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Job Description: An aesthetician may massage, cleanse, stimulate, manipulate, exercise or beautify the skin using a variety of methods to enhance the appearance of a client. They may also be called skin care specialists.

Duties: An aesthetician may perform some or all of the following tasks:

• Examine clients' skin, using magnifying lamps or visors in order to evaluate skin condition and appearance
• Perform simple extractions to remove blackheads
• Apply topicals to control acne
• Apply chemical peels in order to reduce fine lines and age spots
• Cleanse clients' skin with water, creams and/or lotions
• Demonstrate how to clean and care for skin properly
• Recommend skin care regimens
• Determine which products or colors will improve clients' skin quality and appearance
• Advise clients about colors and types of makeup
• Instruct them in makeup application techniques
• Keep records of client needs and preferences and the services provided
• Remove body and facial hair by applying wax
• Apply facial masks, tonics, and moisturizers

For detailed information on tasks, knowledge, skills, abilities, work activities, work contexts, job zones, interests, work styles, work values, and related occupations visit the O*Net Online, a division of the National Center for Occupational Information.

Working Conditions: The majority of aestheticians work in beauty salons, health resorts, and spas. There are also opportunities for working in sports clubs, therapy clinics, department stores, and hotels. There are limited opportunities for work on ocean liners and film/television companies. Some aestheticians are self-employed and offer home visits to clients.

Educational Requirements: State licensing requirements must be met in order to become an aesthetician in Tennessee. Students must complete and pass 750 hours of classroom instruction. A written and practical examination is also required. In the program they will take courses in facial care, makeup application, skin care, superfluous hair removal, waxing, and electrotherapy. For many aestheticians, formal training and a license are only the first steps in a career that requires years of continuing education. Because lifestyles change, new products are developed, and services expand to meet clients' needs, personal appearance workers must keep abreast of the latest fashions and beauty techniques. Licensure requirements may be found on the Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology website. Renewals for licensure are required every two years. Public and private vocational schools offer programs in the field. For related information and recommended courses to prepare for this occupation, Tennessee high school students may visit the Trade and Industrial Education Standards, Competency Profiles, and Resource Links online.

Outlook: The growing interest in personal appearance has created an increase in opportunities for this field. The estimated number of aestheticians or skin care specialists in Tennessee is 690. It is projected there will be an increase of 16 percent in this occupation through the year 2012 with 20 openings annually. For additional information on this occupation, visit the nationally recognized Occupational Outlook Handbook online.

Salary

• Bureau of Labor Statistics, Tennessee Department of Labor website
• TN Department of Labor & Workforce Development website
• Bureau of Economic Analysis website

For an explanation of salary data please visit acinet.org

Last updated on: January 29, 2008