Washington DC has a growing skin care industry, and is home to many eshtetician schools that can help set you on your path to a great career. Read ahead to learn how to get the most out of a career in esthetics and skin care.

Washington, DC skyline
DC Skyline by Ad Meskens [CC BY-SA 3.0

Your skin is constantly replenishing itself, aging, and changing, and repairing itself. Skin care is an important part of our overall health. If you are interested in making people look and feel their healthiest you may want to consider a career as an esthetician.

Education Requirements – How Many Hours at DC Esthetician Schools?

Before you begin study, your age and education level must be verified. You must be at least 16 years old, and have at least a 10th grade education before you start. DC state board requires you to complete an esthetics program of at least 600 hours. Your school (costs can vary so do your research) should be licensed in either esthetics or cosmetology, and include areas of study that cover skin, hair and makeup treatments. These include the study of skin disorders, hair and its growth cycles, facials and advanced makeup techniques. Your study should also include basic chemistry courses. Find a school near you by using your ZIP below:

Washington DC has two tiers of study for esthetician. If you choose a Master Esthetician course, you will be required to complete 600 additional hours in skin histology, chemistry and biochemistry, physics, and cosmetic ingredients.

Procedure for Getting Your DC Esthetician License

Once your 600 hours are complete, you must complete a new license application. You’ll also need an examination scheduling form. You must submit your application and scheduling form, with your required documentation.

Once the board receives your documentation, you will sit your exams. To get your license, you’ll need to take a written and practical exam. You should bring ID to the written, and practical. You will need to bring your own mannequin with table clamps etcetera, as part of the exam.

How To Get Your License If You Are From Out-Of-State

Washington DC estheticians-to-be take the NIC exam, which means the process is fairly standardized. Because of this, you may be eligible for reciprocity in certain states.

If you are currently licensed in another state, and have an equivalent of 600 hours of training from an approved institution or 6 months continuous full-time work experience, and have passed the NIC in another state, you can apply for your DC license via endorsement.

How To Renew Your DC Esthetician License

Your license should be renewed every two years, on even-numbered years. You will be required to earn at least 6 continuing education credits which you might be able to take online or at a regular school At least two must be on topics of safety, health, and welfare. The other four are your choice. You can choose to fill them by
being certified in a new technology, or trained in a specialized technique, or by taking other courses related to the field like laser, or microblading.

Job Opportunities

Because of the two-tier system, there are a variety of jobs and career paths for skin care specialists in Washington, DC.

You may choose to work as a makeup specialist in a department store, or as a massage specialist in spas and medical clinics, if you have a general license.

Master estheticians can work in medical offices, and even provide cosmetic surgery if properly trained at college or university.

If you find that you have a great personality for leadership, you may even consider a job as an esthetician instructor. This requires further education, but the boost it gives your career makes it something well worth considering. You can look for beauty-related jobs on dcjobs.com.

Take a look at our page on esthetics classes to get an idea what you’ll be studying.

Some DC Esthetician Schools

NameAddressCostOther Programs
The Salon Professional Academy DC4217, 90 K Street Northeast #103, Washington, 20002Tuition: $8,990.00
Books/Kits/Supplies: $820.00
Registration
Fee: $150.00
Application
Fee: $50.00
Total: $10,010.00
Cosmetology
Bennett Career Institute700 Monroe Street Northeast, Washington, 20017Tuition: $7,000.00
Enroll Fee: $50.00
Kit and Books: $950.00
Total Cost: $8000.00
Cosmetology, Barbering, Make Up Artistry, Hair Braiding
Aveda Institute Washington DC713 7th Street Northwest, Washington, 20001$7,404 Cosmetology

French Institute of Esthetics – Washington

Skin Care Center School of Aesthetics – Washington

Aveda Institute – Washington

Dudley Beauty College of Washington – Washington

Other DC schools for nail techs, barbers, cosmetologists and makeup artists.

Did we miss any DC esthetics schools? Please contact us to let us know.

Find out about how to use one of estheticians most used instruments the blackhead removal tool or comedone extractor.

Academy links:
avedainstitutessouth.edu

dudleybeautyschool-dc.com