Do friends always come to you for skincare advice? Have you attended beauty appointments and thought—I could do that! You might just have a future in beauty. The skincare industry is booming. More and more people are realizing the importance of self-care and how a glowing complexion can boost confidence.
Because skincare is more than a trend, but a lifestyle endeavour, talented professionals are always in high demand. If you want to join Utah’s skilled beauty experts in enhancing your clients’ natural beauty, then there is no better time to start.
Figuring out how to become an esthetician can feel like learning a whole new language. Don’t worry, we are here to point you in the right direction. This guide breaks down how to become an esthetician into easy steps, from getting your license to kickstarting your own beauty business.
What Does an Esthetician Do?
An esthetician is a licensed skincare specialist. They help clients achieve healthy, radiant skin through cosmetic treatments such as facials, exfoliation, and hair removal services.
Estheticians also provide their expertise through client consultations, where they can recommend the best at-home skincare products.
Where do estheticians actually practice? Many work in luxury spas, bustling salons, or even clinical medical offices alongside dermatologists. It all depends on your area of expertise.
Your Path to Becoming an Esthetician
Now that you’re ready to get started, where do you go from here? Read on for our five-step plan on how to become an esthetician in 2026.
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Requirements
First, you must meet the criteria. Most states require you to be at least 16 or 17 years old. You will also typically need a high school diploma or a GED equivalent to attend most beauty schools.
Step 2: Enroll in a State-Approved Esthetics Program
Just teaching yourself from YouTube won’t cut it. You must find an accredited or state-approved esthetics program.
You’ll learn all about skin science, anatomy, and essential sanitation protocols. You will also learn professional techniques for facials, waxing, and makeup application.
Step 3: Complete Hands-On Training
Get ready to practice! You can’t learn skincare from a textbook alone. Classmates, friends, and family will all look their best as you complete your training. A massive part of figuring out how to become an esthetician involves hands-on practice.
During your program, you will need to complete a set number of clinical hours. This gives you invaluable real-world experience working directly with clients.
Step 4: Pass Your State Licensing Exam
Once you finish your hours, it is time to get officially licensed! You’ll get the opportunity to put all your hard work to the test and pass your state’s licensing exam.
This test usually includes both a written test and a practical, hands-on element.
Step 5: Maintain Your License
Maintaining your license is an ongoing process. You must keep your license active through regular renewals. Many states also require continuing education courses so you can stay updated on new trends and techniques.
How Long Does It Take to Become an Esthetician?
There isn’t a single answer to this question, but you can typically complete your training in as little as 4 to 12 months.
The exact timeline depends on your state’s required clinical hours. For example, in Utah, you’ll need at least 600 hours of training from a licensed school or 800 hours from a supervised apprenticeship. This also depends on whether you attend school full-time or part-time.
How Much Does Becoming an Esthetician Cost?
Consider how you will finance your education. Tuition for an esthetics program typically ranges from $3,000 to $15,000.
Don’t forget about student kits, textbooks, and exam fees, which aren’t usually included in the price of tuition. Thankfully, many schools offer financial aid or flexible payment plans to make becoming an esthetician more accessible.
Where Can You Work as an Esthetician?
Once you know how to become an esthetician, a whole world of career options opens up. A good starting place may be to work as a traditional spa or salon esthetician.
If you prefer the clinical side, then working as a medical esthetician in plastic surgery offices might be the right move for you.
There’s also the option to become a freelance makeup artist or a mobile esthetician! You can take your esthetician career in the direction that you want it to go. You are in control!
Certifications and Specializations in Utah
Earning certifications for advanced treatments like chemical peels, laser hair removal, and microdermabrasion can make you stand out from the crowd.
Utah offers many opportunities to become an expert in your field. Specializing in advanced treatments will help you attract a wider range of clients and could even open doors to working in a medical setting.
What Are Estheticians’ Earnings in Utah?
The job market for skincare specialists in Utah is growing rapidly, and the women of Utah take pride in their appearance.
Salaries can vary widely based on your location, services, and whether you work for yourself. However, building a loyal clientele can lead to a very comfortable and rewarding income.
Make Utah a More Beautiful Place With Indie Studio Suites
It’s time to take your future into your own hands. Now that you know exactly how to become an esthetician, you must take the steps to make it a reality.
At Indie Studio Suites, we know that starting can be scary. That’s why we offer two months free rent when you lease with us for 12 months or more! Not only that, but when you open your own studio with us, you get total freedom over your opening hours, the services you provide, and how much you charge.
Want to visualize yourself in your new career? Take a tour of our beautiful salon suites for estheticians at Indie Studio Suites today!
