Definition of esthetician
1: a specialist in aesthetics (see AESTHETIC entry 2 sense 1)
2: a person licensed to provide cosmetic skin care treatments and services (such as facials, hair removal, and makeup application)
Okay, so there is the Merriam-Webster definition of what an esthetician is. What is an esthetician to me? An esthetician is someone who helps clients to look their best. As an esthetician, there are so many ways that we can help people achieve their best look. We provide spa facials to improve the look and feel of the skin while providing much-needed relaxation and rejuvenation. We provide corrective facial treatments to improve the health of the skin. We help clear aggravating skin conditions. Chemical peels and advanced skin treatments are also tools we utilize to address client concerns. We are also lucky enough in most states to be able to offer services such as relaxation massage, eyebrow and eyelash tinting, and waxing. We are skin care professionals!
Estheticians in the state of Missouri
“Class E – estheticians” includes the use of mechanical, electrical apparatuses or appliances, or by the use of cosmetic preparations, antiseptics, tonics, lotions or creams, not to exceed ten percent phenol, engages for compensation, either directly or indirectly, in any one, or any combination, of the following practices: massaging, cleansing, stimulating, manipulating, exercising, beautifying or similar work upon the scalp, face, neck, ears, arms, hands, bust, torso, legs or feet and removing superfluous hair by means other than electric needle or any other means of arching or tinting eyebrows or tinting eyelashes, of any person.
More information about Missouri cosmetology laws
The definition of an esthetician as defined by the state can should a bit confusing, but in reality, it is fairly straight forward. Estheticians have a wide variety of services to offer to the public. We can work on the epidermis (superficial skin) to correct and maintain skin health. We can perform massage and reflexology to help with relaxation. We can also remove unwanted hair by waxing and tweezing, but laser and electrolysis requires an additional license.
How to become an esthetician
In the state of Missouri, you have two avenues open to you to become a licensed esthetician.
- You can go to an accredited school or
- You can become an apprentice
The main difference between these two options is the number of hours required. If you go to an accredited school in the state of Missouri, you are required to attend 750 hours of specialized esthetics training. If you choose to become an apprentice, the required number of hours doubles to 1500 hours. Both of these options are valid options for training, although one may appeal to you more than the other.
For the budding esthetician who is a more book-wise person, the traditional school setting might be right up your alley. On the other hand, if you are the type of person who really learns by hands-on, real-world situations, then I highly recommend the apprentice route.
Missouri Requirements
The Board requires that your esthetician accredited school provide at least seven hundred and fifty (750) hours of training. The Board requires that you complete licensing courses in the following esthetician subject areas:
- Facials, Cleansing, Toning, Massaging, Makeup Application, Hair Removal, Body Treatments,, Aromatherapy, Wraps, Reflexology, Cosmetic Sciences, Structure, Condition, Disorder, Cosmetic Chemistry, Products, and Ingredients, Salon Management and Salesmanship, Sanitation and Sterilization Safety, and Missouri State Law
- Total 750 hours
As an apprentice you will need to meet the following training hour requirements:
- Facials, Cleansing, Toning, Massaging (240 hours), Makeup Application (200 hours), Hair Removal (60 hours), Body Treatments, Aromatherapy, Wraps (240 hours), Reflexology (70 hours), Cosmetic Sciences, Structure, Condition, Disorder (170 hours), Cosmetic Chemistry,Products, and Ingredients (150 hours), Salon Management and Salesmanship (110 hours), Sanitation and Sterilization Safety (90 hours), Missouri State Law (20 hours), Lectures and Test Review (150 hours)
- Total 1,500 hours
Regardless of the training path you choose, you will need to take both a written and practical exam to obtain your license.
More information from the Missouri State Board of Cosmetology
If you are in another state, you can find additional information here.
Why I love being an esthetician
When people ask me what I love about my job, I say EVERYTHING. And I really do mean everything. I can’t think of a single aspect of my job that I do not enjoy. I love it when I have a new client come into my studio expressing concern about the shape of their brows. I love educating them on the proper ratios and what their ideal brow shape should be. I love helping a client experiencing a skin condition, such as acne. I love providing advice and guidance. I love it when a client comes in who has extremely blonde eyebrows and eyelashes. The simple application of a semi-permanent color we can add drama to their eyes. I love it when after an hour on my massage table, my clients say “I haven’t felt this relaxed since I don’t know when.” I love it when a client expresses such gratitude for treating a small skin irregularity that has been bothering them for years. I love that I get to help people.
As always, be beautiful, feel fabulous
Windy Linde, Linde Esthetics
