What is the Difference Between a Cosmetologist and an Esthetician?
What is the Difference Between a Cosmetologist and an Esthetician?
Although a cosmetologist (with the right training) is sometimes also an esthetician, an esthetician is not usually a cosmetologist. That's because cosmetology incorporates general care for hair, skin, and nails whereas esthetics, as a career, is solely about specialized skin care.
Licensed estheticians, in general, have received more advanced training than cosmetologists in various facial beauty treatments, makeup application, full-body skin treatments, and hair removal techniques. They often earn certifications in special procedures such as micropigmentation (i.e., subtle facial tattooing like permanent eyeliner), chemical resurfacing, microdermabrasion (mechanical removal of skin imperfections), and electrolysis. Estheticians are also sometimes more involved in providing certain massage services such as reflexology.
In many states, you must obtain separate licenses (and training) for cosmetology and esthetics.
Where Can a Cosmetologist Work?
Most cosmetologists work in stand-alone hair and beauty salons. However, careers in cosmetology can also involve employment at spas, hotels, resorts, and residential care homes.
Of course, many experienced cosmetologists are self-employed and choose to work from home. Some even offer mobile beauty services, traveling to their clients' locations to perform hair, skin, or nail treatments.
What are the Benefits of Being a Cosmetologist?
To give you an idea of what this challenging and rewarding profession can offer you, here are some reasons why cosmetology is such a popular career choice:
Satisfaction—The confidence that you can give your clients by helping them look their best can also result in a great feeling of personal fulfillment and accomplishment for yourself. Versatility—Due to the wide range of beauty services offered in today's spas and salons, skilled cosmetologists with up-to-date training can have many options within
Although a cosmetologist (with the right training) is sometimes also an esthetician, an esthetician is not usually a cosmetologist. That's because cosmetology incorporates general care for hair, skin, and nails whereas esthetics, as a career, is solely about specialized skin care.
Licensed estheticians, in general, have received more advanced training than cosmetologists in various facial beauty treatments, makeup application, full-body skin treatments, and hair removal techniques. They often earn certifications in special procedures such as micropigmentation (i.e., subtle facial tattooing like permanent eyeliner), chemical resurfacing, microdermabrasion (mechanical removal of skin imperfections), and electrolysis. Estheticians are also sometimes more involved in providing certain massage services such as reflexology.
In many states, you must obtain separate licenses (and training) for cosmetology and esthetics.
Where Can a Cosmetologist Work?
Most cosmetologists work in stand-alone hair and beauty salons. However, careers in cosmetology can also involve employment at spas, hotels, resorts, and residential care homes.
Of course, many experienced cosmetologists are self-employed and choose to work from home. Some even offer mobile beauty services, traveling to their clients' locations to perform hair, skin, or nail treatments.
What are the Benefits of Being a Cosmetologist?
To give you an idea of what this challenging and rewarding profession can offer you, here are some reasons why cosmetology is such a popular career choice:
Satisfaction—The confidence that you can give your clients by helping them look their best can also result in a great feeling of personal fulfillment and accomplishment for yourself. Versatility—Due to the wide range of beauty services offered in today's spas and salons, skilled cosmetologists with up-to-date training can have many options within