The Esthetics Course is 900 hours in 26 weeks. The primary purpose of the Esthetics Course is to prepare the student to enter the field of esthetics, skin care and make-up. Esthetics is a study of the artistic and scientific principles of esthetics, in theory, concept and application. The course covers basic knowledge and techniques in developing skills in facials, massage, hair removal and make-up. Students will receive a basic understanding of science, business management and state law, as it relates to esthetics. The State of Louisiana requires 750 hours, but our course requires 900 hours to develop the skills to be competitive in the field of Esthetics.

Upon completion of this course, the student will have demonstrated competencies required to pass the State Board examination and the ability to:

Analyze and recognize skin disorders.

Perform facial massage techniques.

Operate skin care treatment machines.

Apply masks for the improvement of the skin.

Perform superfluous hair treatment.

Recommend prescriptions for home care retailing.

Apply make-up.

Apply safety and sanitary measures for the protection of the client.

Secure a position as an Esthetician, Make-up Artist, Salesperson, Manager, Cosmetic Buyer, Manufacturer’s Representative, Research Assistant, Beauty Editor.

The course will be a combination of lecture, demonstration and student participation. Clinic equipment, implements, and products are compatible to those used currently in the industry. Subjects are presented by demonstration, workshops, lectures, written and practical examination, guest speakers, student participation and audio visual aids.

Students are assigned theory study and a minimum number of practical experiences. Theory is evaluated after each unit of study. Practical assignments are evaluated according to the practical grading criteria. Students must maintain an average of 80% in theory, practical and clinic work. Students must pass a final written and practical exam with a grade of at least 80%. Students are given a progress report every month and graded according to the following system:

E - Excellent 94-100%, G - Good 87-93%, S - Satisfactory 80-86%, U - Unsatisfactory 0-79%.

Histology of the skin Facial procedures

Skin analysis Electricity and light applications

Skin structure LED Photo Rejuvenation

Product knowledge and safety Electrical machinery

Bacteriology / Biology Microdermabrasion

Sanitation & infection control Microcurrent

Skin disorders Vascular Blemish Removal

Nutrition Facial massage

Chemistry / Ingredients European facial manipulations

Anatomy / Physiology European cleansing techniques

Aromatherapy Toning / Moisturizing

Exfoliation / Chemical peels

Masque selection & application

Hair removal

Color psychology Exfoliation

Color theory Body treatments

Color harmony Body bronzing

Supplies for professional make-up Contour body wraps

Analyzing facial features Manual lymphatic drainage

Make-up application Reflexology / Stone therapy

Corrective make-up Cellulite treatments

Artificial eyelashes

Eye Brow / Eye Lash tinting

Business Building 80 hours

Ethics

94% or 15 of the 16 students scheduled to graduate in 2005 went on to graduate;

67% or 10 of the 15 2005 graduates who were eligible for employment found jobs in the industry;

93% or 13 of the 14 students of this program taking the state board exam in 2005 passed the examination.

ESTHETICIANS (sometimes spelled AESTHETICIANS) are licensed Skin Care Specialists who treat the facial skin to maintain and improve its appearance. Estheticians work to achieve their customers’ beautifying goals through the following tasks:

• Analyze customer’s skin care needs.
• Discuss treatments and products with clients.
• Use a magnifying lamp or visor.
• Perform facials to cleanse pores and improve skin tone.
• Apply chemical peels to reduce fine lines and age spots.
• Perform simple extractions to remove blackheads.
• Remove unwanted facial hair using depilatory wax.
• Tint eyebrows.
• Instruct customers on skin care and makeup techniques.
• Sterilize equipment and clean work area.
• Massage the face.
• Select and apply cosmetic products such as creams, lotions, and tonics.

Paramedical Estheticians work with plastic surgeons and dermatologists in pre-and postoperative skin care. Under the guidance of a licensed health care provider, they provide treatments that prepare the skin for surgery for a more comfortable healing process. They show patients how to conceal redness and bruising with corrective make-up while skin is healing.

Estheticians work indoors in salons, health and beauty spas, or medical offices. Estheticians may wear lab coats and gloves in their work. They use chemical and herbal preparations and must not be allergic to them. Estheticians must be able to do daily lifting, pushing, and pulling of up to ten pounds. Although Estheticians may sit a good percentage of the time, the job is not sedentary as Estheticians get up, reach, and bend over 80 percent of the day.

Estheticians can also work outside the treatment arena as educators and/or sales representatives for product manufacturers, as teachers, and as makeup artists in television studios, movie sets, fashion shows, and for wedding consultants.

A primary force driving the growth of the Esthetician occupation is the increase in maturing baby boomers seeking skin care services to forestall or hide the aging process. Increased public awareness of sun damaged skin motivates more people to seek expert advice in protecting or repairing their skin. Advances in medical science and technology, such as chemical peels and microdermabrasion, are giving Estheticians more products and tools to improve the appearance of damaged or aging skin. These factors plus a growing population with increasing incomes spur the demand for esthetic services.

Beginner Estheticians will typically work for a salon or spa as salaried employees until they build a client base and set themselves up for self-employment by renting space in a salon or spa. The wages below primarily reflect the wages of new entrants to the profession and not the earnings of experienced professionals and do not include self-employed individuals.

The Esthetician’s work setting will dictate the hours. Many salons and spas are open six days a week and during evening hours to accommodate customers. Paramedical Estheticians maintain a Monday through Friday schedule. Self-employed Estheticians set their own schedules.