In the field of beauty, the regulations are constantly changing. This is because technological advances are forever enhancing the treatments and services that can be given. The field of esthetics is currently being affected by advancements, and these changes are creating a need for adjustments to be made in the current regulations.

First and foremost, the beauty industry generated $60 billion in revenue in 2008, and by 2011, this rate rose by 5.3 percent. A portion of this profit was earned by estheticians who are currently employed by medical spas, clinics and even by dermatologists.

The state of Washington currently has laws implemented that require an esthetician to have 600 hours of training from a licensed school. A student must pass an examination given by the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). Once the 600 hours of training have been completed, a licensed esthetician is able to use lasers under the supervision of a physician, according to the regulations enforced by the Medical Quality Assurance Commission. Seems simple, right? Well, the issue lies with the fact that during the course of a 600-hour training program, it’s not feasible to fit laser training into the curriculum; even basic laser training is difficult to be squeezed into such a short time span.

As of right now, the laser training rests on the shoulders of the business that hires the esthetician, and there are no set standards as to how it is done. In fact, the laser training can consist of a few hours of instruction from the person who sells the company a laser and that person then spreads the word to the rest of the staff. In some instances, an employee may go through private lessons, and who pays for it depends on the company that hires the esthetician. And some estheticians opt to go out of state to well-known facilities for more comprehensive training. One laser clinic has spent more than $25,000 to send her estheticians for out-of-state training.

Originally, the Northwest Aestheticians’ Guild proposed that schools begin offering a 1,200-hour training, but this idea was shot down, since it would cause people to have to learn more than just the traditional practice of esthetics. Not to mention, it would harm schools because it would lead to them being required to double their training, which could possibly put them out of business.

The bill that’s set to go into law will increase the 600-hour training to 750 hours. This will help familiarize students with the new technologies, and it will give the students more opportunities to practice. Laser services will not be part of the 750-hour certification curriculum, and all estheticians will no longer be able to give infections. A new license will be created known as the master esthetician license, which consists of 1,200 hours of training and includes instruction on lasers and medium-depth peels. Skincare professionals who have a 600-hour esthetician license will automatically be grandfathered into the 750-hour license. Anyone who now has an esthetician license will have five different ways to become eligible for the master esthetician license, and it gives current estheticians until January 1, 2015 to qualify for the master esthetician license by being grandfathered in.

Bill would broaden state regulation of beauty businesses – Dispatch.com

Lip-plumping injections. Permanent makeup. The orange, otherworldly glow of sunless tanning. Manicures, wax jobs and hair-straightening applications. Beauty fads, by definition, fade far faster than beauty itself (the permanent makeup notwithstanding). Fashion’s intrinsic fickleness is a godsend for cutting-edge stylists, clothing retailers, cosmetics manufacturers, plastic surgeons and the publishers of all those glamour magazines that purport to preview The Next Big Thing.

BEAUTY TREND: CAT EYES FOR SUMMER – STLmag.com

Taking a more seductive cue from the likes of Jonathan Saunders and Badgley Mischka, cat eyes are bolder and bigger this season. Play up your eyes with an extra layer of liner or keep that liner going just a few extra strokes. However you decide to show off your baby blues (or browns), just remember it’s okay to bend the rules this season and have fun with your look! Here are a few highlights and inspiration from the latest runway shows:

BEAUTY TREND OF THE WEEK: DRAMATIC CENTER PARTS – Stylecaster.com

It’s simple, it’s chic and it’s a must-have for our community members. This week, more than a few center parts have popped up on our site. And whether they’re topping off a boho seventies-inspired look a la Rachel Zoe or simply hitting the runway in a way we’ve never seen before, this part is all about taking your hair to the next level.

Four Spring Makeup Trends You Should Try NOW! – CosmeticsandSkincare.com

Spring is a great time to experiment with new make up trends that are gracing the covers of magazines and fresh faces around the world. The warm weather brings new collections of designer duds that lay the framework for spring’s hottest fashion and beauty trends. Spring 2012 fashion is all about bright color-blocking, bold prints, orange and tangerine hues, pastels, and metallics. Compliment these fashion trends with the top four spring makeup trends that you should try today!

HOT HAIR TREND: BRAIDS! – MaximeSalon.com

One of the hottest new hair trends showing up in salon’s across the country is braiding– yes, braiding!
As a beauty destination on the South Shore of Boston, we’ve noticed at Maxime Salon that our fashionista clients come in dying for the hottest trend in hair this spring: BRAIDS! A braid is defined as a complex structure or pattern formed by intertwining three or more strands of flexible material. Hair braiding can be traced back at least 5000 years! Braiding has been a part of cultures across all continents. Each continent used braiding for different situations.

