What Do You Learn in Esthetician School? A Comprehensive Guide

Are you passionate about helping others feel confident in their skin? If so, an esthetician career might be a good fit for you. Estheticians are skincare specialists who provide many different services and treatments to improve the appearance of their clients’ skin. 

With the beauty industry on the rise, the demand for skilled skincare specialists is on the rise: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% growth in employment from 2024 to 2034. Curious about what you learn in esthetician school and how to get started? Read on to discover more about this career path.

What Is Esthetician School?

Esthetician school is designed to train students in the art and science of specialized skin care. These programs may be offered at accredited beauty schools, community colleges, or vocational training centers, providing students with the knowledge and experience they need to become licensed estheticians. 

Before enrolling in an esthetician program, you’ll need to meet certain requirements: 

• Be at least 16 years old, though some states require you to be 18
• Possess a high school diploma or GED
• Demonstrate good health (TB tests and/or immunizations may be required in some states where estheticians are considered healthcare-adjacent roles.)
• Pass a background check (required in some states)

Of course, a passion for skin care and helping others is also beneficial in this field—but the program you choose matters, too. Attending a high-quality, accredited esthetician school has a number of benefits: 

 Accredited schools meet strict standards set by recognized accrediting bodies.

• Most states require completion of an accredited program to be eligible for licensure. 
• Graduates from an accredited school are usually more respected in the industry. 

The duration of esthetician school can vary depending on your state’s requirements and whether you attend full-time or part-time. Programs usually range from 600 to 750 hours of training and take 6 to 12 months to complete. 

What Do You Learn in Esthetician School?

Esthetician school offers a comprehensive education program covering theoretical and practical aspects of skin care. The curriculum is crafted to equip students with a wide range of skills that help prepare them for a career in the beauty industry. 

What do you do in esthetician school to prepare for your career? Some schools offer specialization and additional courses. Most programs cover a core set of courses essential for all skincare professionals. 

Skin Anatomy and Physiology

This provides foundational scientific knowledge necessary to assess and treat various skin concerns. It covers: 

• The structure and functions of the skin
• Various skin types and conditions
• How age, environment, and lifestyle affect the skin’s health 

Skin Analysis and Consultation

This focuses on how to communicate professionally with clients and tailor services to unique needs and preferences. It covers: 

• Skills for analyzing skin types and conditions
• How to conduct client consultations
• How to create personalized treatments that achieve and maintain results

Facial Treatments and Techniques

Students gain hands-on experience with a variety of facial treatments, learning: 

• Various facial protocols and their benefits
• How to properly use professional skincare products and equipment
• Techniques for cleansing, exfoliating, and massaging the face

Advanced Skin Care 

This section expands upon foundational skills and introduces instruction in more advanced, specialized procedures, including:

• Chemical peels: types, applications, and safety considerations
• Microdermabrasion techniques for skin rejuvenation
• Introduction to LED light therapy and other cutting-edge technologies

Hair Removal Techniques

Part of esthetician education is learning to master the art of smooth skin with various hair removal methods, such as: 

• Waxing techniques for various body areas
• Additional hair removal techniques, such as threading and sugaring
• Overview of laser hair removal and electrolysis

Makeup Application

Students have the opportunity to express their creativity through courses on makeup application. These cover: 

• Color theory and how to choose flattering shades for every skin tone
• Techniques for various makeup styles, from natural to glam
• Application methods for various products to create different looks

Product Knowledge and Ingredient Technology

Students will refine their knowledge by studying the science behind the products they will encounter in the field. This includes: 

• Study of active ingredients and their effects on the skin
• How to recommend the right products for various skin types and concerns
• Decoding product labels and understanding formulations

Business and Professional Development

Success in the beauty industry often requires essential business skills. Esthetician school helps equip learners with knowledge on: 

• • Salon operations and management basics
  • Marketing strategies to help build and retain a loyal client base
  • State laws and regulations for estheticians

Infection Control and Safety Practices

This helps students learn to create a safe, sanitary environment for themselves and others, covering: 

• Proper sanitation and sterilization techniques
• OSHA guidelines and other safety regulations
• Prevention of cross-contamination and handling emergencies

What Is Esthetician School Like for Students?

Esthetician school offers a balanced yet dynamic learning experience by combining classroom instruction with hands-on training. You can expect a curriculum that covers both the theoretical aspects of skin care and the practical application of various techniques. In a typical esthetician program, you’ll spend your time: 

• Attending lectures and classroom discussions
• Reading and studying textbooks
• Practicing techniques on mannequins and peers
• Performing treatments on real clients in supervised settings
• Taking written and practical exams along the way

The Esthetician Program at Paul Mitchell Schools

At Paul Mitchell Schools, we’re committed to providing a well-rounded education that helps students prepare for the exciting world of professional esthetics. Our esthetician program is divided into three levels to help students gradually build their skills and confidence: 

• Level 1 – CORE: Your education begins in Core, a foundational level focused on essential theory, sanitation protocols, and basic technical skills required for all Paul Mitchell School programs. You’ll learn the basics in your theory class, then practice them in the classroom. Working on mannequins and using a variety of simulated and introductory products, you’ll receive close, personal attention from a Learning Leader guiding you every step of the way.
• Level 2 – ADAPTIVE: Your hands-on learning continues in the classroom and in the clinic classroom—a salon-like environment where you’ll practice and perfect your skills with help from Learning Leaders. The Adaptive level bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, as you start working on live models (or as we refer to them, service guests) and using professional products. This level is designed to refine both your technical abilities and your interpersonal skills, preparing you to conduct client consultations and create extraordinary guest-service experiences with confidence and competence.
• Level 3 – CREATIVE: The Creative level helps you explore your creativity, refine your artistry, and master advanced techniques. Under the guidance of a Learning Leader, you’ll work more independently at a pace and in conditions similar to the real world. The focus shifts toward developing your speed, working more efficiently, and maintaining high quality as you work on live models (service guests). You’ll also receive career services support, working alongside you as you build your résumé and portfolio and preparing you to pass the state board exam. 

This progression aims to prepare students for successful licensure, whether their future goals  take them to a spa, salon, medical office, or starting their own business. 

Start Your Esthetician Education Today

If you’re ready to turn your passion for skin care into a fulfilling profession, it’s time to take the next step. From mastering the latest skincare techniques to understanding the science behind healthy skin, enrolling in an accredited esthetician school like Paul Mitchell can help you kickstart your journey in the world of skin care. 

Your future in esthetics starts here. Discover how our esthetician program can help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to make a real difference in clients’ lives. Find a Paul Mitchell School near you and request enrollment information to get started!