After several years of bare, barely-there manicures, nails have gone maximalist again. Bedazzled sets - crystals, rhinestones, and pearls applied straight onto the nail - have become the standout alternative to a plain French tip, and they're showing up on every kind of client, from a single stone to a fully encrusted set. What a Bedazzled Manicure Actually Is The term covers a wide range: one rhinestone near the cuticle, gem-shaped flowers over a French fringe, crystal clust

The 24 to 48 hours after a professional treatment is when results either lock in or get undone. Your skin has just been cleansed, exfoliated, and stimulated — it's more receptive and more vulnerable at the same time. Here's the aftercare sequence estheticians send clients home with. Keep the First Day Simple Cleanse gently with a mild, non-foaming cleanser, morning and night, and pat dry instead of rubbing. No cleansing brushes, no washcloths, no scrubs. Less is genuinely mor

No serum works in isolation. Skin is an organ, and it gets its building blocks from what you eat. Here's the nutrition side of skin health — the part estheticians are trained to raise gently with clients, without stepping into medical territory. Omega-3 Fats for a Calmer Barrier Omega-3 fatty acids help skin cells hold moisture and are consistently linked to lower inflammation, which matters for redness and breakout-prone skin. Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel a

Dunking your face in a bowl of ice water has become one of the most-watched skincare rituals on TikTok - Kylie Jenner filmed an ice bath while prepping for the 2026 Golden Globes, and Jennifer Aniston has said she splashes her face with iced water at home. So does cold actually do anything for your skin? Here's the honest answer estheticians give clients. Source: Kylie Jenner vs. the ice bath - TMZ Why Skin Icing Took Over TikTok The appeal is simple: it costs nothing, takes

Thinking about a career in nails or esthetics but held back by something you've heard? Let's clear up some of the most common myths about beauty school. Myth: "Beauty School Is Only for Younger Students" Career-changers of all ages train at AIM Beauty Academy — it's never too late to start a new career path. Myth: "You Need Experience Before You Start" No prior experience is expected. AIM Beauty Academy's programs are built to take students from complete beginners to licensed

Great technique means nothing without proper sanitation and safety. Here's how AIM Beauty Academy in Charlotte, NC builds these standards into training from the very first day. Sanitation Comes Before Technique Before students touch a single tool on a client, they learn proper disinfection, sterilization, and cleanliness protocols required by North Carolina Board standards. Safe Practices in the Student Clinic Every service performed in AIM's student clinic follows the same s

Clients come to estheticians with all kinds of skin goals and concerns. Here's a look at some of the most common ones — and how AIM Beauty Academy's Esthetics Program in Charlotte, NC prepares students to address them, cosmetically and safely. Breakouts & Congested Skin Estheticians are trained in extractions, deep cleansing facials, and product recommendations that help manage breakouts and clogged pores. Dullness & Uneven Texture Treatments like exfoliation and chemical pee

A consistent routine goes a long way for healthy skin — but sometimes your skin needs a little extra help. Here are simple daily habits to follow, plus when it's worth booking a professional treatment. Cleanse Morning and Night Washing your face twice a day removes dirt, oil, and buildup without over-stripping your skin. Moisturize Every Day Keeping skin hydrated helps maintain its natural barrier, no matter your skin type. Never Skip SPF Daily sunscreen use remains one of th

You don't need a 10-step routine to have healthy skin - just consistency with the basics. Here are the everyday habits AIM Beauty Academy's Esthetics Program in Charlotte, NC teaches students to recommend to clients. Protect Your Skin From the Sun Daily sunscreen use is one of the simplest ways to prevent premature aging and protect skin long-term — a habit estheticians recommend to nearly every client. Be Gentle When Cleansing Washing with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser,

Starting an esthetics career shouldn't mean putting the rest of your life on hold. AIM Beauty Academy in Charlotte, NC offers both day and evening Esthetics classes - here's how to choose the right one for you. Day Classes: Best for a Full Focus Day classes work well for students who want to dedicate their daytime hours to training, with more consistent access to instructors and clinic hours. Evening Classes: Best for Balancing Work or Family Evening classes are designed for

