FAQs

Aesthetics Program

In actuality, both spellings are correct. Typically, Aesthetician (with an ā€œAā€) is used to describe a skin care specialist working in the medical field, while Esthetician (with an ā€œEā€) is used to describe those that work in spas and salons. Whichever way a school chooses to spell it in their training program is acceptable and will lead to state licensure.

Aestheticians (also known as Estheticians, skin care specialists, or skin care therapists) are highly trained and specialized professionals who perform skin care services, which can include, but are not limited to:

  • skin analysis
  • facials
  • facials massage
  • facials with the use of machines
  • body treatments
  • waxing
  • chemical peels
  • microdermabrasion
  • laser treatments
  • injections
  • pre and post operative treatments
  • make-up application
  • spray tanning
  • eyebrow threading
  • eyelash extensions

Professional Aestheticians are needed in a variety of businesses, from day spas and salons, to cruise ships and destination resorts. Some go on to become instructors, product representatives, cosmetic buyers, cosmetic researchers, beauty editors, or open their own businesses.
Many contemporary medical settings are finding the skills and abilities of highly-trained professional Aestheticians to be exceptionally helpful, making the medical practices of dermatologists and plastic surgeons exciting places for a skin care specialist to put his or her talents and abilities to work.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Aestheticians averaged $32,080 per year, as of May 2011. Those working in spas and salons averaged $31,450 per year, while those working in a medical setting $38,680. As in any profession, you work your way up the pay scale.You will probably start with a base salary while building a clientele. After your clientele is established, you may switch to a commission bases structure.
Commission is given for services given and can range between 35% to 65% of the total service. The products you sell will provide an additional commission. The yearly salary range for Aestheticians is $20,000 to $60,000 or more based on experience. Please keep in mind that none of these figures include tips from services, which comprise a big part of the Aestheticians total salary.

Nail Technology Program

Nail Technicians typically find positions within spas and salons. However many are finding employment on cruise ships, as product representative and some even go on to further their training as Nail Technology Instructors.

According to Healthcare Salaries, the average salary for Nail Technicians is $19,000. The annual salary for the top 10% of nail technicians or self-employed nail technicians can be as high as $77,651 per year.

Instructor Training Program

At A Little Spa Institute, you can begin your Instructor Training Program at any time. Please call us at (847) 282-4729 to discuss this in more detail.

Aesthetics Instructors are required to do 750 hours. Hours can be reduced if you have at least 2 years of experience in the industry.
Nail Technology Instructors are required to do 625 hours. Hours can be reduced if you have at least 2 years of experience in the industry.

Continuing Education Program

Yes! We firmly believe that you should keep educating yourself, even after you have completed your core program of study. We offer several classes to enhance your learning experience and earn CE hours. Hours are available for Cosmetologists, Aestheticians, Nail Technicians, Barbers, Hair Braiders, and Instructors in all of the aforementioned areas.

Many classes are only offered to licensed professionals. However, our Eyebrow Threading Class, Eyelash Extension Class and Spray Tanning Class are open to the public as well as licensed professionals.

Illinois requires Cosmetologists to complete 14 hours of continuing education within the 2-year licensure period. Cosmetology Instructors and Cosmetology Clinic Teachers are required to complete a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education. Cosmetology Instructors, Cosmetology Clinic Teachers and Cosmetologists licenses expire on September 30 of each even-numbered year.

Aestheticians or Skin care specialists in the state of Illinois must complete 10 hours of continuing education within the 2-year licensure period. Aestheticians licenses expire September 30 of each odd numbered year. Aesthetics Instructors must complete 20 hours of continuing education within the 2-year licensure period. Aesthetics Instructor licenses expire September 30 of every even numbered year.

Nail Technicians in the state of Illinois are required to complete 10 hours of continuing education within the 2-year licensure period. Nail Technology Instructors are required to complete 20 hours of continuing education within the 2-year licensure period. Both Nail Technology licenses and Nail Technology Instructor licenses expire October 31 of every even numbered year.

