Chicago could be the perfect place for you to start or continue your career as an esthetician. The city can wreak havoc on one’s skin with its high winds, pollution, and ever-changing temperatures. In reality, WalletHub ranked Chicago 132 in’ Skin Care and Health’ following a major 2016 analysis of skin challenges in the 150 most populated U.S. cities. The Chicago area employs the third-highest number of estheticians, also called “skincare specialists,” of all metropolitan areas in the United States, in response to this need for skincare treatments. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in Illinois is expected to rise further by 4 per cent during the 2016 to 2026 period.

Every year in the city, the International Esthetics, Cosmetics, & Spa Conference is held, meaning there are various opportunities that are not accessible elsewhere but in this city. Illinois allows all estheticians to complete skincare research for a minimum of 750 hours, or at least 18 weeks. These needs are addressed by all of Chicago’s esthetics services.

We have thus curated a list of the top Esthetician schools in Chicago for you to go through and apply to. All the best to you. Hope you find the perfect school for you!

G Skin and Beauty Institute

G Skin & Beauty Institute, renowned for the epitome of beauty education, has for decades trained pioneers in the skin, hair, and nail industry. Education at the G Skin & Beauty Institute focuses on the right organic and natural ingredients to learn the science of skin. Their locations are set in busy metropolitan areas, educating those who want to start their career with continuing education in esthetics, cosmetology, nails, and those who want to expand their skills. No questions, G Skin & Beauty Institute, will surpass your standards. You will be trained to work in a salon, a medical office, be a makeup artist capable of doing weddings, runway, photoshoots, disguise makeup, be a waxing professional, open your own company or become an instructor when you graduate from G Skin & Beauty Institute.

Founded In: 1981
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Ranking: 1
Contact: 815-786-7266
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Beauty Crew Academy

The Beauty Crew Academy has sought to develop high-quality permanent makeup technicians and beauty experts who can fulfil the beauty industry’s current and potential demands. Student-focused, the Beauty Crew Academy is dedicated to providing each student with the awareness, preparation, and trust required to excel in their chosen career. Focus is based on critical beauty services and permanent makeup techniques, business tactics such as customer support, customer retention, target marketing, and people skills in their training programs. All training courses are delivered in such a way that when studying new strategies, students feel inspired and encouraged. Educators are highly trained, knowledgeable, and passionate about their art in the school’s team and are enthusiastic about sharing their wealth of expertise.

Founded In: 2017
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Ranking: 2
Contact: 312-731-2626
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New Age SPA Institute

International accreditation at New Age Spa Institute guarantees students an education that is second to none. For promising careers in skin care, massage therapy, clinical esthetics, or makeup artistry, students are trained. Not to mention the licensing programs, upon graduation, give students many certifications. The school claims that rigorous preparation for both theoretical and practical classes is the best way to make students successful. The school at the New Age Spa Institute is built to provide Chicago students with both easy learning and a true spa experience. They can practice on outside clients during clinic days and nights as students progress and learn various therapies. Students conduct a number of procedures, from facials, body treatments, and waxing services to full-body massages. Not only can they lead students through their curriculum, but even after graduation, students can rely on the New Age Spa Institute to help them be effective professionals.

Founded In: 2007
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Ranking: 3
Contact: 847-759-0900
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The International Dermal Institute

No one in the industry can train you for a promising skin therapy career, as the International Dermal Institute. The International Dermal Institute is proud to offer the Future Industry Professional Days (FIPD) program to young skincare enthusiasts. Many skin treatment centres are searching for students from the International Dermal Institute because they know that good and passionate workers are created by skin therapists who seek advanced post-graduate training. The institute also offers scholarships to talented students who seek a career in the field and are eager to learn. The research and production of Dermalogica products, the number one preference of skin care professionals worldwide, is also the responsibility of IDI. IDI students around the globe prepare for optimum effectiveness with Dermalogica’s professional-grade goods.

Founded In: 1983
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Ranking: 4
Contact: 888-292-5277
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Tricoci University of Beauty Culture

In 2005, the Chicago NW Beauty School in Norwood Park opened as the flagship campus of Tricoci Beauty Culture University. This newly renovated beauty school near O’hare, located at 5321 North Harlem Avenue, Chicago, IL, has programs in cosmetology, esthetics, barbering, and teacher training and has around 11,600 square feet of space, including a stylish clinic area (salon and spa), theory room, pharmacy, library, wet room, lounges, and classrooms. The curriculum focuses on establishing a healthy framework for the skin’s scientific building blocks: their purpose, characteristics, and needs. Students learn how to become a Facialist, Waxing Specialist, Medi-Spa Esthetician, Body Care Specialist, or Make-up Artist. The university offers 6 months and 9 months of full-time and part-time classes respectively.

Founded In: 2005
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Ranking: 5
Contact: 888-616-9051
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Estelle Skincare and SPA Institute

The industry-leading program of the Estelle Skin Care and Spa Institute provides a specialized approach to education in esthetics. The curriculum requires the advanced techniques required to excel in today’s and tomorrow’s skincare industry. It is just the beginning to ensure that students pass their licensure test, as the institute also offers lifetime work placement assistance and continuing education. With a variety of flexible schedules, the institute provides a rigorous 750-hour esthetics program (as required for licensing in Illinois). When engaging in the full-time morning schedule, students will complete the curriculum in as little as 6 months. If the schedule of a student does not allow for daytime participation, they also provide evening, part-time, and weekend options. The school is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences, Inc. (NACCAS) and also provides Federal Financial Assistance.

Founded In: 1998
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Ranking: 6
Contact: 847-329-9174
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True U Education

True U is an Advanced Esthetic Education Center dedicated to delivering the skills required to excel in the medical and skincare industry to aesthetic practitioners when operating within their practice scope. They are committed to having the most up-to-date data, which is why expert doctors from around the U.S. teach many of their classes. Local skincare specialists, nurses, physician assistants, and physicians, including world-renowned dermatologists and plastic surgeons, are part of the team of coaches. In addition to getting the best in education, True U aims for students to exit the programs as true professionals in their field, with the courage to work alongside a doctor.

Founded In: 2000
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Ranking: 7
Contact: 312-262-7543
Apply Now