So, you have a passion for the beauty industry and you’re ready to begin your journey to an exciting new career in the world of hair, skin, and nails. How much will it cost to attend cosmetology school, and can you afford it?

Earning your cosmetology certificate may not be as expensive as you think – especially with the help of scholarships and grants to support aspiring students. Join us for a guide to the average cost of cosmetology school and some of the popular financial aid options available.

Read more: How to prep for your esthetician state board exam

What factors can affect the cost of cosmetology school?

The overall cost of cosmetology school varies based on a number of factors, including:

Your location

Your city and state will greatly impact your tuition rate. Cosmetology schools in large, metropolitan areas tend to cost more than those in smaller towns and more rural areas. Keep in mind that state regulations, including minimum training hours, will also play a role. 

T...

 Owning your own business can be an exciting, challenging, and highly rewarding experience, but how can you know where to start? Today, we’re discussing what it takes to open a successful nail business!

Why open a nail business?

Starting a nail business is about more than just manicures — it’s a means to financial independence. Here are several reasons why many esthetics professionals choose to open their own nail business:

Potential for profitability

Nail salons typically have lower start-up costs than other beauty businesses like medical spas. A consistent demand for your services and high degree of scalability mean you could potentially grow your business in the future. As an independent, self-employed nail artist, the sky is the limit. 

High level of client retention

One great thing about nails is that they just keep growing. Many clients schedule regular maintenance appointments, which helps ensure a steady income for you and your employees. Loyalty programs can sweeten the ...

 If you’re an esthetician, you already know that your location has a huge impact on the services you’re legally allowed to perform. But what states can estheticians do microneedling? Join us as we cover some of the states that do and do not allow estheticians to perform microneedling, as well as those requiring skincare professionals to jump through a few extra hoops. 

What is microneedling? 

Also known as collagen-induction therapy, microneedling uses derma rollers or handheld devices to create micro-perforations in the skin. Since slender needles penetrate up to 3 millimeters into the client’s skin, it’s considered a minimally invasive procedure. Microneedling is highly effective for a number of cosmetic concerns, including: 

• Acne scars
• Stretch marks
• Hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone
• Sun damage
• Lesions 
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Skin laxity
• Enlarged pores
• Uneven skin texture
• Thinning hair

What states allow estheticians to do microneedling?

According to FDA guidel...

 Skincare professionals looking to bridge the gap between aesthetics and medical science may find the right balance as a paramedical esthetician. This job title blends healthcare with cosmetology for meaningful and exciting work that makes a difference. With a little extra training, you may be able to leverage your passion for the beauty industry for an exciting career as a paramedical esthetician.

What’s a paramedical esthetician?

Sometimes called medical estheticians, paramedical estheticians take on a wide variety of roles in health and wellness facilities. Here’s a little more information on this career: 

What do paramedical estheticians do?

Many paramedical estheticians help patients prepare for and recover from surgical procedures by shaving the treatment area, sanitizing the skin, and sterilizing equipment. They might also encourage blood flow through massage techniques and teach patients how to care for their skin for optimal healing.

Of course, most professionals in this ...

The holiday season is a fantastic time to offer deals and discounts for new and returning clients. People are often open to spending cash during this time of year, whether they’re treating themselves or purchasing lavish treatments for friends and family.

If you’re curious about running lucrative promotions during the holidays, you’ll want to join us for our best promo ideas to get new customers in the door and encourage repeat business from your existing clients!

Why run holiday promotions for your salon?

You’ll find plenty of great reasons to run holiday promotions for your salon or med spa business during the Christmas season. Here are just a few to keep in mind: 

The seasonal appeal

Beginning the day after Thanksgiving, people start looking for sales, specials, and discounted prices on gifts and services. While some are more inclined to buy luxury products for personal use, others are searching for the perfect gift for that friend who has everything. 

Boost product and servic...

 In many states, laser hair removal can only be performed by licensed medical professionals such as nurses, physician’s assistants, and doctors. However, some places allow estheticians to offer laser hair removal services as long as they meet certain training qualifications. 

Whether your state requires physician oversight for these procedures or places no limitations on laser hair removal, you’ll want to understand the factors that may affect your business. Today, we’re discussing how to add laser hair removal treatments to your service menu as an esthetician!

What are the training and safety regulations for laser hair removal?

While training requirements vary by state, you can expect certain licensing regulations to remain consistent in most areas. Here are some of the training and safety protocols for laser hair removal: 

Training and education for estheticians

Laser hair reduction training is generally not included in most esthetician school programs since these courses primar...

If you’re an aspiring esthetician, you may be wondering if online esthetician classes can offer the same quality of education as in-person courses. After all, busy schedules can make the prospect of completing these time-consuming programs feel impossible.

It turns out that the answer to this question varies based on a range of factors. Before registering for an online esthetics course, it’s important to understand state guidelines and what to expect from online classes. 

Should you take your esthetician classes online?

Online esthetician classes offer the ultimate flexibility for busy students. Here’s what you need to know about these virtual options: 

What to expect from online esthetician classes

Many online esthetician classes include a hands-on clinical to give you practical experience in the course material. Outside of those in-person hours, you can expect the rest of your classes to take place online. Some may use pre-recorded lessons, while others utilize live virtual clas...

 Most jurisdictions require aspiring estheticians to pass a state board exam to receive their license before they can practice. Although each state is different, certain aspects of the test will be the same no matter where you take it.

If you’re preparing for your esthetics exam, you’ll want to know what types of questions to expect and how to give yourself the best possible chance of success. Join us for a guide to the typical esthetics state board exam!

What is covered on an esthetician state board exam?

Ready to get started? Here’s a closer look at state board exams for estheticians:

What topics does it cover?

While the topics on each esthetician state board exam can vary by location, here are some of the subjects you can expect to encounter: 

• Anatomy and physiology
• Sanitation and infection control
• Identification of skin disorders
• Contraindications
• Treatment procedures

Do exam requirements differ by state?

They sure do! Each state has different requirements, so you...

 The process of opening a medical spa is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking, but it could be the decision that brings your dreams to life. Today, we’re discussing how medical spas differ from other facilities and offering tips on opening a thriving practice!

How are med spas different from day spas?

Medical spas are unique businesses that offer clients top-tier services. Here are some of the ways they stand out from other types of spas:

Treatments focus on deeper skin concerns

It’s common to find med spas operating within — or in conjunction with — dermatology offices. That’s because these businesses naturally complement one another. Patients with certain skin conditions or cosmetic concerns can receive treatments they know their doctor would approve of. 

Invasive vs non-invasive treatment options

Day spas are typically limited to non-invasive procedures only. They may offer massages, facials, manicures, and body wraps, but they can’t go more than skin deep. 

On the other hand...

 For those looking to combine the results-driven services from medical practitioners with the relaxing and rejuvenating treatment you receive at a standard spa, medical spas are just what the doctor prescribed. Today we'll be going over what constitutes a med spa, what services you may find there, as well as how a med spa compares to a standard day spa. 

What is a med spa?

Medical spas, more commonly known as med spas, are establishments where both rejuvenation and medical-grade service come together to provide significant results without the standard downtime of surgical procedures. This combination of skincare and medical practice brings results that are tailored specifically to each client's skincare needs. 

Do med spas require special licensing?

Yes! Opening a spa that provides more medical-grade services will require both a medical license and a business license in order to operate. Generally each treatment or service is overseen by a board certified medical professional. 

Ei...