Are you super excited to learn the hottest trends in the industry, just itching to try it all? You are in good company, believe me. It can seem overwhelming to try and keep up with all that is new, exciting, hot off the press, and trending. The key is to become informed. Start by reading industry trade magazines, such as DERMASCOPE, and attending tradeshows – they are held all over the United States and abroad. Also, become active on social media. Begin interacting with other like-minded professionals and do not forget about your past instructors – they are a wealth of knowledge, often having information early on that may not be accessible to the general public. Think about it. You went to school for somewhere between 600 and 1200 hours to learn your craft. If that is not a motivating factor, I do not know what is. Let’s take a look at some of the hot topics being taught.

MICROBLADING

Number one on the list is microblading, a technique to enhance the eyebrows. Tiny hair strokes are applied with a blade-like tool and the effect can be beautiful if done by a properly trained and skilled professional. The ombre eyebrow is a big hit, as well. There are classes popping up everywhere. Those interested must check with their local city and county health departments and obtain all of the necessary permits, including a blood borne pathogen certificate. There are absolutely no shortcuts, so do it right the first time!

EYELASH EXTENSIONS

An all time favorite which has been taught for many years and shows no signs of slowing down are eyelash extensions, a service being offered by many aestheticians. Beauty colleges are now contracting with eyelash extension companies to come and teach their students (for an additional fee above and beyond their school tuition), so that they are certified upon completion of their aesthetics course. Trainers conduct outside classes on the classic, volume, and hybrid methods and are typically one to three days in length.

ADANCED MASSAGE TECHNIQUES

Advanced massage techniques incorporating modalities such as facial cupping (a technique that uses little suction cups to stimulate circulation and increase blood flow) and gua sha are additional techniques that are gaining a huge following. With gua sha, professionals use a flat jade or rose quartz stone to work systematically on the face for skin rejuvenation, increased circulation, detoxification, and many wonderful benefits. There is also the Belavi face lift massage, which has been around for many years and manual lymphatic drainage, a massage technique that helps to remove toxins and reduce swelling. It is being utilized by professionals who work alongside physicians for pre- and post-operative surgery care.

SUGARING

An ancient method of hair removal has made a comeback several years ago in a very big way – sugaring. The original recipe is a simple one, combining three ingredients: water, lemon, and sugar and many companies have jumped on-board this very hot trend. It is relatively inexpensive to make, hence the reason so many people are entering this area of hair removal, classes are plentiful, and it just feels good to use a product with ingredients that are kind to the skin.

OUTSIDE THE SCOPE

While there are plenty of advanced classes, webinars, and online trainings, there is a need to offer some sound advice to newer aestheticians, as well as those who are established, who may be tempted to enroll in a class that is considered outside of your scope of practice, meaning that you are not allowed to perform certain services. When in doubt, contact your state board; they will guide you. Let’s look at a few of these.

 As innocent as it may seem, the popular eyelash lift or eyelash perming service gives a beautiful lift and curl to eyelashes, but may only be performed by a licensed cosmetologist. Always defer to your state board. Microneedling or collagen induction therapy, derma pens, derma rollers, or any device that punctures the skin with needles would be considered crossing over into the realm of medical and aestheticians should not perform said services unless they have a medical license or live in a state where they are allowed to offer and perform this service. Again, when in doubt, contact your local state board. This is not to say you cannot be knowledgeable about other services and advanced modalities being offered, just make sure when offering services you are always operating within scope of practice.

Another trend that has very recently hit the circuit, although the devices have been around for many years, is the hyaluron pen – a tool that uses pressure to deliver hyaluronic acid into the skin (namely the lips). I cannot stress enough how important it is to only do what your state allows and to play it safe.  

Remain within your scope of practice. As you mature in your profession, you will be glad that you stayed in your lane. Always remember, when in doubt, don’t.

Denise Gaston is a proud CIDESCO diplomat, licensed aesthetician since 1989, certified clinical aesthetician, and is NCEA certified. Gaston has served as the northern California trainer for Repêchage Skincare and as an aesthetics instructor for Miss Marty’s Hair Academy and C.I.D.E.S.C.O. Institute. She is a former spa owner, having had a private practice for 10 years. Gaston is currently the vice president and director of aesthetics at Fremont Beauty College. She is a reviewer for Milady’s Standard Cosmetology Textbook 2008 Edition; Milady Standard Esthetics: Fundamentals, 11^th Edition; and Milady Standard Esthetics: Advanced, 2nd Edition. Gaston also serves as a subject matter expert for the California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.