New Jersey Cosmetology and Hairstyling Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Effleurage is a massage technique that involves long, sweeping strokes and is commonly used during facials. This technique is beneficial for both the client’s relaxation and the effective application of products on the skin. It helps to warm up the skin and prepare it for deeper massage techniques that may follow as part of a facial treatment.

The gentle and rhythmic nature of effleurage promotes circulation and soothes the client, making it an important step in enhancing the overall experience of the facial. This technique is typically used to introduce the treatment, setting a calming tone and allowing the esthetician to assess the client's skin condition without applying undue pressure.

Other techniques like petrissage involve kneading, tapotement consists of rhythmic tapping, and friction entails applying pressure with a back-and-forth motion. These methods, while useful in different contexts, do not have the same gentle and soothing effect as effleurage during a facial. Each technique has its specific applications but in the context of facials, effleurage is favored for its effectiveness in relaxation and product absorption.