How to Become an Esthetician

Becoming an esthetician is an exciting career path that blends science, creativity, and client care. This guide explains the steps required to enter the field and how the right education can set you up for long-term success.

What Does an Esthetician Do?

Before learning how to become an esthetician, it helps to understand the role. Estheticians focus on the health and appearance of the skin. They work with clients to improve skin texture, manage concerns like acne or dryness, and recommend proper skincare routines.

Common esthetician services include:

• Facials and skin treatments
• Hair removal services
• Makeup application
• Skin analysis and consultations
• Client education on skincare products

Estheticians work in salons, spas, med spas, wellness centers, and sometimes as independent professionals.

Step 1: Meet Basic Requirements

The first step in learning how to become an esthetician is meeting your state’s basic requirements. In most states, including Illinois, students must:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Once these requirements are met, you can enroll in an accredited esthetics program.

Step 2: Enroll in an Esthetics Program

Formal education is required to become a licensed esthetician. Attending a professional esthetics program gives you the knowledge and hands-on training needed to work safely and confidently with clients.

At Ms. Roberts Beauty Academy, our esthetics program combines classroom instruction with supervised, real-client experience. Students learn both the science behind skincare and the practical skills needed in professional settings.

An esthetics program typically includes training in:

• Skin anatomy and physiology
• Facial treatments and skin analysis
• Sanitation and infection control
• Hair removal techniques
• Makeup application
• Professional ethics and client communication

Hands-on experience is a key part of the training. Working with real clients helps students develop confidence, technique, and customer service skills.

Step 3: Complete Required Training Hours

Each state sets a required number of training hours that must be completed before taking the licensing exam. In Illinois, esthetician students must complete the required hours through an approved beauty school.

Esthetician school typically takes about 4 to 6 months to complete for full-time students, depending on state requirements and class schedules. Part-time or evening programs may take 6 to 9 months or longer, allowing students to balance school with work or family responsibilities.

Step 4: Pass the State Licensing Exam

After completing your training hours, the next step in how to become an esthetician is passing the state licensing exam. This exam usually includes:

• A written theory portion
• A practical skills demonstration

The exam ensures that estheticians understand proper techniques, sanitation standards, and client safety.

Graduates who have received hands-on training and strong instruction are often better prepared for both portions of the exam.

Step 5: Start Your Esthetics Career

Once licensed, you can begin working as an esthetician. Many graduates find employment in:

• Salons and spas
• Med spas and skincare clinics
• Makeup counters or beauty retailers
• Wellness centers
• Freelance or self-employed roles

With experience, estheticians may choose to specialize in certain services or continue their education to expand their skills.

Why Education Matters When Becoming an Esthetician

Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions in learning how to become an esthetician. A quality program provides more than just hours—it provides real preparation.

At Ms. Roberts Beauty Academy, students benefit from:

• Over 60 years of beauty education experience
• Small class sizes and personalized instruction
• Hands-on training with real clients
• Flexible day and evening schedules
• A supportive, community-focused learning environment
• Instruction for diverse skin types 

This approach helps students graduate feeling confident, capable, and career-ready.

Is Becoming an Esthetician Right for You?

If you enjoy skincare, working with people, and learning new techniques, esthetics can be a rewarding career. It offers creativity, flexibility, and the opportunity to make a positive impact on clients’ confidence and well-being.

Understanding how to become an esthetician is the first step toward a profession that continues to grow and evolve.

Start Your Esthetics Journey at Ms. Roberts Beauty Academy

If you’re ready to take the next step and want guidance from a trusted beauty school, Ms. Roberts Beauty Academy is here to help. Our esthetics program is designed to prepare students for licensure and real-world success.

Call (708) 649-9088 today to learn more about enrollment, schedules, and how you can begin your path toward becoming a licensed esthetician.

Your future in skincare starts here.