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Schedule a tour nowCosmetologist and Esthetician: Fine Distinctions Of A Fine Career
Posted on: October 2, 2013
What is the difference between cosmetologists and estheticians?
Those interested in pursuing a beauty career often ask this question. Despite many commonalities and overlapping aspects, there are several distinctions between the two professions. It is important to understand them in order to make the best decision about which career is best for you.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”) includes both cosmetologists and estheticians in its “Personal Appearance Workers” occupational classification. This merely indicates that both professionals provide expert advice and services to improve clients’ personal appearance.
Specificity is the practical distinction, however. Cosmetologists are generalists who offer a broad range of beauty enhancement services, while estheticians are skin care specialists. In fact, to a certain degree, all cosmetologists are de facto estheticians. By contrast, however, not all estheticians are cosmetologists.
Services rendered
Cosmetologists offer a full spectrum of services that include nails and hair in addition to skin care. Major examples are cutting, dyeing, waving, perming, straightening, and styling hair; manicures and pedicures; and, artificial nail application. Some cosmetologists also attach and maintain wigs and other hair prostheses.
Conversely, estheticians concentrate solely on skin treatment and enhancement. Common esthetician services include plucking, waxing, shaving, and laser hair removal; body wraps; chemical skin peels; dermabrasion; microbrasion; electrolysis; reflexology; and, massage.
Education and licensure
Both estheticians and cosmetologists must hold a GED or high school diploma, successfully complete 1000 to 1500 hours of training, and pass a comprehensive licensing exam. Most states require separate licenses for cosmetologists and estheticians.
In most states, estheticians may satisfy educational prerequisites at conventional cosmetology schools. Nonetheless, cosmetology and esthetician schools are quite different. Esthetician schools provide advanced training that concentrates on skin care. Some esthetician programs also instruct students on formulating customized skin care products to meet specific needs of different clients. Thus, attending esthetician school is preferable if you want to pursue an esthetician career.
Dualist delights
Cosmetologists with esthetician credentials enjoy the best of both worlds by having the best occupational options and bigger clientele than professionals with a sole focus have in either area.