Earning your license is just the beginning. Here's where AIM Beauty Academy graduates in Charlotte, NC go on to build their beauty careers. Day Spas & Med Spas Many esthetics graduates start their careers performing facials, peels, and skincare treatments in day spas and medical spas across Charlotte, NC. Nail & Hair Salons Nail Program graduates often join established salons, offering manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements to a loyal client base. Independent & Booth-Ren

Lash lifts and brow lamination are some of the most requested services in spas today and they're core skills taught in AIM Beauty Academy's Esthetics Program in Charlotte, NC. What Is a Lash Lift? A lash lift technique that curls and lifts natural lashes for a longer, more defined look - a service esthetics students learn to perform safely and precisely. What Is Brow Lamination? Brow lamination sets brow hairs into a fuller, more sculpted shape - a popular add-on service stud

A beauty education should do more than teach technique, it should prepare you for a real career. Here's how AIM Beauty Academy in Charlotte, NC bridges the gap between classroom and career. Hands-On Clinic Experience Students train on real clients in our student clinic, building the confidence and client-facing skills needed on day one of a real job. Business & Professionalism Training Beyond technique, AIM Beauty Academy teaches students how to work with clients, communicate

Skincare trends shift every year, and staying current is part of building a successful esthetics career. Here's what's shaping the industry in 2026 - and how it connects to what you'll learn at AIM Beauty Academy in Charlotte, NC. Skin-Barrier-First Care Instead of aggressive treatments and deep peels, 2026 is seeing a shift toward protecting and strengthening the skin barrier first. This gentler approach is what many clients are actively asking for. Personalized Skincare Ove

Wondering what it's actually like to train in AIM Beauty Academy's Nail Program? Here's an honest look at what students experience in the student clinic in Charlotte, NC. Your First Time Working on a Real Client Working on a real client for the first time can feel nerve-wracking, but it's also where classroom techniques start to feel like real skills. Learning Under Instructor Guidance Every service in the student clinic is supervised by licensed instructors, so students get

Fall is the perfect time to turn your passion for nails into a professional career. AIM Beauty Academy's Full-Time Nail Program in Charlotte, NC starts September 14th - and for a limited time, new students can save $100 with our Fall Special. Full-Time Nail Program Schedule The Full-Time Nail Program runs Monday through Friday, 9AM–6PM, giving students a structured, immersive path to becoming a licensed nail technician. (READ MORE) Save $100 With Our Fall Special New students

Thinking about starting your esthetics career in Charlotte, NC? Enrolling early does more than save you $200 - it sets you up for a smoother start. Save $200 Right Away The Esthetics Early Bird discount takes $200 off your enrollment simply for registering ahead of time. Secure Your Spot in the Next Class Enrollment spots are limited, so registering early means you're not left waiting for the next available class. More Time to Prepare Enrolling ahead of time gives you extra t

A nail technician career doesn't have to stop at working for someone else. Here's how AIM Beauty Academy's Nail Program in Charlotte, NC helps lay the groundwork for students who dream of running their own business one day. Business Skills Built Into Training Alongside technical training, students build a foundation in client communication, professionalism, and business basics through AIM's Business Masterclass. Learning to Build a Client Base Understanding how to attract and

Builder gel and gel extension systems are among the most requested nail services today - offering clients a lightweight, natural-looking alternative to traditional acrylics. Here's what AIM Beauty Academy's Nail Program in Charlotte, NC teaches. What Is Builder Gel? Builder gel is a strengthening gel product used to add length, structure, and durability to natural nails, often preferred for its lightweight, flexible finish. Gel Extension Systems Explained Gel extension system

Social media moves fast, and nail trends move even faster. Here's a look at the styles everyone's asking for right now, and how AIM Beauty Academy's Nail Program in Charlotte, NC prepares students to deliver them. Embellished & Bedazzled Nails Embellished, gem-covered nails are having a major moment right now. One of the most requested looks of the season for clients who want their manicure to make a statement. The French vs. Chrome Debate French tips and chrome nails remain