Cosmetology (from Greek κοσμητικός , kosmētikos , "skilled in adornment"; and -λογία , -logia ) is the study and application of beauty treatment. Branches of specialty including hairstyling, skin care, cosmetics, manicures/pedicures, and electrology.
Types of cosmetology
Hair stylist/Barber
A hair stylist specializes in the styling of hair, including cutting and chemical services (such as relaxers, texturizers, perms, and color, as well as restorative treatments).
Shampoo technician
A shampoo technician shampoos and conditions a client's hair in preparation for the hair stylist. A shampoo tech may assist with rinsing permanent waves, and shampooing color and chemical relaxers out of the hair after processing. Shampoo techs are normally only employed by corporate or concept salons and large-volume beauty salons that are operated simultaneously. In some states, a shampoo tech must have a cosmetology permit. This is usually a temporary position, held by a person who is newly licensed with little or no experience.
Manicurist
A manicure is a cosmetic treatment for the fingernails or hands. The word "manicure" derives from Latin: Manus for hand, cura for "care." When performed on the feet, such a treatment is a pedicure.
Many manicures start by soaking the hands or feet in a softening substance, followed by the application of lotion. A common type of manicure involves shaping the nails and applying nail polish. A manicure may also include the application of artificial nail tips, acrylics, or artificial nail gels. Some manicures can include the painting of pictures or designs on the nails, or applying small decals or imitation jewels.
In many areas, manicurists are licensed and follow regulations. Since skin is manipulated and sometimes even trimmed during a manicure, there is a certain risk of spreading infection when the tools are used on many different people. Therefore, sanitation is a serious concern.
Esthetician
An esthetician specializes in the study of skin care, including facials, microdermabrasion, body wraps (relaxing treatments which involve hot linens, plastic sheets, and blankets), salt glows (an exfoliation treatment), waxing as a form of hair removal, cosmetic make-up services and other services with advanced training. Estheticians may work independently in a spa or salon or may assist a doctor in his or her practice. Working with a doctor an esthetician may perform more advanced services that require a doctor's supervision, such as deep chemical peels. In addition to performing beauty services, an esthetician must be skilled in recommending skin and body care products and retailing them to their clients. Many state board cosmetology schools do not offer training in retailing, but post graduate colleges will offer training in retailing skills.
An esthetician can be licensed solely for that skill. An esthetician is not necessarily licensed in cosmetology, but is typically well versed in knowledge of skin care.
Estheticians, also called skin care therapists, work at salons, day spas, and medi-spas. Estheticians are trained in the Beauty Schools cosmetic treatment of the skin. They perform various cosmetic procedures including facials, body treatments, and waxing. Most estheticians offer a variety of specialty spa treatments. All estheticians must be licensed in the state in which they work. They must complete 500 to 750 hours of training (depending on the state) and pass both a written and a practical, or hands-on, exam. A good esthetician also completes many hours of post-graduate education in Beauty Schools, and strives to stay abreast of the latest developments in skin care inside and outside of Beauty Schools. Estheticians are not medical doctors and therefore can't diagnose skin conditions, prescribe medications, or suggest treatment for any skin condition outside of cosmetic products. They can, however, perform treatment complementary to a doctor's treatment. Some estheticians may work closely with dermatologists, either in-office or through a referral system.
Beauty therapist
Specializes in treatments including hair removal, massage, body wraps, skin care, eye lash and eyebrow tinting, and make-up along with machine treatments such as non surgical facelifts and faradic muscle tone. The specialist may under go special training for treatments such as laser hair removal and electrolysis.
Nail technician
A nail technician specializes in the art form and care of nails. This includes manicures, pedicures, acrylic nails, gel nails, nail wraps, fake nails, etc. They are also knowledgeable in nail irregularities and diseases and may be able to identify such problems. They do not treat diseases and would typically refer a client to a physician.
Electrologist
An electrologist offers services with the use of an electrolysis machine. As opposed to the hair removal via waxing offered by an esthetician, hair removal via electrolysis is permanent.
State Board of Cosmetology Links
Idaho Board of Cosmetology
Washington State Board of Cosmetology
Oregon State Board of Cosmetology
State Board of Barbers and Hairdressers Links
National Cosmetology Association Link
National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology Link
Becoming a cosmetologist
General cosmetology courses in the United States not only focus primarily on hairstyling, but also train their students as general beauticians versed in manicures, facials, etc. In a state-licensed beauty school, a certificate course in general cosmetology typically takes approximately one year to complete. Specialized, non-hairstyling courses such as manicure, facials, or makeup art are usually of shorter duration, lasting anywhere from two weeks to six months, although the most prestigious and exclusive beauty schools may offer much longer courses.
In the United States, all states require barbers, cosmetologists, and most other personal appearance workers (with the exception of shampooers) to be licensed; however, qualifications for a license vary by state. Generally, a person must have graduated from a state-licensed barber or cosmetology school and be at least 17 years old. A few states require applicants to pass a physical examination. Some states require graduation from high school, while others require as little as an eighth-grade education. In a few states, the completion of an apprenticeship can substitute for graduation from a school, but very few barbers or cosmetologists learn their skills this way. Applicants for a license usually are required to pass a written test and demonstrate an ability to perform basic barbering or cosmetology services.
In most states, there is a legal distinction between barbers and cosmetologists, with different licensing requirements. These distinctions and requirements vary from state to state. In most states, cosmetology sanitation practices and ethical practices are governed by the state's health department and a Board of Cosmetology. These entities ensure public safety by regulating sanitation products and practices and licensing requirements. Consumer complaints are usually directed to these offices and investigated from there.
Persons interested in practicing cosmetology can graduate from a general cosmetology course and then obtain a license in any of the cosmetology sub-disciplines, or they can choose to study only to become a manicurist or cosmetician. Students may choose a private beauty school or one of the many vocational schools which offer cosmetology courses to high school students. In addition, there are national organizations that provide educational and professional information.
Income
Cosmetologist and salon professionals can earn on average $50,000 per year including tips, according to the NACCAS and the United States Department of Labor. While much of this depends on whether the cosmetologist is paid hourly, salary, contract or commission, and whether they rent a booth and have increased overhead expenditures. The cosmetologist's wages may also depend on the ability of the cosmetology professional to market themselves, upsell products and services, and expand clientele and improve client loyalty. Other factors include the size and location of the salon or beauty business, how many hours worked, local tipping habits, and competition from other beauty businesses. The 2003 NACCAS Job Demand Survey suggests that there is a shortage of salon professionals in the working world, so cosmetologists and salon professionals have increased earning power. The salon industry has little to no unemployment.
Cosmetologists are paid in a variety of ways:
Partial-Commission: In addition to an hourly wage, a percentage of the money made from the provision of services is given back to th
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