical exams.

North Carolina to Texas:

• North Carolina: 600 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• North Dakota: 600 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Ohio: 600 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Oklahoma: 600 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Oregon: 500 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Pennsylvania: 300 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Rhode Island: 600 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• South Carolina: 450 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• South Dakota: 600 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Tennessee: 750 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Texas: 750 hours of training, written and practical exams.

Utah to Wyoming:

• Utah: 600 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Vermont: 600 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Virginia: 600 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Washington: 750 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• West Virginia: 600 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Wisconsin: 450 hours of training, written and practical exams.
• Wyoming: 600 hours of training, written and practical exams.

Please note that these requirements can change, so it’s essential to check with your state’s licensing board for the most current information.

Choosing the Right Esthetician School

We’ve talked about this at length in multiple articles in the past. But the process of choosing the right esthetician school is extremely important. Selecting the right school is crucial for your success. Here are some factors to consider:

• Accreditation: Ensure the school is accredited by a recognized body.
• Curriculum: Look for a comprehensive curriculum that covers both theoretical and practical aspects of esthetics.
• Faculty: Experienced and knowledgeable instructors are key.
• Facilities: Modern equipment and facilities enhance the learning experience.
• Location: Choose a location that is convenient for you.

The Skincare Academy of Florida excels in all these areas. We offer state-of-the-art facilities, a robust curriculum, and experienced faculty dedicated to your success. Our alumni have gone on to achieve great success in various aspects of the beauty industry.

The Path to Certification and Licensing

Becoming a licensed esthetician involves several steps:

1. Complete Your Education: Enroll in and complete an accredited esthetician program.
2. Gain Practical Experience: Many programs include hands-on training or internships.
3. Pass the Licensing Exam: Prepare for and pass your state’s written and practical exams.
4. Apply for Your License: Submit your application and any required documentation to your state’s licensing board.
5. Renew Your License: Stay updated with continuing education and renew your license as required by your state.

Practical experience is crucial. Internships and hands-on training prepare you for real-world scenarios and enhance your skills.

Career Opportunities and Advancement

A career in esthetics offers diverse opportunities:

• Spas and Salons: Work in a relaxing environment providing various skincare services.
• Medical Esthetics: Collaborate with dermatologists and plastic surgeons.
• Freelance Work: Enjoy flexibility and control over your schedule.
• Product Sales and Education: Work for skincare product companies.

Continuing education is essential for career advancement. Specializing in areas like medical esthetics, makeup artistry, or holistic skincare can open new doors and increase your earning potential.

Online Courses and Supplementary Training

The Skincare Academy of Florida will be offering online courses to complement hands-on training for aspiring estheticians as well as for continuing education. These courses provide flexibility and allow you to study at your own pace. Topics include advanced skincare techniques, business skills, and industry trends. Online learning can be a valuable addition to your education, providing a deeper understanding of theoretical concepts and business practices.

At this time I’m unaware of any program that’s available in any State that allows you to do any of the training to become an esthetician online. Most states that I’ve investigated personally, like Florida, require in class, in person coursework and training. We do think that over time, much of the coursework (and perhaps even some of the hands on training) will be moved online with modern advances in technology and plan to be at the forefront of this shift.

Becoming an esthetician is a rewarding and fulfilling career choice. With the right education and training, you can make a significant impact on your clients’ lives and enjoy a successful career in the beauty industry. I encourage you to explore the programs offered by the Skincare Academy of Florida and take the first step towards a bright future in esthetics.

For more information, explore our website (including one of our hottest posts…”how to grow your esthetician business“), connect with us on social media, or contact our admissions office. We look forward to helping you achieve your dreams!

BONUS: Top Questions We Get Asked About the Esthetician Industry

How to Become an Esthetician Online? – Unfortunately this isn’t available now. We’ll probably write a blog post about this in the near future. We do see this changing over time, but for now there’s no state we’re aware of (and know for certain in Florida) that allows estheticians to become accredited from any kind of line courses.

How Much Does it Cost to Become an Esthetician? – This varies greatly by location. In fact, you could probably temporarily move somewhere, book an airBNB, and save on a school in a smaller rural area. Even in our main location – prices vary by 50% (in Southwest Florida for example, where we’re headquartered prices range from $5000 – $12,000). Something to note here is that often, schools will bundle in other services and licencing as a part of their “packages” or curriculum. IE hair, nails AND esthetics (face/skin). This accounts for a lot of the variability.

How Long Does it Take to Become an Esthetician? – We like to tell prospective students to think of time when it comes to becoming licensed as an esthetician across 3 dimensions:

• State requirements for time in class/curriculum
• How QUICKLY you can get through the above
• How READY you are when you interview for a position

State requirements are the same for every student, and every school. However, because we SOLELY focus on one area, we don’t bundle things together, and opt for smaller classes, with less students, longer hours, and two programs (night and day) our students accomplish their courses and get accredited MUCH FASTER than with other schools. roughly 14 weeks, instead of a half year or more. So that means your out there earning faster.

Similarly, if you leave the class with your license and you don’t know what you’re doing, get hired, and still need training, it can mean MONTHS before you’re ready. Our goal is proficient, self-sufficient estheticians as quickly as possible. We’re a little more grueling (but you’ll love your classroom and your teachers and we’re often less expensive).