What’s the Difference Between a Cosmetologist and an Esthetician?
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Many people who are interested in moving into the field of beauty are initially confused by the two titles, “cosmetologist” and “esthetician.” Especially if you’ve seen multiple people for different beauty treatments and you’ve had some of them called an esthetician and some of them called a cosmetologist, you might not know what the difference is. Here’s what you need to know about these two titles.
The Main Differences Between the Two Fields
Cosmetology and esthetics, in most areas, are distinctly different, with a bit of overlap between the two from time to time.
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Cosmetology
Cosmetology is a generalized term for fields of study and careers that focus on hair, skin and nails. Cosmetologists can choose to provide general services in all three of these areas, or they may choose to only provide specialized services in one of the three. A few of the services that cosmetologists may provide include:
- Hair shampooing
- Haircutting and styling
- Hair texturing and relaxing
- Nail application
- Basic Waxing & Facials
- Lash Extensions
- Salon management
Not all cosmetologists provide all of these services, but typically, going through a cosmetology program will at least give them the basics necessary to practice any of them.
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Esthetics
Esthetics, on the other hand, focuses exclusively on skin care. Esthetics is typically considered to be a more specialized field. If you have training exclusively in esthetics, you won’t be qualified to cut hair, perform pedicures, or apply chemical hair treatments to someone’s hair. However, some of the services that you might end up specializing in include:
- Waxing
- Makeup application
- Lash Extensions
- Microdermabrasion
- Permanent makeup
- Electrolysis
- Massage and reflexology
Some of these specializations might need additional training, while some of them may be things you learn as part of your esthetics training. Cosmetologists can also become estheticians after their initial training as long as they go through additional education.
State Differences
Some states define their “esthetician” and “cosmetology” fields slightly differently. While this is the general standard for the beauty field, it’s important to remember that not every state will put the same name to each thing. Look up esthetics and cosmetology in your state to learn more about the differences between the two fields.
Which Is a Better Job Field?
It all depends on which one you’re most interested in. Both esthetics and cosmetology have great benefits to many people, and your choice in training will typically have to do with the things you love to do.
If you’re looking to provide as many services as possible, it might be beneficial to go through both training courses. This substantially expands the variety of services you’re legally allowed to provide, which can make it easier for you to get a great customer base when you’re just starting. Talk to an expert to learn more about which job field might be best for you.
Find Out the Right Field for You at Evergreen Beauty College
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If you’re thinking about going into either cosmetology or esthetics in Washington, Evergreen Beauty College is a great place to start. You can find courses for both esthetics and cosmetology, as well as hair design, barbering, nail technology and makeup artistry. If you find that the field of cosmetology or esthetics calls to you, schedule a tour today to learn more about the differences between the field and which one might be best for you.
[…] is a common belief that someone who trained at a cosmetology school is also trained in facial procedures. While this is partly true, before receiving a facial […]
[…] should be performed by a licensed professional, such as a dermatologist, esthetician or cosmetologist, depending on the type of procedure. Specialized equipment that may require certification is used […]
I like how you mentioned that cosmetology develops on hair, skin, and nails. My sister told me that she wanted to develop in a career and she was looking for career options. I’m going to suggest her taking cosmetology classes to help her develop different types of ways to make money.
Master Cosmetology license gives you permission to operate in a beauty facility servicing clients hair, skin, and nails in the guideline of the State Board of Cosmetology in the state where you reside.
The Master Cosmetology License will not make you an expert in any area. You will need to further your education and develop your skills by attending continious education in the area of interest.
It takes years of practice and investment of time and money to become a specialist or professional in an area of study but the field is not limited. There are many areas of cosmetology a Master Cosmetologist may venture into.. Hair Color Specialist, Hair Extension Specialist, Skincare Specialist, Nail Specialist, Hair cutter, bridal hair, makeup artist, beauty product and equipment, back stage artist, platform artist, distributor, beauty blogger and more.
The more education and experience the more money a cosmetologist can earn.
Where is this school?
Cosmetology is the broad term. Estheticians, Hairstylists, Nail Technicians, and in some states, Barbers are all recognized as Cosmetologists in many states.
Is it different in yours?
It really depends on the state. I am a Cosmetologist in NH. I am allowed to do hair, skin, and nails. I do hair, and I give facials all the time, I can do manicures and pedicures as well. An esthetician in NH is allowed to do skin and nails, but not hair. A nail tech in NH is allowed to do only nails. If you want a lot of options, Cosmetologist is the way to go, because you can do it all.
A Master Cosmetologist and a Cosmetologist are two different titles. A Master Cosmetologist cares for hair, skin, and nails. A Cosmetologist only works on hair and nails. They both can specialize in one of the trained skills within their job description or offer all that is allowed within their job description.
Master Cosmetologist can do the work of an Esthetician in some salons but the Cosmetologist cannot work on skin.
[…] is a common belief that someone who trained at a cosmetology school is also trained in facial procedures. While this is partly true, before receiving a facial […]