Looking for information in order to help you begin training for a career as a nail tech, esthetics and skin care, cosmetology, massage therapy or hair care? BeautySchool.com has the right cosmetology school for you.

After a long and difficult week at the office, many of us like to unwind by treating ourselves to a relaxing day at the spa where we can leave behind our worries and focus on ourselves. The International Spa Association (ISPA) has taken notice of this trend and reported close to 57 million adults and 4 million adolescents make at least one visit to a spa each year. With more and more people seeking non-medical options to improve their health and revitalize their spirit, those working in the spa services sector – dermatologists, estheticians and medical estheticians have seen a dramatic increase in clientele wanting to utilize their services. If you are interested in alternative ways to reduce your stress and improve your health, look into the different services and benefits an esthetician can bring to your life.

 What Is An Esthetician?

Estheticians work in the spa services sector and specialize in skin care and spa therapies. Estheticians must hold a license, which is issued by the state, in order to provide services in a spa setting. Estheticians generally perform cosmetic skin treatments such as facials, extractions and body treatments. Medical estheticians work under the direction of a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. While medical estheticians cannot prescribe medications, they are able to perform advanced skin care treatments.

Many people confuse estheticians with dermatologists. A dermatologist specializes in skin, hair and nail care and can also perform surgical and cosmetic treatments. Dermatologists are required to hold a medical degree in order to practice in the U.S.A as a medical doctor, dermatologists are also able to prescribe medications.

 Spa Treatments for the Face

Dermabrasion treatments, facials and extractions are some of the most popular services estheticians provide. In many cases, estheticians will develop a variety of custom-designed facials to help clients deal with different skin-related issues such as peeling skin, dry skin and oily skin. Estheticians also provide dermabrasion and microdermabrasion services to help clients reduce the appearance of wrinkles, tighten the skin and remove skin discolorations and other blemishes.

 Spa Treatments for the Body

In addition to facials, extractions and dermabrasion treatments, estheticians also provide an array of body treatments that remove unwanted hair, smooth and contour the body and relax the mind and spirit. Sugaring, body contour treatments and waxing are some of the most requested services. Estheticians can also perform a variety of massage treatments as well.

 The Benefits of Spa Therapies

Research has proven the positive benefits of spa treatments as many work to relax the body, mind and spirit. For instance, a Japanese study that followed over 3000 government workers revealed that workers who received regular spa treatments had better physical and mental health, a better quality of sleep and requested fewer sick days. Another study performed by Florida State University and George Mason University found that workers who underwent spa therapies performed by estheticians had a decreased chance of being hospitalized for illness and also had better attendance compared to employees who did not engage in spa therapy.

Fashionable 90s Shows We Wish Would Come Back – Beauty … – DailyMakeover.com

Beauty and fashion trends are back from the 90s, so why not the iconic shows that inspired them? Michelle Williams recently said she would love to do a Dawson’s Creek reunion. Here are a few other shows we’d love to see reunite, along with their iconic looks that are back on the runway and in our closets.

Spring Makeup Trend + My 5 Favorite Lipsticks for Spring! – Starryeyedglamour.blogspot.com

Hello Lovelies! How are you all doing today? This post is going to be all about a fun spring makeup trend =) Spring this year is all about color or should I say POP of color! whether in clothes, accessories, or makeup! I love adding a pop of color to just about everything because it makes things way more fun! Do you agree? For the bold, try color-blocking which basically is color on color & looks stunning! You can go all out and color-block your outfit or incorporate a color-blocked accessory into your look.

Spring Trend Alert: Punches of Purple! – BangStyle.com

Purple has always been a hard color for me to wear. Unless it’s on my fingertips, I have typically felt like wearing purple makeup makes it look like I have been punched in the face. But with this season’s trending shades of plum, lilac, aubergine, and violet, rocking purple is easier than ever before! And sexy at that! Here are a few ways for you to wear purple on your lips, lids, and fingertips.

Four Spring Makeup Trends You Should Try NOW! – CosmeticsandSkincare.com

Spring is a great time to experiment with new make up trends that are gracing the covers of magazines and fresh faces around the world. The warm weather brings new collections of designer duds that lay the framework for spring’s hottest fashion and beauty trends. Spring 2012 fashion is all about bright color-blocking, bold prints, orange and tangerine hues, pastels, and metallics. Compliment these fashion trends with the top four spring makeup trends that you should try today!

