I haven’t written an entry in a couple of weeks because I haven’t been doing much at school except studying or homework. I was supposed to take a bone, muscle and nerve oral test this week, but didn’t because I wasn’t ready. I’ll be studying all weekend so that I can take it next week. Last Saturday morning was really slow at school, which is very unusual. Sometimes we have clients waiting outside the doors before we open at 8:00 a.m.! As the day went on, it got busier, but I’m about mid-way down in the rotation, so I didn’t get a client. There were a couple of women who came in wanted body wraps. I think that’s the first time since I’ve been there that I heard clients wanting that.
It seemed like a really big coincidence, because that week in theory, we went over two chapters on body treatments. We were asked if we had seen a demo and we said no, although we did see a demo at an outside class some of us attended last November, but that was so long ago and it was two months after we started school.
We were still trying to remember the steps of doing a machine facial and we hadn’t even had our first client yet, as we just graduated from basics. I guess they did do a demo at the school, but we did not see that one. So, because of all that, we were told we would see another demo on a body wrap.
So now it’s Saturday and a couple of women come in wanting body wraps. A girl in my class is up next in the rotation, and says she never saw the demo and can’t do it yet. Well, that caused an uproar and, long story short, one of the student teachers went around and made a list of the demos we did and didn’t see.
We were also told that we had two weeks after seeing the microderm demo to practice doing it. Colleen and I were not aware of that, and have yet to practice and it’s been more than two weeks since we saw that demo.
I think the point I’m getting at is it would be nice if we followed a syllabus letting us know not only when we’ll be seeing a demo, but which ones we’ll be seeing. It just seems to me that once we’re through basics, showing us more advanced stuff gets pushed down to the bottom of the list and kind of seems like a bother. When we are finally shown something, it is always pretty thorough and our teachers are always there to answer our questions and help with whatever we need. But there are a lot of things we’re expected to do that aren’t ever shown us, like an eye or a lip treatment, and some of the more specific facials we offer, like acne clearing. And, of course we can’t forget my “bikini wax incident”. :)
I think it would be a good idea to show us demos of the entire menu. Sure, I can follow instructions and always bring the protocol in with me, but it’s nice to see things first before doing them. I don’t know how other schools operate, but is this the norm? Are there certain treatments that you are expected to learn on your own? Is asking for a syllabus and possibly more structure unusual?
May 2nd, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Glad to hear you are getting into aesthetics. I also went back in my early 30’s. School can be challenging. Yes..you should absolutely have a demo than learning own your own. No great teacher would allow a student do a procedure on a client without showing them how to do it first. Good Luck
May 2nd, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Sandra, I empathize with you! I went to beauty school 22 years ago and nothing was planned. The chaos was extremely difficult to bear because we were the first class of aestheticians to graduate from that school, the first in our county. I would love to share my experiences with you regarding what I have expected my employees to know when I hired them, and beauty school barely touched on the basic needs. I agree 100% that there should be a syllabus and more than one demonstration for each treatment. I you would like to contact me, just email me at this address.
May 2nd, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Unfortunately, so much of what you said seems to be the norm. I went through the same sort of things when I was in school and more so after getting my license. The first Spa I worked at knew when they hired me, that I was just out of school and had no experience except for the clients who came to our school. They booked me for proceedures that I had never seen demonstrated, when I told them this they would tell me to come in a few minutes early & they’d give me a quick rundown. The first time this happened it was for a couple to have microderms…something that was only discussed & not demonstrated at my school. I did not feel comfortable performing proceedures, especially ones involving a machineof some sort, until at the bare minimum I had the chance to see it & practice at least a few times. It was this and other similar incidences that led me to start my own business. The skincare industry is pretty antiquated, especially when it comes to continuing education. There are a lot of Estheticians out there who do not keep up their education. You have to make your mind up as an individual that you’re going to dedicate yourself to ongoing education. This is for your clients and ensures that you will give them safe, reliable and the most up to date services. It protects you too, making sure you know about ingredients and new developements so that you don’t do something or encourage the use of some product that is found to be harmful. There are new developements all the time. Knowledge is paramount and experience follows, together they make for a confident & well rounded Esthetician.
