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Estheticians, Electrologists and Related Occupations

NOC 6482

Introduction

Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations provide facial and body treatments designed to enhance the physical appearance of an individual.

Note: Each essential skills task is followed by a number in brackets, e.g. (2), which is the estimated complexity level for that task. Tasks are assigned levels, ranging from Level 1 (basic task) to Levels 4 or 5 (advanced task), and are listed in increasing order of complexity. The complexity levels may vary based on the requirements of the workplace.

Reading

Read instructions, precautions and other short comments on labels and packaging, e.g. read product use instructions on labels affixed to sanitation supplies. (1)
Read client history cards to learn about customers’ previous treatments, skin types and preferences. (1)
Read fact sheets on chemical products for information about their composition, use and emergency first‑aid procedures. (2)
Read flyers, brochures and other promotional material to learn about new products and application techniques. (2)
May read articles on websites and in trade magazines, e.g. read websites and trade magazines to stay informed about industry trends and new business opportunities. (3)
Read manuals to learn about their firm’s policies and procedures, e.g. may read policies describing step‑by‑step sterilization procedures. (3)
May read regulations, contracts and agreements, e.g. read regulations and bylaws to determine licensing requirements and allowable practices for tattoo and body‑piercing establishments. (4)

Document Use

Read labels on product packaging to learn about ingredients and safety hazards. (1)
Complete a variety of forms by entering data, such as names, costs, counts and times. (1)
Review bookings and calendars to determine their shifts, availabilities and upcoming appointments. (1)
May use product and colour charts to mix cosmetics to customer specifications. (2)
Follow procedures described in line art diagrams and photograph sequences to apply tattoos and body piercings and explain procedures to clients, e.g. use diagrams of hair follicles and skin and nail diseases to explain treatments to clients. (2)
Review suppliers’ catalogues to locate costs and the specifications of equipment, tools, supplies and materials. (2)
May complete client history cards by recording data, such as treatments, products used, presenting problems and allergies. (2)

Writing

Write reminder notes to themselves and co‑workers, e.g. write reminders to themselves about work to be done. (1)
Write short comments on a variety of forms, e.g. write short comments on customer cards about services rendered and client medical histories. (1)
May write letters to manufacturers expressing opinions and concerns about products and services. (2)
May write advertising copy for flyers and brochures to promote their products and services. (3)

Numeracy

Accept payment by cash, cheque or credit card and make change. (1)
May schedule appointments. They consider their availability and the time needed for different services. (1)
May measure liquid volumes of emulsions, creams, sterilants and other products. (1)
May measure body parts using scales to determine the ideal location of tattoos and piercings. (1)
Compare measurements of time, temperature and fluid volume to specifications outlined in product information sheets and colour charts. (1)
Estimate by sight quantities of powder and volumes of liquid needed to mix products. (1)
May prepare customers’ bills by totaling fees and adding discounts and taxes. (2)
May reconcile cash floats and prepare financial summaries. They separate, count and record cash and credit receipts. They calculate totals for deposit slips and closeout books. (2)
May determine how many packages of supplies, such as scalpels, to buy based on the number of units required and the number of units per package. (2)
May estimate the time and number of sessions needed to complete particular treatments. (2)

Oral Communication

Speak with suppliers to place orders. (1)
Speak with clients in person and by telephone to schedule appointments. (1)
Exchange information with helpers, e.g. provide instructions to helpers about proper sanitization techniques. (2)
Exchange information with co‑workers, e.g. speak with other estheticians and electrologists to co‑ordinate schedules and discuss new products. (2)
Participate in staff meetings, e.g. speak with co‑workers during staff meetings about new policies, product trends and matters relating to customer service. (2)
Talk to customers about a wide range of topics, e.g. talk to customers about new products, fashion trends and pricing options. (2)
May talk to dissatisfied customers, e.g. question customers to determine the reason for their dissatisfaction, provide explanations and discuss possible solutions. (3)