‘Teen Mom’ Chelsea Houska: No Beauty School Drop Out! – Celebs.Gather.com

All of the girls from Teen Mom are gorgeous, but there is one in particular who has superb style – Chelsea Houska! Whether she is trying out some new color or just a new style, one thing Chelsea is an expert at is hair and she knows it! Perhaps that is why she is continuing with her beauty school endeavors!

Looking for information in order to help you begin training for a career in cosmetology, esthetics and skin care, nail technology, massage therapy or hair care? BeautySchool.com has the right cosmetology school for you.

When it comes to achieving beautiful skin, most of us are familiar with some of the old-school standbys. Facial masks, eye-cucumbers, and exfoliating body scrubs are all reliable techniques that make up a skilled skin care specialist’s training and esthetician’s arsenal.

But now it’s time for healthy skin enthusiasts to check out the wave of the future!

Inspired by some of the innovative equipment used in professional esthetics practices and esthetician schools, these gadgets are designed for in-home use. Do they stack up to your neighborhood esthetician? You’ll have to be the judge on that. But if you’re hankering to give any of these ultra-modern beauty machines a try, you just might have the calling for your very own career in esthetics!

1. Crystalift Resurfacing System

By combining crystal resurfacing with vacuum-lift therapy, this Crystalift doo-dad removes dead cells and polishes skin to help you achieve a healthy glow. It’s inspired by the microdermabrasion equipment used in dermatology practices. Price: $249

2. Tria Laser Hair Removal

Safer than razors, this laser device helps remove those unwanted hair follicles, wherever they may be hiding. With three intensity levels, even those with sensitive skin can use this machine. It’ll cost you a pretty penny, though. At $995, I think I’ll choose my trusted esthetician to take care of this job for me.

3. The Marvel Mini

Estheticians and dermatologists have long known about the power light. By harnessing different wavelengths and frequencies, light can help us address our skin concerns. Enter, the Marvel Mini. With varieties in red, green and blue, these miniature glowing devices can help address skin issues like fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and acne. Price: $225

So, you got the dead skin nibbled off of your feet by fish, your eyeliner is permanently tattooed to your eyelids and we’re not even going to discuss all of strange face mask concoctions you’ve tried. What’s the next logical step on your quest toward beauty? Eyelash perms, obviously.

Eyelash perms start with rollers imported from Japan – the rollers come in around 5 different sizes depending on how curly you want your eyelashes. Each eyelash is wrapped around the roller using adhesive. Next, a diluted perm solution and a neutralizer are applied. The end result? One less step in your morning beauty regimen.

Although yesterday was the first time I came across this eyelash perm trend online, spas in the U.S. have been doing this treatment, which began in Japan, for at least a couple of years. The perm lasts around 4 to 8 weeks, which is the time it takes for your eyelashes to grow.

It should be noted that eyelash perming is not yet FDA approved, so make sure you are seeing a trained, licensed cosmetologist or esthetician if you decide to get these services. If you’ve had any experiences with eyelash perming or performed eyelash perms, let us know what you think!

I’m frequently shocked by the vast number of people who ask, “Am I too old for cosmetology school?” Reality check! It’s never too late to achieve your dreams of becoming a beautician.

Diane Rickard was 59 when she enrolled in cosmetology school, unable to find work in another field in today’s rickety economy.  Now, just a few of years later, she is the proud owner of her very own beauty business – AvaShay, a natural nail spa in Brighton, Michigan.

If you are passionate about beautifying people and you’re ready for a change of scenery, switching to a cosmetology career may be perfect for you – regardless of your age. Some things to think about are balancing current career responsibilities with getting your beauty education, your family’s reaction, and facing your fear of the big change!

In today’s tough job market, jobs are hard to find – particularly for someone who is older or interested in switching careers.  But the beauty industry still offers opportunities for someone who is people-oriented and not willing to let anything stand in their way. Diane Rickard was the oldest person in her cosmetology class when she enrolled at Brighton Institute of Cosmetology – and now she’s her own boss.

Live the dream. Find out what it takes to enroll in cosmetology school - no matter how old you are.

Girls love to smell pretty. Don’t argue – it’s science. “But high-profile aromas in cute bottles can get pretty pricey,” you’re thinking. Stop right there. Wherever your thought process is leading you, it’s wrong. Don’t be frugal when it comes to fragrance. This goes double if you’re buying a special someone a swanky gift for a steamy occasion. So listen carefully: Do NOT buy these fragrances for anyone. Ever.

#5 – Whale Vomit
What do you mean it doesn’t sound like it smells good? This one probably makes you the Bell Of the Ball at SeaWorld. Who wouldn’t want that title? And honestly, whale vomit is used in almost any fine fragrance in the world, so why not just get a bottle directly from the source?