May 2nd, 2008 at 5:33 pm
I am 40ish and in school after owing my own business and going to college. Do you go to my school??? I struggle with the same problems, lack of instruction and because I was in the medical field, I also find myself teaching! a syllabus and structure is for college only I am guessing and my anal need to know every “why” and “how” also come with as many answers as instructors. I find I am doing alot of reading on the side and my poor boy friend gets my first practice!
May 2nd, 2008 at 5:55 pm
ROFL! A syllabus! That would require a beauty/trade school to be organized, have a plan, and be accountable for deliverables - and that would never do! Sorry, but I’m really cynical about these schools.
May 2nd, 2008 at 7:33 pm
I’ve only been out of school for a year but sometimes I still feel brand new. School was at times the equivalent of kindergarten. My first job at a spa was a nightmare. I was constantly being told to do services that I had never seen before and I was using a product line that I was never trained on. Sometimes still I feel like giving up (even though this is the career I always dreamed of and there is nothing I love more). I’m still having trouble getting trained at my new spa (even though I have been there for 5 months). I encourage any new graduate to continue their education separate from the place were they work. I know sometimes its hard because the courses can be expensive but it is worth it.
May 2nd, 2008 at 8:39 pm
I agree with Noelle. You are going to need further education after you finish beauty school. This is just to pass the state exam. Product companies will also offer training on their products and treatments. And any good owner should train a new hire all about the products and services before having you work on anyone. You will have the basics down, ie: waxing, general facial. Body treatments and others the owner should train you or if you will be on your own, then the product company will train you, especially if they want you to purchase their products. So, get the basics down, pass your test, and enjoy the freedom of learning all that this career has to offer. There are so many different services out there, you will have fun researching them all. Just one bit of advice: Go slow. Don’t invest too much money into offering everything at once. Keep it simple and ease into things. It will take you 4 years or more to figure out what path you really want to take. Work while you go to shows, take classes, etc. The work experience is 70% of your education. The rest is what you gain from classes, shows, companies, etc. But you have picked a career that is most rewarding. Every time my clients say, “Thank you”, I go home happy.
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:52 pm
As all of the other ladies have said before me, this is definitly a challenging career at times.
The trade school you choose to go has a big impact on how you will be trained.
I have been an esthetician for 4 yrs now and i love my job. The school i chose to go to had some major issues lol but in the end it’s the instructors who make or break the experience. I had fantastic instructors who had worked all over the world and had seen soo many things that to this day I still have not seen some of the wacky things they told us about, lol.
In Canada where i live I think we have different standards similar but still very different. I was shown everything from microdermabrasion to Glycolic peels, brazilian waxing, tinting, manicures, pedicures you name it we did it. And we were not allowed to do these services on clients until we had practiced on 5 people.
So I could see your frustration i would not want to do anything on anyone until i was comfortable with it. Now i work at one of the top medical spas in my region and am loving it. I get treated very well and am encouraged to get advanced education all the time.(If it’s not them offering it to me.)
Hold on because this industry is soo worth it if you can just find your place.
Good luck to you
I will keep my eye on you both :)
May 3rd, 2008 at 11:12 am
Demos are more important than the text book. We are a hands on profession. As a teacher we have theory 1st then demo to follow. Then the students practice on each other for 1 week, followed by a practical exam on the topic. After that we give you clients. We have a demo for everything on our menu. Get the most you can from school but keep in mind where ever you go to work, they will also train you with their product and the way they like things done. Best of luck in your new field, have fun with it!
May 3rd, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Well I’m glad (or not) to learn that I went through the same thing when I was in school. I called it my “empty nest syndrome” career - when I decided to do something I REALLY wanted to do. I was 48 when I went to school and never regretted it. We had a good group of students who wanted to learn and basically got together and taught ourselves and sort of “took over” the classroom - telling the teacher what we wanted and needed to learn. I have been out about 1-1/2 years now and working at a great derm practice. Just remember that they call it “practicing medicine” because you really do learn as you go along. Think of yourself as a resident in medical school. Keep pushing for more demos and education and maybe you’ll get it.
Hang in there!
May 3rd, 2008 at 7:10 pm
I ALREADY HAVE MY COSMETICOLOGIST LIC,I WANT TO TAKE SOME SKINCARE AND MAKEUP ADVANCE CLASSES, I LIVE IN CA, DO YOU KNOW OF SOME GOOD ONE’?
