Esthetician

Estheticians work with individual clients. In general, they:

• assess each client's skin condition, appearance and other characteristics
• advise clients about skin care in general and how to care for problem areas in particular
• demonstrate how to clean and care for skin properly
• provide facial and other skin treatments using specialized products and techniques (for example, peels and masks)
• advise clients and sell skin care products.

They also may:

• advise clients about colours and types of make-up 
• teach clients how to apply make-up
• clean, shape and polish fingernails and toenails
• apply artificial nails and nail art
• tint eyelashes and eyebrows
• provide specialized treatments for hands and feet
• perform relaxation massages (for example, hot stone massages)
• remove body and facial hair by applying wax
• provide other specialized services such as aromatherapy, body wrapping, airbrushing or microdermabrasion.

When not working directly with clients, estheticians:

• keep their equipment and work stations clean
• keep records of client needs and preferences and services provided
• track inventory and order supplies.

They also may be responsible for booking client appointments.

Estheticians may work full time or part time. Saturday and evening work often is required.

Estheticians need the following characteristics:

• a conscientious and caring attitude
• a good sense of colour
• an interest in skin care and willingness to continue learning about new products and procedures
• the desire to maintain an attractive personal appearance.

They should enjoy:

• taking a methodical approach to compiling information
• serving and assisting people
• using specialized products and techniques.

Above-average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.

Estheticians may be employed or work on a contract basis in

• beauty salons
• cosmetology shops
• spas
• fitness centres
• clinics
• mobile services
• home based businesses.

Advancement opportunities in this occupation are limited. Some estheticians establish independent shops or teach in private vocational schools. With additional training, estheticians may move into related occupations (for more information, see the Electrologist, Make-Up Artist and Massage Therapist occupational profiles).

Estheticians are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 6562: Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations. In Alberta, 79% of people employed in this classification work in the Other Services (PDF) industry.

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Over 4,900 Albertans are employed in the Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations occupational group. This group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.0% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 98 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As estheticians form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for estheticians.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.