School Question: Massage Therapy or Esthetics first?

[mandycb]

Hi everyone,

I have been planning to go to school to become an esthetician for a while now. In the last couple of months, I became interested in massage therapy too. I would like to get certified in both areas. I am wondering what would make more sense or what would be more beneficial: going through the massage therapy program first or the esthetician program first?

I would especially love to hear from industry professionals and people who have dual licensure, but any advice would be great. Thanks!

 

[slygirl]

Hi mandy! I am not a therapist, but I work in a spa. In my experience (I book appointments) more people are looking for massage versus facials. Of course, our dual therapists get a lot of appointments

It will also depend on the type of spa as well... maybe if you worked for a salon that also offered facials and bodycare, your clients will probably be getting hair done, nail services, and then waxing. Whereas I work in a hotel spa, our guests are here to relax or are on business, so they book more massages.

All the dual therapists I know went to massage school first. I think massage school will pay for itself quickly, but it takes time to build repeat clientele for estheticians.