May 3rd, 2008 at 7:15 pm
As a former esthetic educator and director of an esthetic program, I have lived through your “life as a student” first hand. I always had a syllabus for every level of training, but unfortunately it’s only as good as the teachers and the company behind it. I was lucky enough to have one educator that was as passionate as I was, to contiuously update the curriculum according to the needs of the students. Nothing will ever replace the basics, and then I always recommend finding a mentor to shadow in the field now, and always continue your education.
May 3rd, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Hello, esthetic friends…..Does anyone know how I could get more training in Lasers?
May 4th, 2008 at 7:32 am
Sandra, I recently graduated in Virginia which now has the two tier system (basic and master). I am also an older student. My first job experience at a small spa, the owner wanted me to sign a contract that said I would be obligated to go and do anything she told me. I had great success with the clients at her spa. Then she wanted me to do a service I was not trained to do. She called me on the phone and proceeded to instruct me on the phone, I was successful but uncomfortable. Needless to say I’m glad I didn’t sign the contract and I no longer work for her. I also helped a school owner out very successfully and she wouldn’t pay me she said she was trying to be a friend to me. I have subcribe to several professional magazines, expensive but worth it. I am so happy each time I send a client home relaxed and pleased. Now, inspite of these experiences I am still in love with this field, and looking for my niche!!!! Keep going and you will have to gain knowledge on your own by researching on line, going to trade shows and this blog idea is wonderful. Keep going and good luck to you!
May 4th, 2008 at 7:45 am
Sandra, I recently graduated in Virginia which now has the two tier system (basic and master). I was a second career student. Seeking training outside of your school can help you build more confidents. I subcribe to several professional magazines, expensive but worth it. I am so happy each time I send a client home relaxed and pleased. Inspite of my first job experience I am still in love with this field, and looking for my niche!! Keep going and you will have to gain knowledge on your own by visiting websites and going to trade shows and this blog idea is wonderful. Keep going and good luck to you!
May 4th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
I made a career change after being a secretary/legal assistant. I am very glad I did. First, you need to understand these schools only teach you want you need to know to pass the state board. Most of the teachers are cosmotologists and never really practiced as an esthetician in the “outside world” and have trouble being specific due to their lack of indepth training in the field. They have a textbook to follow but not a lot of handson experience to relate. Beyond the basic facial, many more treatments are being offered in the industry. You must research the internet, subscribe to industry magazines, get facials from other spas and when you travel, do the same. Procedures you must receive additional education on are microdermabrasion, diamond and crystal, peels, enzyme and chemical and mechanical/electricial procedures such as LED and microcurrent, and oxygen infusion. I have spent hours and hours on the internet researching and printing articles to make up my own reference library. A lot of estheticians feel threatened and don’t like to share what they know or they JUST DON’T KNOW and get by on the bare basics. I chose this career not to have a job but because I love caring for people and helping them make a difference in their appearance. Take advantage of vendor training, trade shows and everything you can to better your skills. Develop your own techniques - get yourself a diagram of the facial muscles and create a massage focusing on that aspect. Never stop educating yourself and be proud of what you learn and offer to your clients. You are a Professional and a Specialist and will only become better each client you treat!
May 4th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
I’m so glad I found this site and know that other Estheticians have gone through the same struggles. Like you Sandra, I made a mid-life career change, (at 49) and followed my passion which has always been skincare. But school was such a challenge, I was the “oldest” student in the class, possibly the school, and since I went fulltime, found it hard to always try to “fit in”, I am and was just at a different point in my life then someone in their 20’s. We were not showed everything either, which for me, was uncomfortable at time, as I like to feel very confident in what I’m doing. You do need to speak up sometimes as you are paying to learn. So many times I wanted to quit, and didnt get much “help” from the teachers as I dont feel they see that dealing with someone who is a little older is different, so it was constantly a challenge, and even the fact that I hadn’t studied in years and hormones going crazy, my brain just worked differently then girls/guys that just got out of school, I went home crying many times. And just wanted to tell you, I got into Aesthetics because I LOVED skincare NOT waxing!! So I totally understand how you feel…..I have made the decision, that I will do waxing from the belly button and up….I didnt pay thousands of dollars to pull someone’s hair off their legs or other places! Yes, that may be a problem with some, but that is my choice. Right out of school I jumped into sharing a room with another Estie that really wasnt the best choice, so I did some freelance and worked a couple of days in a store doing facials. I’m now working for a cosmetic line (which I believe in) at a high end department store, thought it would be good experience, and do some facials on the side, also will continue with ongoing education Need to have that steady income for awhile. I also love the feeling of helping someone with their skin, it makes me feel good that I’m making them feel good, look good, which is something I did not get in my previous profession. Hang in there, if I could do it, anyone can!! Its been a hard road, but I would not change it for anything!
