Rate your esthetician! Red (and green) flags to pay attention to:
“Aren’t all estheticians the same?”
A good esthetician is a lot of things: a skilled service provider, a non-judgemental friend, a helpful teacher, and a calming presence. But how do you find the right esthetician for you?
Esthetics has a relatively short history, with roots in cosmetology and dermatology. In the 21st century, esthetics has blossomed as a practice because we have business opportunities and tools that we didn’t have before: the internet, social media, the opportunity to own a small business, and the opportunity for women to own businesses!
Estheticians have a variety of expertise, but most offer a combo of skin + lash or brow treatments! Services like lash and brow tints can instantly boost your self esteem and beauty goals (AND they make your life wayyyy easier if you normally fill in your eyebrows and wear mascara every day!)
As fun as lash and brow tints are, a majority of people who look for help from estheticians are experiencing skin-related issues like acne struggles, signs of aging, sun damage, etc.
Facials and skincare education can have you glowing and boost your self esteem just as much as a lash lift or brown tint… but skincare is a never-ending journey with a seemingly endless list of variables. That’s why it’s important to choose an esthetician that is willing to be your long-term skin-coach; there to help you with skin concerns as your body, environment, and life-stressors change throughout your life.
I started my esthetics career in 2015 and have since been known for my friendly vibes, creating personalized skincare routines, and using exclusively eco-friendly and family-owned skincare products. Beyond all this, I have always been passionate about helping you fall back in love with your skin!
Fast forward to today: I live in South Minneapolis and am currently living my dream by running my small business below my home in a completely separate renovated spa.
In my 10 years as an esthetician, I’ve heard lots of horror stories about my client’s past experiences at other spas. That’s why I wanted to write this blog: to share some tips to help anyone reading avoid painful or uncomfortable experiences with their esthetician!
ESTHETICIAN GREEN FLAGS
✅ They make you feel comfortable + They’re an inclusive space
First things first: do you feel your body relax when you’re with your esthetician? Facial and lash services can technically be done whether or not you’re truly relaxed, but if your body is in fight or flight mode during your appointment, it’s a sign you should choose a different esthetician!
As a small business owner and friendly neighborhood esthetician, it’s super important to me to provide a relaxing space where you can feel instantly at ease; like you’re at an old friend's house instead of a nerve wracking appointment in a large, uppity salon.
Because of my background as a neurodivergent queer hippie, I know how essential it is to create a safe space– especially for client-friends who don’t usually feel safe and accepted in traditional salons/spa environments.
✅ They ask you a lot of questions
A good esthetician is similar to a good detective! They will analyze your skin and look for clues to determine what it needs. They should ask you questions that help them get to know your skin and lifestyle so they can choose the most effective treatments and products.
No facial should be "cookie-cutter" – it should be tailored to your exact needs that day!
Ideally, you would go to your esthetician whenever you need some self-care time, and they know you and your skin so well that they can easily help you with whatever skin concerns/beauty services you have!
Bonus green flag if they ask you questions about your life in general and take the time to get to know you, like a friend! The relationship between an esthetician and their long-term clients often naturally becomes an actual friendship. I’ve gained so many client-friends over the years and we’ve supported each other in business and in life!
✅ They customize your treatment
A good esthetician always customizes your facial to what you and your skin needs that day!
If your esthetician has performed a skin analysis (like they always should) they should know what your unique skin concerns are and customize your treatment to target these specific concerns.
If your esthetician is giving “one size fits all” vibes during your treatments and asks you no questions… it’s time to find a new one!!!
✅ Their spa is spotless
It might seem like a no-brainer, but if their spa is dirty, you need a new esthetician! Lack of proper sanitation can harm your skin and lead to an unsafe treatment.
Any time you go to a new esthetician (or even your usual one) you should inspect the spa as soon as you enter.
Glance at the floors, walls, and ceilings to make sure they are sanitary. Look at the tools and products in the treatment room – are they dusty or dirty? Are the towels and bathrobes spotless? If anything appears to be unsanitary, find a different spa!
✅ They never cause your skin pain
The old saying 'pain is beauty' is a dangerous myth!
While certain treatments can cause a little tingling, tightness or moderate changes in temp, a facial should never be painful. If you experience any pain, please speak up.
If there is a bit of uncomfortability or a sensation you might not be familiar with during a treatment, your esthetician should warn you beforehand. For example, if a client is having their first lash lift, it’s normal for the esthetician to prep them on how the experience is going to feel.
(Even after I prep my lash lift clients on the unusual sensation, I have had many clients feel so relaxed they fall asleep during their lash lift appointments!)
✅ They make you smarter
It’s obvious that your esthetician should be knowledgeable about skincare, but they should also be sharing their knowledge with you!
A good esthetician should always be open to your questions and help you follow the best at-home skincare routine so you'll have amazing results that last.
ESTHETICIAN RED FLAGS
🚩 They Never Ask You Questions
If your esthetician doesn't ask you any questions, this is a huuuuge red flag! Just because they’re a professional and “should know what they’re doing” doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be asking questions!
Estheticians can do some magical things, but we still need to know your skin history, your skincare routines, your diet, your hobbies, and more! The more info we have, the better we can treat your skin.
What makes a good esthetician is the desire to learn about their clients' skin in-depth. When an esthetician goes into your facial "blind" (not knowing anything about your skin or habits) there's a greater chance they will actually harm your skin!
🚩 They Don’t Give You Directions For At-Home Skincare
Your esthetician should always make professional recommendations for an at-home skincare routine. These product recs are crucial to help maintain and extend the results of the treatment you just received!
If your esthetician is gate-keeping skincare secrets from you so you use their in-person services more frequently, you need a new esthetician!!
🚩 They’re Distracted
Do you feel seen and listened to by your esthetician? When you ask questions, do they give you thoughtful answers? If the answer is no, your esthetician could be distracted!
If your esthetician is distracted they are more likely to make mistakes during your treatment, which could lead to irritation, pain or injury. A good esthetician will focus their mind and energy on you and only you during a treatment.
Final Thoughts…
I promise, finding a new esthetician is easier than finding a new therapist. The right esthetician can be the difference between great skin and not-so-great skin!
Imagine the relief you’ll feel when you find the right one, and the relief you’ll feel after every visit and online interaction with them!
Take it from some of my client reviews:
“I cannot recommend Sunni enough - she is the only person I will trust with my skin treatments going forward. My previous face treatments have been painful, unpleasant, and at times, scary! But Sunni walks you through each step of the treatment, provides you with insightful information on skin care, and tailors the products she uses to your skin's needs! She's incredible!”
07.2022 · Mary Kidd
“Not only was my facial a luxurious experience, but I also walked away with a lot more knowledge of my skin and a plan for how to repair it. Thanks, Sunni!”
03.2023 · Cassie
“Sunni really catered my experience to my skin. Being my first facial, she took the time to explain everything that would be happening in ways I would understand and made sure the service was catered to my needs. Can't recommend her enough!”
08.2023 · Chelsea
Even if you don’t live in Minneapolis, Minnesota/don’t choose me as your esthetician, finding an esthetician with detailed, positive reviews like these is the ultimate green flag!! 💛
Share this blog with your friend that’s been too nervous to try a new esthetician or service!
And if you and your friend want more free, practical skincare advice that doesn’t require you to buy expensive new products, be sure to follow me on Instagram and/or sign up for my emails! (I promise I won’t spam you!)
As always, if you want to invest in some self care time while supporting a small, queer, woman-owned business: book a service with me today!
💛 Xo, Sunni
