Aesthetics

What is aesthetics? 

Aesthetics will take the aesthetician on a journey into a career ripe with opportunity for success and personal satisfaction. The need for professional aestheticians has grown due to consumer demands brought about by a growing population, increased longevity and a new prospective on health and well-being. The more holistic approach to beauty has given birth to a new era that has broadened treatment options and created a much stronger connection between beauty, health and wellness. 

As the demand for new service soars, so does the need for professionally trained aestheticians. Any resort, cruise ship, tourism location or business that caters to grooming, health and beauty clientele, provides an opportunity. Today’s trained aestheticians have begun to branch out in such areas as dermatology clinics and Medical Spas where the integration of surgical procedures and aesthetic treatments are uniting, thus allowing estheticians to work along with health professionals to administer pre and postoperative treatments. 

The following is a summary of main duties for some occupations in this unit group: 

HOW TO JOIN THE FIELD 

Completion of high school, college or beauty school programs for cosmeticians, aestheticians, electrologists, manicurists and pedicurists is required or on-the-job training is provided. 

Electrologists usually require certification from an electrologist’s educational or training institution. 

Membership in a provincial or national electrolysis association may be required. 

Completion of a registered dermal therapy program may be required to provide electrology laser and vascular treatments. 

Aestheticians usually require certification from an esthetician’s educational or training institution. 

Apprenticeship for electrologists, estheticians and nail technicians is available in Manitoba. Trade certification for these occupations is compulsory in that province. 

INDIGENOUS AND REMOTE CONSIDERATIONS 

Although these services may be desired in Indigenous and remote communities, many communities do not have salons where such services are available. Someone who wishes to study this may be looking at opening their own business in order to do this work or else relocating to a more urban centre where they could work for a salon. 

Available space to open a salon may also be a challenge, although a home-based business may be possible where the aesthetician can either travel to customers or service customers in his/her home. 

As in community stores may not carry a wide line of cosmetics, professionals may need to look at shipping products from south. 

DISABILITY CONSIDERATIONS  

This job could be physically demanding and may require sitting or standing for long periods of time. Someone with a physical disability may need accommodations. 

This could be a good job for someone with an intellectual disability or learning disability, as many of the tasks are repetitive in nature that may appeal to someone who thrives with routine. 

Aesthetics and the Skills for Success Program

The key Skills for Success for this career path are:

• Creativity & Innovation
• Communication
• Problem Solving

Aesthetics