May 4th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
As an English skin care therapist working here in the USA, it has been very interesting to see how you guys are trained. It is very different from what I am used to.The clients that come into your school should be used for your practice they need to understand it is training environment not a cheap spa! They are always things you will learn when you enter the world of work but there does seem a distinct lack of syllabus and structure in your schools. I have seen both sides of the coin as an instructor in the UK and applying for positions here, i asked to see the syllabus and was given a text book!!
As instructors we would spend weeks putting together our material in the UK but we also get alot more training how to do that kind of stuff which instuctors just do not appear to get here.
Anyway good luck w/your career. Check the dermal institue for additional training they have great classes.
May 5th, 2008 at 12:32 am
Aloha Sandra,
Please don’t feel that this is how esthetician schools are run. We have a Holistic school, you can review our curriculum on our web site. http://www.spaluna.com
It is a shame that they are not having their student’s feel more prepared. None of these services, as a student, should be attempted until you are confident of the process and the spirit as well.
Good luck,
Bob
May 5th, 2008 at 9:59 am
Sandra, I am originally from the Chicago market and had a 23 year career in retail at Marshall Field’s and Neiman Marcus all in the cosmetic & fragrance department, first in sales then in management. Once I moved to beautiful Montana I realized there were no higher- end department stores, so 6 years ago I found myself exploring other career opportunities. If I did not have the management background and the product and hands on with clients background, at my age this undertaking would of been very intimidating. I do wish that the “salon” profession would take a more serious approach ie. client building and retaining, running the business part, protecting yourself in a booth rental vs employee run salon and understanding the difference. There is a learning curve beyond the protocols of your services. And don’t forget time management. I’m proud to say that I am turning 48 in August and love to hear from people, “You don’t look 47″. You also have to command self confidence and never forget that you control what goes on during your services. Always give your clients a reason to return to you. Have a space on their client information to make personal notes like how many kids they have, pets, where are they going on vacation ect, so that info will give you a lead in on their next visit. “Nancy Jones , it’s so nice to see you, how was your trip to Hawaii?” Record keeping is so important treat your client info like a Doctors office. Also, at the end of your service always book your next appointment for them. I work in a booth rental salon so I do everything from booking my own appointments, my own advertising and website, the service, taking the clients money, to setting up my room for the service, oh and laundry… Once you choose the salon you will work in don’t expect any favors from anyone, everyone there is there to make their own business happen. Whenever there is a new hairdresser that starts at the salon I work at I give them a complimentary facial and I wax almost everyone who works at salon so I do get alot of referrals from the staff. We do have alot of younger girls and thay have this “Survivor” mentality, you can get voted off of not receiving appointments even though you are the only person who is licensed to perform that service. There is alot of “politics” in a salon environment that isn’t even discussed in school, but given your background you shouldn’t have a problem. What I get out of my job is my client base, my repeat clients, clearing up a skin, or clients who come in and say they need a Wilona “fix”. I hope one day to have my own business. If you ever find yourself in Billings, Montana please look me up and best of luck to you.
May 5th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Congrats on taking this important exciting step in your life. I also enrolled in an esthetician program while working a full time corporate job, and while in my program I too found myself fustrated with the lack of educational planning and structure of my school’s program. My only suggestion is to hold your school and instructors accountable for your education and share with them what expectations you have, besides you are paying for this knowledge!!
Good Luck!
May 8th, 2008 at 8:36 am
Thank you all so much for your comments! I do know that this field requires continuous education and I’m already thinking about what advanced education classes I’d like to take once I get my license. Our teachers at our school are very helpful, but we are being taught what we need to know to pass the state exam. I’m realizing it’s up to me to get the best education I can and I’ve been trying lately to ask for more help if I’m having trouble with something. I’ll be back later to add more comments to some of the things you all have said. In the meantime, please keep reading and commenting! Thanks again!
