The Making of an Esthetician

I have been studying a lot this weekend for the bone, muscle and nerve test that we have on Tuesday. We are learning where these are in the head, face, arms, hands, shoulders and back. It’s important to know which muscles we are working with, as well as which ones we are massaging and touching on our clients during treatments. I have been reading my flashcards over and over, and it also helps to look at the textbook diagrams to get a better idea of where the bone, muscle or nerve is located.

On Tuesday we learned about body wraps. I have not done one yet, but today at school, we had a lot of clients asking for them, which made us all a little nervous. We have seen one demonstration about how to do them, but that was back when we first started school, so our teachers are supposed to be showing us another demo soon.

I think, just like anything else, once I give one body treatment, I’ll be more comfortable with it because I will know how to drape the client properly and also how to apply the products.

We also talked about how American clients are very modest and private, so we, as estheticians, must reassure them that the treatment will not allow them to be exposed and that their privacy will be considered the whole time.

A lady came in today and wanted one, and she asked if she had to take all of her clothes off. We told her she could keep only her underwear on and the rest would be covered with towels.

We also talked about how body treatments are just as important as facials. It is important for us to express to our clients the benefits of taking care of their whole body, and not just the face. Clients should also be aware that they can have a facial while they are experiencing their body treatment. We learned about the benefits of “layering,” or adding on services to the client’s visit. Hopefully I will get to practice body wraps soon and be successful at them.

1. Dawn Briggs, Owner/esthetician - SKIN wellness and pampering center
   May 2nd, 2008 at 10:08 pm

   When you are doing a body treatment, have you been told to have your guest shower afterwards? When I went to school, they “taught” us about salt glows and how the client didNOT have to shower afterwards. Truth be known, its like being at the beach and the salt water in your bathing suit. Your raw afterwards and salt continues to dehydrate the skin until WASHED off…

2. Colleen
   May 5th, 2008 at 7:56 am

   Dawn - we do not have showers at our school, but I think in spas that DO have them, most clients would choose to shower afterwards. I have not done a body treatment yet, but I know in school we remove the product with hot, damp towels. It’s funny because my boyfriend and I recently had massages at a well-known spa and they asked if we wanted to shower afterwards because we had oil all over us! We did not know if it was an extra charge, and we were just going home right after to shower, so we said no. Since it was my first massage and maybe his third, we really did not know the proper procedure! We tell our clients at school that we do not have showers for after a body treatment so they at least know going into it.

3. Svetlana
   May 11th, 2008 at 9:34 pm

   After Parafango you do not want to take a shower. Great, clean treatment!

4. Cynthia
   May 20th, 2008 at 10:54 am

   Hello Colleen,
   I love this blog. I tripped over it looking for some information on tips on how to study for the esthetician exam. I start school this fall and I’m very excited.
   I’m nervous about how to learn all of the bones, muscles and nerves. So much to learn. Anyhow you mentioned something about flash cards. Can you tell me which ones you have and where I can get them?? Any help on good study aids would be appreciated.
   Thanks,
   Cynthia

5. Diane
   June 16th, 2008 at 5:35 pm

   Ladies, you just helped me make a big decision…I have been thinking about going to school for this for a long time..you have all the same fears as I have and you are doing so well facing them and conquering them…tomorrow I am signing up..this blog has been so helpful

6. Colleen
   June 17th, 2008 at 7:29 am

   Cynthia - Hi! Thank you for the comment. We actually made our own flashcards from vocabulary words out of our textbook. When you start school, flip through your textbook and you will find the chapters with the bones, muscles and nerves. I just made the cards and then studied them over and over until they stuck in my head. Happy studying! :)

7. Colleen
   June 17th, 2008 at 7:32 am

   Diane - that is so exciting to hear! I am glad the blog has helped you to make your decision about school. I always tell people, if you have ANY interest in this whatsoever, GO FOR IT! You will not regret it. It’s not like anything else I have ever done before. It’s something new everyday and always exciting! Best of luck to you.