Thinking

Fall behind schedule because of delays created by late and double‑booked customers. They reschedule appointments and request help from co‑workers to get back on schedule. (1)
Decide the timing and length of appointments. They consider their availability and the type of service being provided. (1)
Select tools and products for use and sale. They select from a variety of tools and products, such as nail clippers and nail polishes. (1)
Judge the performance of products, such as nail polishes and hair removal systems. (1)
Refer to client files for such information as past treatments and known health problems. (1)
Find that treatments are not effective. They speak with suppliers and co‑workers to determine the cause and possible alternate approaches. (2)
Choose treatment processes. They consider customers’ preferences and needs and the services being provided. (2)
Evaluate the condition of skin and nails and determine treatment and style options. They evaluate the health and condition of skin by observing features, such as dryness, porosity, elasticity and texture. They assess the condition of nails by noting texture, thickness, colour and signs of fungi and infections. (2)
Judge the suitability of customer product choices. For example, they consider the mental states of clients before agreeing to tattoo their bodies. (2)
Create their own work schedules through appointment bookings. They order their tasks for greater efficiency. There are daily disruptions to their schedules due to no‑shows, tardiness and last‑minute appointments. Unless they own and operate a one‑person shop, they may need to co‑ordinate with co‑workers and supervisors. (2)
May locate product information by visiting manufacturer and supplier websites and by speaking with customers, co‑workers and colleagues. (2)
May locate information about skin and nail conditions by conducting Internet‑based research, reading textbooks and speaking with co‑workers. (2)
Find information about fashion and fashion trends by observing hairstyles worn by models, musicians and actors and by talking with suppliers and other hairstylists. (2)
May decide upon fees to charge for services, such as hair removal, manicures, tattoos and piercings. They consider the fees charged by competing service providers and factors, such as the location of their salon, the size of their existing customer base and the number of walk‑in clients they get. (3)

Digital Technology

May use text messaging software to communicate with customers and co‑workers. (1)
May use calculators and personal digital assistant (PDA) devices to complete numeracy‑related tasks, such as calculating material requirements and the cost of products. (1)
May use word processing software to write letters and produce promotional material, such as flyers and signs. (2)
May use databases and contact management software to input customer names, appointments and inventory levels. (2)
May use databases to query product specifications, inventory quantities and upcoming appointments. (2)
May use specialized bookkeeping, billing and accounting software to input sales and commissions and produce financial reports. (2)
Use communication software to send and receive email. For example, they may send email messages to confirm appointments with customers. (2)
May use Internet browsers and search engines to access websites operated by suppliers and product manufacturers. (2)
May use the Internet to access training courses and seminars offered by suppliers, employers and training organizations. (2)
May use the Internet to access social media tools that allows them to share information and photographs with co‑workers and customers. (2)
May use the Internet to access blogs and web forums where they seek and offer advice about fashion trends and skin and nail conditions. (2)
May operate point‑of‑sale equipment, such as electronic cash registers, bar scanners, scales and touch‑screens. (2)
May operate computerized electrolysis and skin treatment machines to remove unwanted hair. (2)
May use advanced features in computer‑assisted design (CAD) programs to create, modify and print tattoo designs. (3)

Additional Information

Other Essential Skills:

Working with Others

Estheticians, electrologists and workers in related occupations mainly work independently, providing services to clients. However, they may consult with co‑workers to provide and receive information and to co‑ordinate schedules.

Continuous Learning

Estheticians, electrologists and workers in related occupations have an ongoing need to learn. Maintaining up‑to‑date skills and knowledge about new techniques, industry innovations, products and research is important to workers in all specialty areas.

Impact of Digital Technology

All Essential Skills are affected by the introduction of technology in the workplace. Estheticians’, electrologists’ and related occupations’ ability to adapt to new technologies is strongly related to their skill levels across the Essential Skills, including reading, writing, thinking and communication skills. Technologies are transforming the ways in which workers obtain, process and communicate information, and the types of skills needed to perform in their jobs. In particular, estheticians, electrologists and related occupations need the skills to use point‑of‑sale equipment, increasingly complex bookkeeping and salon‑management software, and computer‑assisted design (CAD) programs, which are also becoming prevalent in the industry. For example, workers may use word processing software to write letters and produce promotional material, such flyers and signs. Workers need digital skills to take advantage of the productivity gains technology can offer (e.g. using the Internet to access social media tools that allow them to share information and photographs with colleagues and customers).

Technology in the workplace further affects the complexity of tasks related to the Essential Skills required for this occupation. For example, with calculators, personal digital assistant devices (PDA) and point‑of‑sale equipment, workers do not have to manually calculate conversions, determine the amount of change to provide on cash transactions, or enter dates, times and amounts into bills. Workers may use text messaging software to communicate with customers and co‑workers, or communication software to send and receive email (e.g. send email messages to confirm appointments with customers). Furthermore, in addition to reading manuals to learn how to diagnose skin diseases and sterilize tools, workers can learn by viewing multimedia presentations available on DVDs and online.