Esthetics and Spa Therapies Diploma Program

(See Course Schedule for Pricing and Dates)

Looking toward tomorrow,

the wellness spa is for

the esthetician of the future.

Traditional esthetic programs such as manicures, pedicures, hair removal and make-up are the core of our program with an emphasis on the use of natural ingredients. However, this new trend in spas is developing rapidly and so our well-rounded program will equip you to work in the spas of tomorrow. Reflexology, Aromatherapy,  Hot Stone Massage, Hydrotherapy, understanding the benefits of seaweeds, muds and therapeutic salt glows are all part of what you will discover at the Institute.

Our instructor-supervised clinics are an important part of the learning experience for the student as our highly trained and accredited teachers prepare you to enter into a successful career.

Admission Requirements

Candidates must be 18 years or older and must have proof of successful completion of Grade 12 with some basic science background. Mature students are very welcome. Those students with significant work experience or significant life experience are encouraged to apply and will be assessed on their own merits, and will be asked to submit a portfolio and resume. All students must complete with an interview to be considered for admission.

Personal Assets

• Maturity, willingness to change and grow
• Self-directed and independent
• Well developed interpersonal skills
• Self-disciplined and entrepreneurial
• Capable of independent self study

Full-Time Students

Students attend school from Monday to Thursday. The school opens at 8:30 am and classes begin at 9:00 am and end at 4:00 pm. The program will take one year to complete if done on a full-time basis.

Dress Code

Students will be expected to wear white uniforms and closed-toes shoes at all times. This will consist of "nurse's scrubs" and are easily found in various department stores. White running shoes are acceptable.

Course Outline

• Part-Time Students:
  Part-time studies are available as a combination of day, evening and weekend classes. A schedule can be custom-designed to suit your busy lifestyle. Come in and talk about your scheduling needs with our Director of Education. We are willing to accommodate your work and life needs into your class schedule.
• Full-Time Students:
  Students attend school from Monday to Thursday with exception of scheduled holidays.

The Program is divided into 4 sections: core or foundation courses, beauty therapy courses, aromatherapy and therapeutic treatments.

Program Overview

Part I: Core Programs

Part II: Esthetics Techniques and Theory

Hair Removal

• Physiology of hair growth
• Waxing for men and women
• Types of waxes available
• Sugaring
• Laser hair removal
• Facial waxing: brows, chins and upper lip
• Body waxing: underarms, bikini, stomach, legs, arms, chest, and back
• Product knowledge
• Client treatment and area preparation

Manicures and Pedicures Treatments and Recommendations Skin and nail disorders Moisturizing paraffin treatments Nail shaping and callous removal Equipment knowledge Polish application Product knowledge of cuticle oils, massage creams, polish and remover Foot and leg treatments Hand, foot, arm and leg massage Hot oil treatments

Facial Therapy and Skin Care

• Basic spa, aromatherapy and specialized facials
• Exfoliation techniques, scrubs, peels (enzymatic)
• Facial machines
• Facial massage for different skin types and disorders
• Skin care for men
• Procedures for ethnic skin
• Identification of skin problems caused by sebaceous and sudoriferous disorders
• Recognizing pigment abnormalities
• Oriental and traditional skin analysis
• Specific use of essential oils and carrier oils in skin care, their benefits, indications and contraindications
• Product knowledge for different skin types
• Eye treatments

Eye Brow and Lash Tinting

• Eye brow shaping
• Client preparation
• Tinting procedures

Make-Up

• Fundamentals of casual, evening and bridal make-up
• Camouflage techniques
• Art of shading and highlighting

Chemistry

• Concepts in basic chemistry to assist understanding of basic beauty products
• Basic organic chemistry to enhance the understanding of organic, natural ingredients, such as herbs and essential oils

Hygiene and Sterilization

• Identification of bacteria, viruses and the spread of infection
• The how and why of sanitation in the spa and salon
• Product knowledge and methods of sterilization

Cosmetic Ingredients

• Traditional cosmetic ingredients used in skin care, hand and foot care, spa body treatment products
• Active ingredients and preservatives
• Cosmaceuticals, the newest revolution in skin care
• Natural ingredients, indications and contraindications

Part III: Aromatherapy

Students study the art and science of aromatherapy. Courses are taught by qualified teachers of the Canadian Federation of Aromatherapy. Should students wish to follow this modality further, all courses studies in the aesthetics program will be recognized with the continued study for final licensing and National Certification.

Basic Body Treatment

• Step-by-step procedures
• Benefits of lymphatic drainage
• Working with essential oil blends
• Client and room preparation

Science of Essential Oils

• Intensive training in 30 essential oils and blending techniques
• Learn properties and contraindications of essential oils
• Custom product making for home use and for your clients

Part IV: Spa Therapy Programs

Massage Techniques

1. Swedish Relaxation Therapy
   • Step-by-step procedures to complete treatment
   • Treatment room set-up and client preparation
   • Product knowledge, massage oils and therapeutic use of essential oils
2. Hot Stone Therapy
   • Step-by-step procedures
   • Care of stones and equipment
   • Client consultation and preparation
   • Benefits of treatment and post-treatment care

Reflexology

• By working the reflexes using specific pressure techniques, Reflexology helps promote natural functioning of the body systems and allows it to heal itself. Reflexology relieves stress and tension, improves circulation and helps to balance the physical, mental and emotional aspects of the whole process.

Spa Body Treatments

• Seaweeds, Muds, Exfoliation and Hydrotherapy
• Therapeutic values of natural muds and seaweeds
• Exfoliation techniques for the body
• Body wraps and therapeutic corrective treatments
• Understanding hydrotherapy and other water-based treatments

• Bi-annually (2 equal payments)
  • Payment 1: due 2 weeks prior to start of classes:  $3400
  • Payment 2: postdated for 3 months later:  $3400
• Monthly (10 equal payments)
  • Cheques must be postdated accordingly
  • One time administration fee must be paid along with initial payment
  • First monthly payment  $680 + $125 one-time administration fee
  • Subsequent monthly payments:  $680

Please note:

• Administration fees are waived for one-time and bi-annual payment plans.
• Administration fees are payable prior to course commencement.
• All payment plan installments must be in the form of post-dated cheques.

Equipment and Kit Fee:

• Each student requires basic equipment and textbooks.
• The kit includes:
  • Manicure and pedicure kit
  • Esthetics textbook
  • Aromatherapy textbook
  • Nutrition textbook
  • Anatomy textbook
• This will be billed as a separate fee prior to commencing the course.

Career Opportunities

• Chiropractic Offices
• Holistic Health Centres
• Palliative Care and Hospices
• Independent Practice
• Health Retreats
• Day Spas, Clinics and Destination Spas
• Occupational Health and Employee Wellness
• Geriatrics and Extended Health Care Facilities

Please contact the Balnea Institute for more information.