How To Become an Esthetician in California

Last updated on April 22nd, 2024 at 10:06 am

So you want to become an esthetician? That’s not surprising, especially with more and more emphasis on the importance of skincare. After watching countless videos on products, extractions, skin conditions and types, skin health, and maybe even other specialties like hair removal, you’re now an aspiring skin care specialist looking into esthetician schools.

Don’t know where to start your esthetics career journey? I can help! My name is Adriana and I’ve been a California-licensed esthetician since 2010. And in this post, I’m going to go over how to become an esthetician in California.

The Basics of Becoming an Esthetician in California

Easy, right? Kind of. Good thing we don’t do basic here.

I believe in giving as much real info as possible to help you make an informed decision, so let’s dive a bit deeper into what it takes to become a California-licensed esthetician and what factors to consider.

What Is an Esthetician? What Does an Esthetician Do?

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An esthetician is a state-licensed beauty professional with specialized training in cosmetic treatments including facials, hair removal, makeup, and even eyelash services. Estheticians are not licensed medical professionals, which means they cannot diagnose diseases. If they see something suspicious on a client’s skin, they can suggest the client see a licensed medical professional–nothing more.

Depending on the scope of practice of the skin care therapists state, they may be able to offer more or less services (like chemical peels, microneedling, etc.) beyond these.

Esthetics as a career is growing in the U.S. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment of skincare specialists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.” That’s huge!

But before you start to get excited about earning an esthetics license, let’s look at some of the realities of becoming an esthetician.

This information pertains to California estheticians, but much of the advice and info I’m offering can apply to aspiring estheticians across the country.

Let’s get into it!

How Long Does It Take To Become an Esthetician in California?

In California it will take you 600 hours of coursework to successfully complete an esthetics program. Once you have completed your 600 hours, you must take and pass the state board exam.

There are part-time and full-time esthetic programs available. So while you must complete 600 hours, it can take anywhere from 6 – 8 months (give or take) to complete a program, depending on whether you’re attending part-time or full-time.

I don’t believe a high school diploma is necessary to become an esthetician, a GED is likely enough. Also, some programs require you to be a certain age before you start.

I cannot find any information about this specifically on the State Board website, but I will keep looking. The best advice I can give for now is to check with the program you’re interested in. 

600 Hour Esthetics Program Broken Down

The breakdown of the 600 hours you need to become an esthetician in California is specific, and it looks like this:

Health and Safety: 100 Hours

Including instruction on:

• Hazardous substances
• Chemical safety
• Safety data sheets
• Protection from hazardous chemicals
• Preventing chemical injuries
• Health and safety laws and regulations
• Preventing communicable diseases.

Disinfection and Sanitation: 100 Hours

Including instruction on:

• Disinfection procedures to protect the health and safety of consumers & technician
• Proper disinfection procedures for equipment used in establishments.

Skin Care: 350

Including instruction on:

• Chemical and manual facials and massaging, stimulating, exfoliating, cleansing, or beautifying the face, scalp, neck, or body by the use of hands, esthetic devices, cosmetic products, antiseptics, lotions, tonics, or creams that do not result in the ablation or destruction of the live tissue.

Hair Removal and Lash and Brow Beautification: 50 Hours

Including instruction on:

• Tinting* and perming eyelashes and brows
• Applying eyelashes to any person
• Removing superfluous hair from the body of any person by use of depilatories, tweezers, sugaring, nonprescription chemicals, or waxing, or by the use of devices and appliances of any kind or description, except by the use of lasers or light waves, which are commonly known as rays

*Estheticians can tint brows and lashes in California. However, tints must be FDA-approved. So far the only FDA-approved lash and brow tint I know of is made by RefectoCil.

How Much Does an Esthetician Make?

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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “the median hourly wage for skincare specialists [licensed estheticians] was $18.30 in May 2022. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $12.28, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $38.13.”

Is this accurate? From my experience, I’m going to say yes. 

Of course there are people who make much more, including some who bring in 6 figures plus, but that takes a lot of time and dedication.

Plus, when you are making that much, you are likely working for yourself and have A LOT of overhead, taxes to pay, and other expenses, which cut that profit down. 

How Much Is Esthetician School?

The cost of esthetician school varies widely no matter what state you live in. We hear the phrase “do your research” all of the time, which could mean many things. But I’m going to really emphasize that now.

Some esthetician training is incredibly expensive and costs $10,000+ (which honestly blows my mind, and not in a good way). 

Before you spend several thousands of dollars on the first program you come across and start to take out loans, first search to see if there is a community college or local trade school near you with an esthetics program.

And keep in mind that the majority of what you learn about skincare is going to be learned on the job. School can give you fundamentals, but your real learning comes with doing – over and over again.

I advise you not to get too caught up in paying for “the best” esthetics program because there really is no “best” out there.

It’s all relative. Instead, focus on learning the foundations in school and passing your state boards.

Consider a Community College Esthetics Program

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In my opinion, community college esthetics programs are the absolute best.

Why? Because they’re less expensive and you have access to grants, scholarships, and other community college perks to help pay for your schooling.

I am lucky enough to live within a 45-minute drive of Santa Barbara, CA. Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) has an esthetician program that is very affordable (right now, it’s about $2,200 without the state board test fee, which is $115).

At the time I attended, I qualified for grants and fee waivers that covered the cost of most of my program fees and my entire student kit. I didn’t take out a single loan and paid the rest out of pocket.

I understand how fortunate I am to live near such a wonderful resource, and that not everyone has that opportunity. But I still encourage you to look into all your options when choosing an esthetician program.