May 8th, 2008 at 9:29 am
I think that school sometimes brings you down, because you come in everyday ready to learn and think they will answer all of your questions but sometimes that does not happen. You need to stay on top of the teachers about showing you the menu. Also, if your dead at school the only thing to do is keep your head in the book or work on your class mates on things that your not good at(maybe a machine facial) then they can help you in some areas as well
May 14th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Cindy, Patricia, Noelle, Cheryl, Dionne, and Allyson: From what I’ve been hearing, my school doesn’t seem to be any different than most. Last month my teacher handed out a mini syllabus. It stated what chapters we were going to go over, when the tests would be, when our bone, muscle, and nerve oral test was going to be, and when our midterm was going to be. It was great! For the most part, I just try to go with the flow. As long as my teachers are available if I have a question about something, I guess that’s better than nothing. And they are good at helping us out. Thanks for sharing your stories!
Ellen: I would love to hear what you expect your employees to know. I have your e-mail address and I will definitely contact you. Thanks!
Megan: You’re lucky your boyfriend lets you practice on him! Mine hasn’t yet and I beg him all the time! :) How long have you been in school? How’s it going for you?
Jean: Glad I could make you laugh! :)
Kate: Thanks so much for the encouragement! I wish we had to practice “X” amount of times before we could do it on a client! We just have to do so many things before we graduate, whether it’s on a client or on a student.
Sandy: As much as practical exams are nerve-wracking, I think it’s very smart to do and it only benefits the students. We just had to do a practical exam on a machine facial, basic back, and we had to wax either an eyebrow, lip, or underarm before we could take a client. If we failed, then we had to practice so many of each before we could take another practical exam. I am definitely having fun learning. I love it! Thanks!
Teresa: I will definitely keep educating myself and there’s so many things I want to learn more about. As for a mentor, I would love to find one! Any volunteers? :) Thanks for the advice!
Melody: I’m so glad you like the blog! I hope you keep coming back to read and comment. I would love to continue to get your input. Thanks!
Suzanne: Working for the publishing company of Skin Inc. certainly helps as I have a wealth of information available to me. Next month I’ll be attending a class on peels that I’m really looking forward to as I don’t know all that much about them. Thanks for the advice!
Lori: I’m glad you found the site too and I hope you continue to come back! When I first decided to go to school one of my fears was being the oldest in my class. It turned out I didn’t need to be so afraid because there’s such a wide range of ages at the school. As for waxing, I’m not sure how I feel about it. I know I don’t want to spend my entire day waxing, but I do want to get better at it. I give you a lot of credit for the decision you made on what you’ll wax and what you won’t. I’d love to hear about sharing a room with another esthetician and the pros and cons of freelancing because it is something I’ve thought about. Thanks!
Louise: Sometimes I think some of the people that come to our school forget that it is a school and we are students who are learning. But for the most part, our clients are very nice. I will check out the classes at the Dermal Institute. Thanks!
Bob: I couldn’t agree more and I’ll check out your website. Thanks!
Wilona: I’ve never worked in a salon or spa and I am a little intimidated by the politics. My cousin got her cosmetology license a few years ago and she told me that when she first started at her salon, no one would talk to her. She said she hated it! She said that they wouldn’t talk to any new girl at first. I asked her if she doesn’t talk to the new girls now that that she’s been working there awhile. She said she goes along with it. I told her she could stop that cycle, but I know it’s probably hard. I’d love to hear more about a booth rental salon and the pros and cons of it. Thanks!
May 22nd, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Thank you so much for sharing…I am about a week away from graduating and feel so unprepared. I took several months off and know I should finish but feel like I did not learn anything, also due to lack of a syllabus.
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:39 pm
Hi Barb! I know how you feel! I have a little over 4 months left and I’ve learned a lot in 8 months, but at the same time I feel like I don’t know anything at all! I hope it helps to know you’re not alone! Continuing our education is very important and that combined with working in the industry will bring it all together. Good luck! Let me know when you get your first job and how you like it!
June 23rd, 2008 at 1:55 pm
[…] a client. A client who wanted a spa facial AND a body wrap. I addressed this in my entry, “My Demo (or Lack Thereof) Dilemma” about how a fellow student in my class had a client who wanted a body treatment, but she […]
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