Overcoming gender limitations in the industry

So here's my thought. I recently decided to shift gears from full-time educator and product representative, to work in a spa doing what I love most: skincare and body hair removal. However, I'm remembering why I decided to settle in to education to begin with, and feel free to disagree with me, but I truly believe that the skincare industry is not yet as accepting of male practitioners, as opposed to cosmetology/stylists. I am an accomplished educator, with extensive training and continuing education in my field, specializing in body hair removal and skin conditioning, yet I'm having difficulty finding placement. Please, if someone could help me change my mindset or provide some ideas to help get me in the door somewhere? I'm positive that if given the opportunity to showcase my skills and customer service I would be a valuable addition to any team, but I feel deprived of that opportunity because I'm a 22 year old male, which I have yet to meet another of in esthetics. (Also, background, I AM a licensed cosmetologist legally able to do hair skin and nails, but my passion and all of my extra training is in esthetics, so I label myself an esthetician because that is where I know I will be most useful/successful.)

thank you all for your input

Peace and health.

Tags: advice, challenge, networking

Views: 221

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Samantha Maline on June 4, 2013 at 12:30pm
I agree with you, this profession has some serious gender inequality issues. A lot of it lies in client preference. Most of our clients are women and for waxing, they have some serious hang ups about men performing their services. I've known another male Esthetician who also went into education. He's still there. We need a man to break down the boundaries and make people realize that this is a profession and as such we are professionals and there is no need for concern about what sex your service provider is. I've known male nail techs and massage therapists who were at the top of their game and well respected.

Perhaps if you could strive for wide recognition in our field, through media sources like educational videos, a website with your face on it, books, manuals, etc. then more people would recognize that men who have this passion are also valuable resources. Perhaps go into medical rather than spa, anything associated with doctors breaks the gender stereotype. We need that ONE who can change the perception for all. But it has to be high profile. Maybe it's you, you seem like the type!
Permalink Reply by Orrin Black on June 5, 2013 at 12:13pm

Thank you so much, I'm really considering this and have been for a while.

Permalink Reply by karen brainard on June 4, 2013 at 6:02pm

I dont know if it is a male thing. It is a difficult field to break in to. If I had to depend entirely on Esthetics to support me I would starve. I get way more requests for massage therapy and supplement my income by taking part time nursing jobs. There is a market for waxing men in college towns. As a female, I would not feel comfortable getting certain areas of my body waxed by a male. 

Permalink Reply by Tiffany Montalbano on June 4, 2013 at 6:42pm

I was just in a school as a guest speaker yesterday and there was a wonderful gentleman in the class who asked this very question.  I know many male Estheticians that do very well, one of my favorite people to teach with is a male educator in London who has a male waxing spa in the UK.  He waxes men all day, not to say it wasn't a challenge to start.  

I have to say it could depend on the area that your working in, the male Estheticians I know are in California.  We are pretty liberal.  I wouldn't have a problem having a male Esthetician.  Decide the type of clients you want and do target marketing to them, they will be refer their friends and you'll have great success!

Permalink Reply by Kyle Guenther on June 4, 2013 at 7:10pm

I am also 22 and I am having the same problems, Spas telling me they are "very Particular about who they hire" and other excuses. I think it will take time, I also am a makeup artist and I've found that it's a very easy way to get clients comfortable with me, then I suggest Esthetic services. 

(Sorry I couldn't be of any help hun, best of luck to you)

Permalink Reply by Tara Beau King on June 4, 2013 at 8:06pm

im so sorry that this is going on!!! not cool. here in Nebraska we are pretty gender equal on all levels, thank goodness. 

Permalink Reply by Orrin Black on June 5, 2013 at 12:12pm

Thank you all for your support and comments, keep them coming and do converse with each other!

RSS

© 2024   Created by ASCP.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service