Top 10 Essential Questions Estheticians Should Ask During First Client Consultations

10 Questions Every Esthetician Should Ask Clients During the First Consult 
New Client Questions You Should Never Skip 

Ah, initial consults.

If you’re anything like us, you probably love what a first consult represents–possibilities, opportunities, a whole spectrum of amazing skincare just waiting to be opened up! But, again, if you’re anything like us, you probably get mega-overwhelmed on the first consult, too.

Look, we get it. Consults are phenomenal, but they’re often supposed to be all-encompassing, and let’s face it, skincare is a broad spectrum. How can you zero in with the first consult and expedite your client’s path to skincare success?

With a trusty little list of must-ask questions that you always bring to the table for the first consult.

Don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered. We’ve laid down a few of the need-to-know, must-ask, gotta-have-these-answered questions that no first consult should go without.

And, of course, we’ll tell you why (duh).

Our advice? Read our list, take some notes, and make these questions YOUR OWN. Only you can know what’s absolutely crucial to ask every client, so consider these bad boys a lovely little jumping off point to get your own list going.

10 Questions to Ask Your Client During Their First Consult

These must-ask questions are just the start. Make these your guiding light as you develop your own list of custom questions to bring to every client’s first consult.

What’s Your Skincare Routine Like?

Preface this question with a little disclaimer–there’s no wrong answer, especially if they’re just diving into skincare.

This question is not meant to judge them or their routine, it’s to get a feel for their knowledge base, where they’re at, and what might benefit them.

Let your clients know that skincare isn’t about some super elaborate routine, it’s about narrowing down what works best for them.

Make sure they’re aware that even if their current skincare routine is simple and streamlined, it might still work just fine!

What Products Are You Currently Using?

Even if there’s no semblance of a routine, your clients are still probably using something on their skin–even if it’s not consistent enough to qualify for a routine.

Have your clients explain what they use (even if it’s only every now and again) to get a feel for their products, what might be contributing to their skin concerns, and what you could keep and swap out for a new routine.

Do You Have Any Skincare Sensitivities You’re Aware of?

The skin sensitivity question is huge to get out of the way. Why? Because even if a client can’t tell you exactly what they’re sensitive to, they can drop the names of products or topicals that they’ve had trouble with.

Then, with your skincare knowledge, you can backtrack and try to trace out what might cause their sensitivity. Then, you’ll know what to stay away from.

If your client mentions redness or itchiness, consider using fragrance-free products. Avoid ingredients such as alcohol or fragrance which commonly cause reactions.

Talk to Me About Your Sun Exposure–Do You Wear Sunscreen?

This is a must on your list of questions. This inquiry is going to give you a much closer look at what your clients know about sun exposure, skincare, and how to maximize protection.

If the answer is zero, that’s OK–learning late is better than never learning at all. Make sure you use this consult to offer your clients options for sunscreen you approve of.

Are Allergies an Issue for You?

The last thing you want to do is set your client up for failure–and if you don’t ask them about their allergies, you could be putting them in harm’s way.

Maybe there’s an ingredient in your favorite product they’re allergic to. Maybe their response will change your entire skincare strategy you’ve been planning.

Whatever the case, you need to know if certain allergies exist–not only could this be terrible for your client, but it could be a liability issue for you, too.

What Are Your Primary Skin Concerns?

Maybe you can already tell what the issues are, but hearing your clients discuss what they’re struggling with is the real key.

You can’t always know what someone’s dealing with and you can’t always assume the issue–have them tell you so you can understand, from their perspective, what the issue really is.

What is Your Diet Like?

This isn’t an opportunity to, like, judge the way your clients eat (don’t be a weirdo, OK).

What this is is a fabulous opportunity to take a peek at how certain foods and nutrition groups could be contributing to whatever complaints they have or issues they want to correct.

Do they drink a lot of red wine? Is caffeine a big part of their diet? What about spicy foods that could cause redness or inflammation? Make sure you present this to your client in a very chill, non-judgmental way.

And of course, explain why you’re asking so they don’t think you’re just trying to poll them for a food survey.

Are You Currently Using any Prescriptions from Your Doctor?

This is a super necessary question because you want to make sure that nothing you use on them or recommend they use is going to interact negatively or cancel anything out.

Asking this question has the potential to be uncomfortable, so make sure you preface the question with why you’re asking it. Again, you don’t need their whole medical history–you just want to make sure nothing you use is going to work against that topical prescription or cause them any harm.

Do You Exfoliate­–What’s Your Preferred Method & How Often?

Get the 4-1-1 on their exfoliation process. Is it chemical? Is it physical? Does it even exist? Exfoliating incorrectly (or not at all) can be the root of lots of skin concerns. This question is usually an incredibly helpful one during a first consult.

Do You Deal with Blotchiness, Redness, Itchiness, Burning, etc.?