#4 – Republican
Yes, it’s true – the Grand Old Party just barely beat out whale vomit on the scent scale. After losing the Presidency earlier this year, they’ll take any good news they can. This fragrant oil is a complex blend that stands for conservative values, love of country, and a strong family unit. Translated into scent, the Republican fragrance smells like apples and roses.

#3 – K.I.S.S.

Just to clear up any confusion, this scent isn’t named after the act of love, but after the act of Dr. Love. Yes, you too can own the personally-endorsed smell of the rock band K.I.S.S. to wear to special concerts, night clubs and for trips to Detroit Rock City. Don’t worry, guys, the K.I.S.S. fragrance line is made for both men and women.

#2 – Play-Doh
Searching for that fresh, just-out-of-the-can, “eau de Play-Doh” aroma? You’re in luck. To make your gift extra special, Play-Doh Perfume also comes in a  50th Birthday Limited Edition bottle. Classy!

And finally – #1 – Burger King!

Yes, the King created an entire line of foodstuffs, a website, and a video game named after his legacy, but it just wasn’t enough. Something was missing from his empire that discriminating consumers demanded. Meat perfume. World, meet FLAME by B.K. So the King waved his bejeweled hand and voila! – a perfume that promises to be a “scent of seduction with a hint of flame-broiled meat.”

Holistic means ‘whole’ and holistic health focuses on the whole self: mind, body and spirit.  The practices used in holistic therapies are also sometimes referred to as alternative medicine.  These holistic and alternative approaches to medicine may not be a part of mainstream health care, but they are growing in the world of cosmetology.  The National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine , a research group, has found that 38% of American adults use some form of alternative medicine.

People may think that the holistic health industry is separate from cosmetology, but that simply isn’t the case.  Cosmetology has extended far beyond hairstyling alone.  Many cosmetology schools offer programs in esthetics and skin care, nail care, hair care and massage therapy.  Each of these areas of cosmetology can work well with a holistic approach to health.  Cosmetology schools and beauty schools focus on outward appearance, and many people may not realize that outward appearance is often a reflection of our health.  When we are stressed, we may have tense muscles or more skin breakouts.  If we aren’t eating right, we might have brittle hair and nails.  All of these outward issues may be indicators of bigger problems.  As a society we need to be less stressed and focus more on our health.

Cosmetology and holistic health can work together to reach this goal.  We need to focus on our minds, bodies and spirits, and we need to be training future cosmetology professionals to help their clients find that same focus.  Getting a beauty treatment can help relax your clients.  As an esthetician, you can give advice on not only soothing broken out skin, but also mind/body/spirit exercises that can help prevent skin problems from coming back.  A session with a massage therapist can calm clients’ muscles and keep them relaxed as they go through their busy lives.  The health of the whole self is linked to outward appearance, so the cosmetology industry and holistic health industry should work more closely together to help our society become and remain healthy.

What about you? How does your cosmetology school or beauty salon tie holistics and alternative medicine into your services?

Another bikini wax or Brazilian wax mishap has been highlighted in the news. Women’s Health has an article featured on msnbc.com about a woman, Jennifer, that spent 15 days in the hospital after a bikini wax infection. 15 days!

The article claims she received her wax at a reputable New York salon. After the wax, she developed a 102 degree temperature, chills and pain in her left thigh. Jennifer thought it was just a cold (that’s some cold!) and waited 5 days to go to the doctor.

Well, turns out, it wasn’t a cold. Her doctor diagnosed her with cellulitis – a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection of the skin and underlying tissue. She had surgery to drain the infection and was hooked up to an IV that pumped her full of antibiotics and pain-killers. One doctor even said she could have lost her leg.

So how does this happen? Any procedure, no matter how small or how common, comes with risk. But 15 days in the hospital after a bikini wax! I argue that waiting 5 days to see a doctor with symptoms like that isn’t terribly smart.

I wouldn’t say this is a common occurrence, but it’s not the first time it’s happened. New Jersey even considered outlawing bikini waxes because of problems they were causing. That is why it is so incredibly important to visit educated, licensed estheticians you trust. Ask lots of questions of your esthetician and follow all the pre- and post-wax instructions closely.

These recent Brazilian wax and bikini wax headlines got me thinking. What safety precautions and pre- and post-waxing care techniques are current students learning in esthetician school to avoid these problems? What precautions are salons and spas taking to avoid these mishaps and subsequently getting sued? Has anything changed at the place you attend school or work at – or are the normal safety routines still working?