Careers in Esthetics

The Spa and Esthetic industry in Canada is experiencing tremendous growth. According to the ISPA 2004 Spa Industry Study it was estimated that there were approximately 2,100 individual spas in Canada . Over 40% of Canada 's spas are located in Ontario , followed by 19% of the spas located in British Columbia . The Canadian spa industry generated an estimated $1.5 billion CDN in revenues for 2003 and the average number of spa visits was 20.2 million. In 2003, the Canadian spa industry employed an estimated 33,200 people; 20,442 full time, 7,075 part-time and 5,673 contract staff.

The driving force behind the tremendous growth is rising consumer demand. Primarily the aging "Baby Boomers", the largest single generation in the history of mankind is driving this growth. The Boomers are now entering there 40's and 50's and are willing to spend whatever it takes to preserve their youthful looks and to prevent premature aging. As a result Esthetics is a profession that is growing rapidly-not just in North America but also worldwide- and skilled, reliable, well-educated Professional Estheticians are in high demand. The importance of an attractive personal appearance is recognized more than ever in the world today.

A career as a Professional Esthetician is one of the few where you can enjoy a solid income and feel great about making someone else look and feel terrific! Today's market demands a more creative, highly skilled and well-rounded Professional Esthetician who has the ability to educate and empower their clients. It has expanded and evolved into a sophisticated and well-respected profession with a variety of specializations.

The excitement surrounding the future of this industry and its ever-increasing demand for qualified Professional Estheticians presents endless opportunities for well-trained individuals. Imagine working in a spa, salon, wellness center or even a cruise ship - or maybe own your own spa/salon! You may even opt to work with a dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, or other professionals.

LOOKS Academy prepares students to become the qualified, highly skilled, job-ready Professional Esthetician in demand by the Premier Spas in the industry today. Forecasts predict continued robust growth in the industry.

What are the career opportunities for Estheticians?

The Possibilities - You could practice esthetics in a spa, salon, on a cruise ship, in a fitness center, in a dermatologist or plastic surgeon's office. You could be an entrepreneur and own your own spa or salon, be a spa/salon manager, educator/trainer or coordinator, become a makeup artist, or a trainer or sales consultant of beauty products. There is constant demand in these and in many other areas for qualified aestheticians LOOKS Academy provides job search assistance to help students find the perfect place to start their professional career.

How much does the position pay?

The compensation or income for an esthetician within a spa is contingent on skills and experience. A hands-on skills evaluation will allow the supervisor, trainer or manager to determine the esthetician's abilities. The esthetician is evaluated periodically after he/she is hired. As he/she gains product knowledge and treatment skills, the professional usually progresses to the next pay scale or percentage or both.

The majority of aestheticians are remunerated on an hourly basis, earning significant commissions on the value of services they provide and their retail sales. An average income for a full-time esthetician falls somewhere between $20,000 and $50,000 per year; a top performing front-line line esthetician has the potential to earn $50,000 to $70,000k. If an esthetician becomes Head Esthetician for a large spa group, this can take her into the $75,000 to $100,000 category. There is also the career potential to use her practical training as a stepping-stone into a senior management position
like Spa Director (many spa directors and owners started their careers in esthetics).

In other words, there is a full range of earnings opportunity open to a Professional Esthetician. The earnings level will reflect the Esthetician's quality of education, knowledge and skill level achieved, dedication to her work and career ambition. All of the spas, no matter how big or small, are looking for the best professionals they can find and afford. If a candidate is new to the profession, he/she needs to have excelled at school.

Consumer Trends

Facials - Skin Care
The products and treatments of the future will continue to concentrate on anti-aging and protection but will also heavily involve increasing the immune system.

Nail Care
The trend will be towards healthy nails and skin. While there will continue to be acrylics, silks, gels, and various sculptured nail add-ons, most spas will concentrate more on developing treatments for health nails and hands and feet.

Hair Removal
Waxing will continue to be a common part of the spa service. While technology of laser hair removal continues to advance, waxing for the average consumer will still remain the predominant form of hair removal.

Body Care
As stress levels and fast paced lifestyles still continue to increase, there will be a natural need for effects orients distressing body treatments along with detoxification and cellulite treatments.

Career Opportunities in the Spa Industry

As we head into the future, the Spa Industry has expanded and evolved into a
sophisticated and well-respected profession with a variety of specializations. Here are just a few of your career options:

• Esthetician
• Skincare Dermology
• Nail Care Technician
• Make-Up Artist - Weddings, Movies, Runway Photography
• Medical Esthetician - Assisting Dermatologists/Plastic Surgeons
• Cruise Line - Full Esthetics Technician
• Senior Home/Hospital Visits - Esthetic Services
• Marketing/Sales Consultant for Cosmetic Companies
• Wedding Consultant
• Image Consultant
• Hair Removal Technician
• Electrologist
• Aroma/Body Care Therapist
• Esthetics School Instructor
• Spa Manager/Director
• Salon or Day Spa Owner

Career Placement Services

LOOKS Academy has an excellent placement record for its graduates. Although no school or college can guarantee a job for its graduates nor compensations earned in a job, at LOOKS Academy we do our best to provide lifetime placement assistance to our graduates. LOOKS Academy maintains a Job Placement Bulletin Board, Job Binder and on-line Job Posting of prospective jobs available from Spas and Salon both locally and across Canada.