The Making of an Esthetician

Last week was a very productive week for me at school. I usually go to school three times a week, but I had some hours to make up, so I went in for about 3-1/2 hours on Friday. It’s a little strange being there during the day. For one, it’s a lot quieter!There aren’t as many clients, which means more time to do treatments on each other. It’s rare that we won’t have a client on a Thursday or Saturday and sometimes it’s hard to do treatments on each other. Also, we don’t have that many treatment rooms and they get taken pretty quickly, so it was nice being there on a quiet Friday. Colleen was also there making up some hours, and I gave her a body treatment with salt glow and a basic facial. I got four signoffs for that! I got a lot of signoffs last week, and I’m starting to feel more optimistic that I’ll get all of them done by the time I graduate. I’m also feeling more confident with my clients.

On Saturday, I was pretty much at the top of the rotation, so I got a client early on. She wanted a Flaxx C facial, which is a great anti-aging and firming facial. I had just given one on Thursday and was feeling pretty good about doing another one. I set up the room and got my protocol while one of the teachers mixed up the products I needed. I probably should’ve gone out to talk with my client first, but I didn’t. I didn’t realize how much time had passed and  I really didn’t think it was that long.

When I went out to get my client, I introduced myself and led her to the skin scope. On the way there, she made a comment to me about how she thought I was setting up the room, but she saw me in the classroom. I told her that yes, I was setting up the room. She then claimed that I wasn’t because she saw me in the classroom. I said that I was in there to get my pen and protocol. I wasn’t sure what she was getting at, but I thought she was maybe making a dig at me for taking so long. But as I said, I didn’t realize she was waiting all that long.

So now I have this client who seems unhappy with me right off the bat and all I could think about was how this wasn’t going to go well! I was starting to get upset as I walked her to the room and was imagining how it was going to be, but I was also thinking what I could do to turn it around. Once in the room, I started going over her health form and talked to her about her skin care regimen, which was excellent. We both seemed to relax a bit. I kept my composure and was as nice and professional as I could be. She asked a lot of questions throughout her treatment and I answered all of them.

She seemed very knowledgeable about what was going on with her skin and she used a few esthetic terms like saying “papule” instead of “pimple.” She also asked why we use towels instead of sponges and was interested in how we do extractions. She eventually told me she had gone to school for esthetics a long time ago, although she didn’t work in the industry. Now it all made sense! I figured she was critical of me at first because she knew how long it should take to set up a room and escort a client. What started out on the wrong foot ended up turning into a pleasant experience and treatment.

So here are my questions: How long does it take you to set up your room and get your products ready? What’s the longest you take to get your client? Do you greet your client first and then set up your room? What would you suggest I do in the future so this doesn’t happen again?

1. Svetlana
   July 25th, 2008 at 4:54 am

   In the spa we try to prepare for each client in advance. If we get a walk-in we get ready while they fill out the form. It only takes a minute and creates a sensation of being a wished guest.

2. Carrie, Instructor - Into Skin Aesthetics
   August 7th, 2008 at 2:43 am

   I am an instructor at an Esthetic school as well as owning my own skin care salon. I instruct my students that they can get SOME things ready prior to the client arriving. To avoid wasting any product, in case the client does not show, I tell them to prepare their warm towels, pw for client to fill out, fill steamer, warm water, bowl, gauze pads, etc. Bascially anything that will not have to be thrown out and considered a loss. Then when the client does arrive, and is filling out the pw, they can get the key products ready. Hope that helps, and good for you for turning the experience around from an uncomfortable one to a positive one. That will be key when you enter your career!!!

3. Anonymous, wow gold
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