Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Esthetician
What estheticians actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for an esthetician?
Prepare the treatment room and review client notes. From there, the day usually includes analyze clients’ skin, perform facials and treatments, and exfoliate and apply masks. Many work evenings and weekends, with full-time and part-time options.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an esthetician working full time.
- Prepare the treatment room and review client notes.
- Analyze skin and perform a hydrating facial.
- Perform a brow and lip wax.
- Do a superficial chemical peel.
- Apply lash extensions.
- Recommend a home care routine and sell products.
- Disinfect tools and restock supplies.
Where estheticians work
Estheticians work in spas, salons, medical spas and dermatology offices, in calm treatment rooms.
Hours and schedule
Many work evenings and weekends, with full-time and part-time options.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Analyze clients’ skin
- Perform facials and treatments
- Exfoliate and apply masks
- Remove hair by waxing
- Recommend products and routines
- Sanitize tools and treatment rooms
- Keep client records
Tools you’ll use every day
- Facial steamers
- Magnifying lamps
- Wax heaters
- Extraction tools
- Microdermabrasion machines
- Disinfectants
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Calm, client-focused work
- Fast-growing field
- Short training
- Medical spa opportunities
What’s hard
- Income depends on clients
- Repetitive motions
- Product sales goals
- Weekend work
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love skincare
- I’m gentle and detail-oriented
- I enjoy one-on-one client work
- I want short training
- I like a calm environment
- I might work in a medical spa
Not sure? Take the free Esthetician fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Screen for contraindications before treatments
- Test wax temperature
- Disinfect tools and use single-use items
- Wear gloves for extractions