There are so many product lines and pieces of equipment on the market that a new esthetician (or even an experienced one) can be completely overwhelmed. At trade shows, conventions, and in industry publications you’ll learn about a wide range of tools and products available to you. How do you decide which ones are right for your practice and your clients?
For an in-depth look at the questions to ask and steps to follow when buying products for your practice, read "Choosing a Product Line," from the September/October 2012 issue of ASCP Skin Deep magazine. But the very first steps of each purchasing decision should be these two questions:
1. Are you legally able to use the item you’re considering?
You must be able to answer yes to this before making a purchase. Never assume a product or device is legal for estheticians in your state, even if a salesperson tells you it is okay.
Some tools, machines, or treatments may be legal for estheticians in some states, but not in others. Staying within your state’s scope of practice is absolutely essential, for your own safety and to prevent harm to clients. Check with your state board whenever you have a question about what you are allowed to do; view contact information for all state boards.
2. Is the item a need, or is it a want?
When start-up dollars are limited, it is useful to buy just the basics first, and expand your equipment as your clientele and income increases. Some examples of items that might count as “needed” equipment in a typical new practice are a table and stool, steamer, magnifying lamp, wax heater, towel warmer, one basic product line, cleaning and sanitation supplies, and whatever disposables and containers are necessary for the treatments you perform most often.