What type of license do you need to do all spa treatments besides massage?

Most spa treatments are variations of skin care treatments.  Spa services other than massage are generally known as Esthetics.  Estheticians offer treatments for the look and health of skin, but are not medical professionals that can offer diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.  Esthetic services include but are not limited to facials, facial makeup, hair removal, and electric & light therapies.  Laser therapies are not included in esthetic courses and typically require extra training and/or certification.  Massage services also require separate training and certification.

Regulation of spa services is individual to each state in the United States.  As the intent of regulation is client protection, licensing boards are part of their states' Consumer Affairs department.  To perform spa services such as facials, depilatories and other skin treatments (excluding massage)  most states offer an Esthetician License.  In states that do not currently offer a separate license for skin care, a cosmetology license is required.   The cosmetology license permits hair styling, nail services and skin care.

Licenses do not transfer from state to state, however training hours usually will.  Each state requires that license candidates provide proof of sufficient training to qualify for testing.  Required technical and practical training hours vary from state to state.  Once approved for license testing, candidates must pass both a written and a practical exam.

Esthetic training focuses deeply on client service and protection.  Esthetic license candidates are trained and tested on the theory of massage, facials, facial makeup, the skin and its disorders, hair removal, anatomy & physiology, electricity and light therapy, and chemistry

To inquire about licensing procedures particular to your area or to check the license status of spa professionals, contact your state department of Consumer Affairs.