If you’ve ever dreamed of working in the beauty industry, helping people feel confident in their skin, and mastering the art of skincare, esthetician school might be the perfect path for you. But before you enroll, it’s important to know what to expect—from the hands-on training to the challenging coursework.

As someone who has been through esthetician school and worked in the industry, I want to give you an honest look at what the experience is really like.

Choosing the Right Esthetician School

The first step in your journey is choosing a school. Not all esthetician programs are created equal, so it’s crucial to research accredited programs in your state. Some schools focus heavily on medical aesthetics, while others emphasize spa treatments, holistic skincare, or even business education.

When choosing a school, consider:

• Curriculum – Does it align with your career goals (e.g., medical aesthetics, waxing, lashes, facials)?

• State Licensing Requirements – Each state has its own requirements for training hours.

• Hands-on Training – Will you get enough real-world experience?

• School Reputation – Read reviews and talk to alumni.

What to Expect in Esthetician School

Esthetician school is not just about applying facials and doing makeup—it’s a deep dive into the science of skin, anatomy, product chemistry, and customer service.

The Classroom Work

Before you even touch a client, you’ll spend a lot of time in the classroom learning:

• Skin anatomy and physiology – Understanding skin types, conditions, and how products interact with the skin.

• Product chemistry – Knowing what ingredients actually work and why.

• Sanitation & Safety – This is one of the most critical parts of esthetician training, ensuring you know how to prevent cross-contamination and follow state regulations.

• Business & Marketing – Many schools now incorporate business training, which is essential if you want to open your own spa or work as a solo esthetician.

Hands-On Training

Once you have a solid foundation in theory, you’ll start working with real clients under supervision. Some of the services you’ll learn to perform include:

• Facials (basic and advanced)

• Waxing (face and body)

• Lash and brow services

• Chemical peels

• Microdermabrasion

• LED light therapy

At first, it can feel intimidating to work on real people, but this is where you gain the confidence and skill to be successful in the industry.

The Challenges of Esthetician School

While esthetician school can be fun and rewarding, it’s not always easy. Here are some challenges you might face:

• Keeping Up with the Curriculum – There’s a lot of information to absorb in a short amount of time. Staying organized and studying consistently is key.

• Adapting to Different Clients – Every client has unique needs, preferences, and skin concerns. Learning how to customize treatments for each person is a skill that takes time to master.

• Physical Demands – Standing for long hours, performing repetitive motions, and maintaining good posture are essential to avoid burnout and injury.

• Time Management – Many students juggle school with jobs or family responsibilities. Finding a balance and a support system is crucial.

Graduation and Licensing

Once you complete your required training hours, you’ll need to pass both a written and practical exam to get your esthetician license. These exams can be nerve-wracking, but with proper preparation, you’ll be ready.

Some tips for passing your exams:

• Study the theory material consistently rather than cramming at the last minute.

• Practice your hands-on skills to feel confident in your technique.

• Take mock exams to get used to the test format.

Life After Esthetician School

Once you’re licensed, the real journey begins. There are so many career paths you can take as an esthetician:

• Working in a spa or medical office

• Specializing in lashes, brows, or waxing

• Becoming a skincare brand educator

• Starting your own business

Your education doesn’t stop at graduation—continuing education and certifications will help you stay ahead in the ever-evolving beauty industry.

Is Esthetician School Worth It?

If you’re passionate about skincare, beauty, and helping people feel their best, esthetician school can be an incredibly fulfilling experience. It requires dedication, practice, and a willingness to keep learning.

However, it’s important to go into it with realistic expectations—this industry takes work, patience, and a strong business mindset if you want long-term success.

Would you ever consider going to esthetician school? If you’ve already been through it, what was your experience like?