Community Colleges in California With Esthetics Programs

Wondering if there’s a community college near you with an esthetics program? I got you!

Check out this list of California community colleges with esthetician programs I put together. It includes contact info and program website links where you can see what they offer and how much they cost.

Don’t Be Fooled by the Extensive Certifications Some Programs Offer

I’ve heard from estheticians that they chose their school because of all of the extra classes and certifications they offered, like spray tanning and lash extensions. For them, it was worth paying more to come out with a certification.

Earning certifications in school is fine, but a certification alone (especially right out of school) won’t necessarily get you a job.

The certification classes offered during school are usually one day long, maybe two. No one is going to hold your hand while you get good at those services after your classes are over, which means you’re going to have to put in the time on your own if you want to be good.

And you don’t really know if you’re going to want to offer those services once you’re out in the working world anyway. 

So, really think about that before you rationalize choosing a more expensive school because they offer certifications. If you don’t, you might just end up paying a lot extra to learn something you don’t even like doing.

Be Realistic About Repaying Your School Loans

If you’re confident you will be able to pay your loans back quickly once you get a job in esthetics, please consider this: it’s difficult to find a well-paying esthetician job right out of school. 

There is a lot of glamorization of esthetics going around right now, especially on social media. I find this misleading.

While there are always exceptions, most people really have to remain committed and work their way into a well-paying job or building a clientele as a solopreneur. Clients don’t just magically appear because you start working.

Additionally, many people must maintain a second job while building a client list. There’s no shame in that, do what you have to do to achieve your goals.

Do you have that kind of patience and dedication? I’m not trying to dissuade you, all I’m saying is to be realistic about the amount of loans you take and how quickly you will be able to pay them off. If you decide to go the loan route, be sure you 100% understand the terms.

Do You Have To Attend an Accredited School?

I cannot tell for sure whether or not you must attend an “accredited” training program in California, but the following is from the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology website:

“Courses that are taught by non-Board-approved schools will not be recognized by the Board, and any hours obtained taking these courses and any certificates received will not qualify you for a Board examination.” 

It goes on to give a list of Board-approved schools. Do what you will with that information, but I would 100% choose a school from that list if I were considering schools.

The Skills and Qualities Required To Succeed as an Esthetician

This is a loaded section that has so many nuances, but I believe (and these are just my observations) that in order to succeed as an esthetician you need to…

Always Be a Student

There is no limit to your knowledge and what you are capable of. The world of esthetics and skincare moves quickly, so if you don’t keep up, you’re going to be left behind.

Am I saying you need to stay on top of every trend? No. But I am saying be aware of trends going on and dedicate yourself to learning what interests you. 

Stay up on recent info on ingredients, treatments, products, and technologies because while the basics usually don’t change, there can always be advancements and new information.

Be a Self-Starter

Even if you have a mentor and all of the tools you need to get started on your esthetics journey, they won’t do much for you unless you get on it. 

If you’re having a hard time finding motivation, at least take one tiny step to start whatever it is you want to do. Some days you may be more motivated than others, but if you’re taking small steps toward your goal they will all add up.

Don’t Let Setbacks Set You Back Permanently

Success doesn’t come easy, and if you’re having a hard time just know things will get better.

If you need to step back and take some time out there is nothing wrong with that. Take the time you need to get your mind right and get back to it once you’re ready. 

You can do it! And remember: Resilience doesn’t mean you always come back with herculean power; it means you come back and try your best – and that’s strength in my book.

Work on Your Communication Skills

Esthetics is essentially customer service, and communication is key in customer service.

Work on how you communicate with people, including your body language and the words you speak. 

I’m naturally a straightforward person, and sometimes I can come off as harsh even though that’s not my intention. I’ve had to work on this. 

I love my assertiveness and refuse to give it up. Over the years I’ve learned how to remain firm and confident in what I say, but in a fair and understanding way that honors who I am and shows respect to the clients I work with.

Whatever your communication style, work with your strengths and improve where necessary.

Learn To Take Feedback Well

No one likes criticism, and please always remember that not all feedback is criticism. 

If there’s even a tiny bit of truth in the feedback you’re receiving then take it and think about how you can use it to improve yourself, your services, your treatment room, or whatever that feedback was related to.

Learn To Listen

Listening really is an underused skill. It’s easy to stay in your head and come up with responses to what people are telling you, but challenge yourself to stop and really hear what they’re saying. Not only will it help you give them better service, it will also make your client feel seen and heard – and isn’t that what we all want? 

Additional Resources

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Associated Skin Care Professionals: Before you start working make sure you’re insured. Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) offers insurance at an affordable yearly rate and other perks like training on various subjects (both business and skincare-related).

They also offer helpful forms such as intake and photo release forms (which you absolutely do need if you’re going to be taking pictures of people, no matter what anyone tells you – and no, don’t depend on verbal agreements).

If you have a policy with ASCP you will get their magazine, Skin Deep, for free. It’s a great read.

California Board of Barbering & Cosmetology: Stay up on the latest news and how it affects your license. You can also pay your fees and make changes to your license here through their Breeze portal.  

Dermascope Magazine: An esthetics industry resource. I’ve been reading Dermascope for years, and it’s one of the best ways to stay up on trends in the industry and learn. A subscription is very affordable and worth the investment.

Wishing You the Best of Luck!

Esthetics can be a truly wonderful career. If you’re determined to sharpen your skin care skills and get your esthetician license, then I say understand the pros and cons and go for it! If you have any questions about becoming an esthetician and I didn’t cover them here, please feel free to reach out to me and I will do my best to answer.

Thanks for reading!