I am in the medical aesthetics business and for anyone putting down cosmetology or esthetics, I can tell you that good medical estheticians can easily make $100K- $150K a year with 3-4 years of experience, if they work in a practice that provides big ticket items (lasers, Coolsculpting, Morpheus, ...). These treatments cost the patient thousands of dollars and estheticians receive a good 10-20% commission on them so you do the math. The key is to be in a physician practice and to be a good sales person, not in some spa doing $200 facials all day.

The schools I am familiar with are the Esthetic Institute and AVI Career Center, both of which are in Vienna.

My DD is enrolled at Empire Beauty School. She is in the midwest, but they have locations in MD, PA and Richmond. She is enjoying her time. They do 5 months of learning and 5 months "on the floor" training. She is very happy there. Their tuition qualifies for 529 funds if that is applicable.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wont be affected by AI? Everybody's gonna come in with a picture saying "give me that face in real life!"

You're a guy, huh?

Women pay big bucks to hairdressers and nail techs for the relaxing and affirming experience of talk therapy from a kind and empathetic listener who is simultaneously making you look and feel beautiful while affirming you with zero expectations beyond you sitting in a chair for a couple of hours, and flipping your hair in front of a mirror at the very end.

A good stylist is 100% AI proof.

Yeah I am a guy but chill I wasn’t trying to oppose anybody- just jokingly trying to note one way AI is probably going to affect this job - instead of a face from a magazine done as a client might want, they’ll have images of themselves touched up to their preference, waiting for the specialist to make it happen. So…not AI proof by any means, maybe even more business. But AI affected.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thank you for the supportive responses. I’m trying to support her dreams, and yes, I agree, it’s an industry that will not be impacted by AI. As long as she’s happy and can support herself, I am on board.
-OP

+1

Many more girls should consider this route.

A route without benefits or a 401k? No thanks.

Not always true, and when it is it’s no different than any other small business owner or independent contractor. And probably better off right now than someone with a private editing or graphic design business.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thank you for the supportive responses. I’m trying to support her dreams, and yes, I agree, it’s an industry that will not be impacted by AI. As long as she’s happy and can support herself, I am on board.
-OP

+1

Many more girls should consider this route.

A route without benefits or a 401k? No thanks.

Says who? My hairdresser’s benefits are better than her corporate husband’s, so the family is on her plan. Her salon offers 401k with match.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thank you for the supportive responses. I’m trying to support her dreams, and yes, I agree, it’s an industry that will not be impacted by AI. As long as she’s happy and can support herself, I am on board.
-OP

+1

Many more girls should consider this route.

A route without benefits or a 401k? No thanks.

Anonymous wrote:Wont be affected by AI? Everybody's gonna come in with a picture saying "give me that face in real life!"

You're a guy, huh?

Women pay big bucks to hairdressers and nail techs for the relaxing and affirming experience of talk therapy from a kind and empathetic listener who is simultaneously making you look and feel beautiful while affirming you with zero expectations beyond you sitting in a chair for a couple of hours, and flipping your hair in front of a mirror at the very end.

A good stylist is 100% AI proof.

I just came to say I love that someone is asking about going into a trade! I was a teacher for many years and the kids I taught 25 years ago who went into trades are super successful, avoided massive debt, and are excellent members of their communities. Not everyone needs to go to college.

I looked down my nose at these girls when I was in college. Joke is on me. I wish I understood then just how much money some of these ladies make

Anonymous wrote:Thank you for the supportive responses. I’m trying to support her dreams, and yes, I agree, it’s an industry that will not be impacted by AI. As long as she’s happy and can support herself, I am on board.
-OP

+1

Many more girls should consider this route.

Wont be affected by AI? Everybody's gonna come in with a picture saying "give me that face in real life!"

Anonymous wrote:Thank you for the supportive responses. I’m trying to support her dreams, and yes, I agree, it’s an industry that will not be impacted by AI. As long as she’s happy and can support herself, I am on board.
-OP

She will do great!

Thank you for the supportive responses. I’m trying to support her dreams, and yes, I agree, it’s an industry that will not be impacted by AI. As long as she’s happy and can support herself, I am on board.
-OP

Anonymous wrote:I love to see a non-4 year college question here! Trades should be celebrated!

Me too. If I had the talent I would absolutely be a stylist of any kind. The woman who has been highlighting my hair for 20+ years has a beach house and a boat and talks non-stop about how much she loves her job. She gets to help people feel more beautiful and chit-chat all day. Seems dreamy. Good for your daughter, OP!

I love to see a non-4 year college question here! Trades should be celebrated!