Other

  • Shower, Shave, and Exfoliate 8 hours or more prior to your appointment. You want your skin to be thirsty and have the "tan" soak into your skin more.Make sure your skin is free of any lotion, moisturizer, perfume, makeup, and deodorant as they can all affect the result of your tan. A barrier will be applied to the nails at session to prevent staining.
  • Get your manicure or pedicure one day or more prior to your appointment.
  • Avoid having waxing, facials, microdermabrasions or chemical peels within one day before your treatment.
  • Pull hair back so it is not touching the face and neck.
  • Remove all jewelry before getting sprayed to avoid lines.
  • Avoid wearing wool, lycra, nylon, spandex, synthetic fabrics and silk, during or immediately following treatment as the solution may stain them.
  • Whether you wear just skivvies or a swimsuit try to choose darker colors. We also have disposable undergarments if needed!
  • It is recommended that you wait a minimum of 4 hours to shower after your tan. If you can wait 6 - 8 hours, even better! This will give the solution enough time to fully set in. Showering sooner will lessen the intensity of your tan. Once you shower you will see the cosmetic bronzer come off in your shower; this is normal, it is just excess solution coming off. Your first shower should be a luke-warm, quick shower to rinse off the excess solution.
  • Hold off on working out, doing physical activity, swimming, going in hot tubs, saunas, or anything having to do with water and sweating until after your first shower.
  • Wear dark, loose fitting cotton clothing 8 hours following your tan while your tan develops. Try to avoid tight bra straps, sports bras, or tight shoes and socks while your tan is developing.
  • Use baby powder as a buffer wherever friction may occur. (Inner elbows, behind knees, under arms, under bra straps or all over body before going to bed after session to reduce excess bronzer from getting all over sheets and clothing.)
  • When bathing do not exfoliate or scrub hard with a washcloth on your skin. Use a mild shower gel. Pat your skin dry with a towel do not rub. Moisturize.
  • When you dry off, remember to pat dry instead of rubbing your skin.

Chemical Peels are used to accelerate exfoliation. By using concentrated acidic solutions, the outer layer of your skin is exfoliated exposing the softer and smoother skin underneath. We offer 2 chemical peels and 3 enzyme treatments at A Little Spa Institute. You should consult with your student aesthetician to see which peel is right for you. Here is a break down of the peels and enzymes available at A Little Spa Institute.

Glycolic Peel

  • Type of alpha hydroxy (AHA) peel
  • Good for hyperpigmentation
  • Deep cleans pores (good for oily skin)
  • Smoothes rough skin
  • Evens skin tone
  • Improves the appearance of light wrinkles

Lactic Peel

  • Type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from milk
  • Known as the lightening and brightening peel
  • Good for hyperpigmentation
  • Appropriate for all skin types
  • Smooths skin
  • Gives healthy glow
  • Excellent for those with dry skin
  • Improves the appearance of light wrinkles

Coconut Papaya Enzyme

  • dissolve dead skin cells
  • gives skin a soft, smooth texture
  • Appropriate for all skin types, especially sensitive skin
  • Improves the appearance of light wrinkles

Raspberry Peach Enzyme

  • Powerful anti-oxidant
  • Soothes skin irritations
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Soften skin

Pomegranate Enzyme

  • Powerful antioxidant
  • Lightens and brightens the skin
  • Contains 11% lactic, 4% alpha-arbutin, and 2% salicylic
  • Good for normal, aging, oily or acneic skin types (not for sensitive skin)
  • Promotes deep hydration

Chemical peels and microdermabrasion both exfoliate the skin to improve the appearance of skin imperfections. Chemical peels are most effective on deep wrinkles and scars. Chemical peels are available in different strengths: mild, medium and deep. Microdermabrasion works best for superficial skin (top layers) imperfections such as fine lines and wrinkles. Microdermabrasion does not vary in strength. A mild tingling and warm sensation are likely to be felt during microdermabrasion. However, both microdermabrasion and chemical peels treat age spots, dull complexion and uneven skin tone. The student aestheticians and instructors will help you figure out which one is best for you! Many times people alternate treatments for maximum results.