Try to get the inside scoop on what their flareups (if they have them) look like. This is going to help you determine what’s causing them, how to avoid them, and how to heal them faster when they do happen.

10 Questions Your Clients Should Ask You As Their Esthetician

1. What’s my skin type?

Knowing your skin type is like having the key to unlocking your skincare routine. An esthetician can help you figure out whether your skin is oily, dry, combination, or sensitive, which determines what products you should be using. It’s not just about what you feel on the surface; they can analyze how your skin behaves under different conditions and tailor their recommendations based on what’s happening at a deeper level. By understanding your skin type, you can stop wasting money on the wrong products and focus on what will truly nourish your skin.

2. What products should I be using for my skin type?

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of skincare products out there, and not everything is going to be your skin’s BFF. Your esthetician can break down what you should be using—and more importantly, why. They’ll recommend cleansers, serums, moisturizers, and exfoliators that work in harmony with your skin type and specific concerns. This isn’t about throwing 10 steps into your routine; it’s about finding the essentials that your skin actually needs to stay balanced, healthy, and glowing.

3. How should I adjust my routine based on the season?

Your skin doesn’t stay the same year-round. In summer, it might lean toward being oily, while in winter, it might dry out like a desert. Ask your esthetician how to tweak your routine to match the changing seasons. They can help you swap out lighter moisturizers for richer ones in the winter, or suggest how to deal with extra oil in the summer. With the right seasonal adjustments, you can avoid the all-too-common trap of constantly reacting to breakouts or flakiness, and instead, keep your skin calm and consistent. See our blog on winter approved skin care for more information.

4. What treatments do you recommend for my specific skin concerns?

Whether it’s acne, pigmentation, or signs of aging, your esthetician is there to guide you toward the right treatments. Facials, peels, or even more advanced treatments like microneedling or LED therapy might be on the table, depending on your concerns. They’ll not only recommend in-office treatments but also suggest at-home care that complements these sessions. The goal? To target your skin issues head-on while working with your skin’s natural healing processes for long-term results.

5. How often should I be getting professional treatments?

Not all skin needs the same frequency of treatments, and that’s something your esthetician can help you figure out. Depending on your skin’s needs and your goals, they might suggest anything from monthly facials to quarterly deep treatments. Regularity can boost your skin’s overall health, while occasional treatments can target specific concerns. Either way, they’ll help you find the sweet spot for maintaining glowing, balanced skin without overdoing it.

6. Are there any ingredients I should avoid?

It’s not enough to just know what products to use—you also need to know what to stay away from. Whether you have sensitive skin or specific allergies, certain ingredients can trigger breakouts or irritation. Your esthetician can help you navigate the minefield of potentially harmful ingredients, like alcohols, sulfates, or artificial fragrances. They’ll show you how to check labels for these red flags, ensuring you avoid anything that could undo all the good your skincare routine is doing.

7. Do I need to be using sunscreen every day?

The short answer? Absolutely, yes. Sunscreen isn’t just for the beach—it’s your skin’s daily shield against aging, sun damage, and even skin cancer. Even on cloudy days or when you’re indoors, harmful UV rays can still affect your skin. Your esthetician will probably recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen that fits your lifestyle, whether that’s a lightweight SPF for daily wear or something richer if you’re prone to dryness. Trust us—if you’re not using sunscreen, you’re undoing a lot of your skincare routine’s hard work.

8. How can I prevent breakouts or irritation from new products?

Introducing new products into your routine can be a tricky business. Too much, too soon, and your skin can freak out. An esthetician will guide you on how to slowly introduce new products, and which ones to use in combination. They might also suggest starting with milder formulations if you have sensitive skin, or how to spot-test before diving in full-force. With their advice, you can make sure your skin adjusts to new products without the chaos of breakouts or irritation.

9. What treatments can help with my aging concerns?

From fine lines to sagging skin, your esthetician has a range of tools to help address the signs of aging. They can recommend treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or even non-invasive options like LED light therapy to boost collagen production and smooth out wrinkles. They’ll also suggest daily skincare products that contain anti-aging powerhouses like retinol or peptides. The goal is to address aging holistically—through professional treatments and at-home care that work in tandem.

10. How should I take care of my skin post-treatment?

After a professional treatment, your skin is in a delicate state. Your esthetician will give you the lowdown on how to care for your skin post-treatment to maintain and enhance the results. This could include avoiding sun exposure, skipping harsh products, and focusing on gentle hydration. They’ll also guide you on when it’s safe to return to your usual skincare routine, ensuring your skin heals properly and stays glowing long after the treatment is over.

We hope this list was extra helpful.

Remember, these questions should be the guide that helps you create your own, custom list of questions that will best benefit your target audience. (But if you copy our list exactly, we definitely won’t complain).

Have more esthetician questions?

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