At some point this summer, I’m sure you were exposed to some of the sun’s fabulous (yet damaging) rays. If there’s one thing you can do to go out with a bang this summer, it might be to get an end-of-summer facial, especially before all the back-to-school madness! And who better to do your facial than a licensed esthetician?

A facial consists of a few different techniques in order to give you a glowing and healthy-looking complexion. Through the use of steam, exfoliation, and extraction, estheticians really can help you feel and look your best by taking out those unwanted blackheads and creating an outlet for your pores to breathe naturally. At a facial, you can also get some advice and tips from your esthetician regarding your daily regimen and treatment options.

An esthetician is a great go-to person to see even if you’ve never experienced skin problems. Estheticians are experts in skin care, cleansing the skin of impurities. Additionally, estheticians are able to give head and neck massages and even complete makeup applications.

An esthetician program can be found at many cosmetology schools. It is through an esthetician program that a person can become properly licensed to work with individuals in places like spas, doctor’s offices, and other beauty salons. Programs vary in length and price, but it is always important to consider your own needs and desires. An esthetician career is a great one to have, especially according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, who estimates that the field of esthetics will grow by 38 percent due to an increase in demand for people who want to better their skin. This is much faster than the average growth for other occupations.

Summer may be over, but don’t despair. You can go get an end-of-summer facial or perhaps begin a career as an esthetician to be able to give those fabulous treatments to those who seek them.

-Amanda Fornecker

Fila Academy promised what most cosmetology schools do: the chance to enhance your education and become a successful professional cosmetologist. But the story doesn’t end happily ever after with graduation and a great beauty job. Instead, this is just another lesson on why you should make sure your potential beauty or spa school is accredited…

According to Courthouse News, this Glen Burnie, MD, cosmetology school was recently sued in a class action suit by students who were tricked into the potential of obtaining a beauty school eduction. Students say that they were actually given the answers to exams before they even took them – giving them no chance to actually prove any of their ability. Additionally, Fila Academy forced students to sign up for loans and grants in order to get the more than $16,000 in tuition per student, the article says. And what’s even worse? Students say they were forced to clean toilets along the way.

Fila’s website claims that they accept students who can pass a test in compliance with the NACCAS Ability to Benefit Policy. However, it never stated that they were actually accredited by NACCAS. This is a vital piece of information and why it’s important to do your research. A simple Google search for NACCAS will bring you to the website, where you can search by the name of the school and see if they are actually accredited by this important cosmetology school-accrediting body.

Don’t let something like this happen to you. Do your research and ask questions before you hand over your life savings to someone who may be giving you false hope and empty promises. This shouldn’t scare you into not going to beauty school – it should merely educate you. Start searching now and protect yourself.

-Amanda Fornecker

This story proves that it’s never too late to go back to school – and enjoy it! Ann Dauk is an 85-year-old beautician who decided to go back to school after being in a salon for almost 70 years. At the age of 17, Dauk began styling in a hair salon at a time when cosmetology schools and degrees were not as popular as they are today. She recently told a Minnesota news station that she decided to get with the times and officially obtain her re-certification.

Dauk learns not only from the instructors at her Mankato cosmetology school, but also from the other students. In fact, Dauk is able to influence the students around her, as well. She’s one of the most outgoing and excited students at the school and seems to be enjoying every minute of it.

The point of this is that it really is never too late to go back. No matter what you’re interests or experience, you can always go to school to pursue your dreams. Sometimes it’s after the kids have grown up and grandkids are on the way. Other times it’s solely to go after a goal. And then there are times when you’ve been in an industry so long, you want to brush up on the latest skills out there.

No matter what your dream, you can always have the option to go back to school. You just need to do the research first. Get started today on a career path that will help you fulfill your goals.

Check out this link for more on Dauk’s story.

-Amanda Fornecker

One of the most difficult parts of school, in my opinion, is choosing the right one. Once you’ve picked your school, you just need to go the distance to make the grades and be successful. Here, I’ve picked out some articles that may help you in your quest for choosing just the right school.

How to Choose a Beauty School
Beauty school includes a wide scope of professions. So with a few interviews from those who have been there, done that, and made it to the top, you’ll find sound advice that you may find helpful as you search for and make the big beauty school decision. Preparation, personality traits, and curriculum expectations are just some of the great things you can read about and learn more about here.

How to Choose a Cosmetology School
Cosmetology is a more specific category of beauty. Cosmetology school is where your beauty career begins but it can be overwhelming picking the right one. Here, we guide you along the path to looking at reputation, programs, quality, and skill sets. Once you’re in, you’ll be able to explore cosmetology careers and pick just the right specialty for you.

How to Choose an Esthetician School
Esthetics is an even more specialized field of the beauty industry. It deals with skin care and makeup application. Choosing an esthetician school involves licensing options, esthetician school visits, and talking to those who have already walked in your eager shoes.

Picking the right school, no matter what your specialty, involves taking care, research, and time. But with the right information you can choose the right beauty school for you and start out on a successful career path.

-Amanda Fornecker